God Friended Me (2018) [Serial Review]


Created by: Steven Lilien
Starring: Brendan Hall, Violett Beane, Javicia Leslie, Suraj Sharma and Joe Morton.
Dur: 13 episodes 45 mins each
Genre: Comedy-Drama
Rating: 9/10


One of the best coming-of-age stories told in serial form. I absolutely loved every bit of it. First of all, it’s told from the perspective of a young adult who is struggling with ideas of God, faith and religion. He starts out as an avowed atheist but begins to experience a change when an extraordinary event rocks his world—God friends him on Facebook. When I say ‘friends’ I literally mean it.  Like God makes an account and uses it to get in touch with Miles, the lead protagonist, and influence his life.

The serial makes a number of bold choices. It makes use of a number of sensitive issues to get across a point. Atheism, homosexuality and priesthood are all significant players in the development of the story. Also, the very choice of lead characters. As you can see in the poster, you have an African-American, a Caucasian and an Indian! Yes, that’s right there is actually an Indian in a significant role! No doubt, he is cast in a rather stereotypical mould but who cares, right? At least, a vast minority of America is represented. Not just that, many other minority communities like Asians and Muslims also feature in pivotal roles. Thus, the show does go to great lengths to portray a world that is good and loved by God and which in turn is worthy of our love. The fundamental messages are all lucidly portrayed and carefully worded. The message is decidedly Christian but very cleverly garbed in secular language (given that the protagonist is an ‘atheist’).

I would highly recommend that everyone watch this incredible show. News is that it has been renewed for another season. I sincerely wish it scores enough to run longer than that. It is absolutely brilliant and made in a very appealing fashion. By the way, don’t wait for God to ‘suggest’ good things that you can do. Go ahead and do it; soon you’ll realize that it’s not religion that elicits spirituality but mere humanity.  

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItBwgskZg70

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