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For much of TV history, explicit depictions of religious faith were verboten: Appealing to mainstream America meant following the old maxim of not talking about religion or politics. But prestige television has opened up many new, complicated subjects, including religion—and, in fact, it turns out viewers love seeing characters grapple with matters of faith, according to a recent survey by market research firm HarrisX and the Faith & Media Initiative. Respondents found the stories “more relatable” and felt that the religious themes “deepened connection” with the show. Here are some of the best recent depictions of faith.
The Muslim Journey of ‘Ramy’
Hulu’s behind-the-scenes featurette on the religious foundation of Ramy.
‘Ramy’
In this three-season semi-autobiographical dramedy, creator-star Ramy Youssef explores his at-times bumbling, but always sincere, attempts to stay true to his Muslim faith. As a first-generation Egyptian-American living with his parents and sister in New Jersey, he struggles to maintain his beliefs in a secular world offering up endless temptations, from non-Muslim women to date to omnipresent porn. His always-surprising—which includes an exploration of Sufism and possible marriage to a sheikh’s daughter—has him questioning, but ultimately never wavering from, his faith.
Where to Watch: Hulu/Disney+
Explore More at Peabody’s Website: Ramy
‘The Pitt’
The Pitt confronts life, death, and faith through battle-worn Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle), who is grieving his mentor’s death during the pandemic, as well as its diverse cast playing ER staffers. The series asks how people can hold on to faith amid so much loss, while giving Robby moments of personal reflection. In one moving scene, Robby thanks medical student Dennis Whitaker (Gerran Howell) for giving him a quiet moment to recite the Shema, a prayer he learned from his grandmother. Whitaker answers with a passage from Isaiah about finding strength in hope, and Robby admits, “I don’t know if I actually believe in God, especially on days like today.” Even as The Pitt wrestles with religious doubt, it holds firmly to faith in humanity.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Explore More at Peabody’s Website: The Pitt
‘Nobody Wants This’
The current Netflix hit—it just dropped its third season and was renewed for a fourth—follows a rabbi, Noah Roklov (Adam Brody), and an agnostic podcaster, Joanne Williams (Kristen Bell) as they navigate dating, moving in together, and, in the most recent season, her conversion to Judaism. While the show has faced criticism that it perpetuates Jewish stereotypes, its religious content is naturally woven into its fabric and has led to some of its most touching and funny moments: Noah’s demonstration of shabbat candle-lighting as a romantic gesture, Joanne’s last Christmas before converting, her mikveh (officiated by Sarah Silverman!). It’s imperfect, but there’s no current mainstream show that’s more religion-forward.
Where to Watch: Netflix
‘The White Lotus’
The anthology sensation drew on the Buddhist traditions of its Thai setting during its third season last year, with characters’ spiritual journeys allowing explorations of suffering, consequence, and returning to one’s practice. Amid all of its watercooler-fueling drama, it also includes some beautifully accurate meditation instruction and teachings at a monastery: “Everyone runs from pain towards the pleasure, but when they get there, only to find more pain. You cannot outrun pain.” Meanwhile, two poignant, complementary character arcs feature avowed Buddhists abandoning their beliefs. (I wrote about this in detail for the Buddhist publication Lion’s Roar.) It all lends some gravitas to the show’s tricky blend of camp, satire, drama, and dark comedy.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
FROM OUR FRIENDS
Three-quarters of the world identifies as religious, spiritual, or a person of faith. Yet, 63% of the world believes that entertainment perpetuates religious stereotypes. The Coalition for Faith & Media is dedicated to creating more accurate, nuanced portrayals of faith. We’re honored to partner with the Peabody Awards to celebrate filmmakers who meaningfully bring spirituality into their work, because these are stories that matter.
R. Scott Gemmill’s Peabody Conversation About ‘The Pitt’
“Faith is very much an individualistic thing, and we have many different characters. some of them have a very pronounced sense of faith, and some do not,” says the creator and showrunner. “Does it help you? Does it hurt you? And that sort of exploration of faith will be part of season 3 for one of our characters.”
Where to Watch: PeabodyAwards.com