NBC Closes the Book on Daniel

Fri. January 27, 2006 12:00 AM by Kevin Wayne

NBC announced Friday it’s pulled the plug on the controversial religious drama, The Book of Daniel, which was pulled after four of its scheduled eight episodes had been aired.

Members of the conservative Christian group American Family Association, led by James Dobson, protested The Book of Daniel before the show even premiered on NBC. Although conservative and anti-gay religious groups claim victory the Peacock Network cites low ratings for the show’s demise.

The show drew 9 million viewers on its first night; however, by its fourth airing last Friday, the audience had fallen to 5.8 million viewers.

The Book of Daniel starred Aidan Quinn as Daniel Webber, a pill-popping Episcopalian priest with a troubled family who holds regular conversations with Jesus. The Webber family included a wife with a martini habit, a promiscuous adopted son, a teenage daughter who was caught dealing marijuana. Christian Campbell starred as the families oldest gay son.

The last two episodes are available for viewing on NBC.com. Episode number 5 is now available and Episode 6 will be streamed on the website beginning next Friday.

The Book of Daniel will be replaced by repeat episodes of Law and Order.
 

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