New NBC Show for January, 2006 titled The Book of Daniel-Truth! But Cancelled!

*New NBC Show for January, 2006 titled The Book of Daniel-Truth! But Cancelled!*

Summary of the eRumor: The eRumor is in the form of a warning that the new TV show for January, 2006, titled The Book of Daniel is not going to be acceptable to Christians so you are encouraged to write to NBC to protest it. The email says the show features a "drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis." It also says that the rest of the family is dysfunctional, that the priest has talks with Jesus, and that the writer of the show is homosexual.

The Truth: Update 1/24/06-The program The Book of Daniel was cancelled by NBC after four episodes. The American Family Association rejoiced over the cancellation saying that the protest both to NBC and to potential advertisers had paid off. NBC said the program was cancelled because of poor ratings. An article in Adweek on January 10 said that the two-hour premier of the program aired with less than half the normal advertisements. The rest of what would have normally been ads was filled with promotional spots from or for the network. The article quotes an NBC representative as saying that the network expected fewer ads because of the controversy over the program. He said that advertisers tend to take a wait-and-see attitude under such circumstances then hop on board if the ratings are good. The show was real and the descriptions of the new program and it's characters were consistent with what NBC had released about the show. The script for the pilot was written by Jack Kenny who told AP television writer Frazier Moore that he is "a gay man raised in the Catholic church." The eRumor was a forward of an alert from Don Wildman and the American Family Association who objected to what they had learned of the show. In an article by Frazier Moore, published by AP on 12/27/05, the star of The Book of Daniel, Aiden Quinn, said he didn't think the show would be that controversial and was merely trying to deal with real issues that are facing people and their families. Last updated 12/29/05

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:
Please forward this e-mail message to your family and friends! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NBC considers new show featuring a completely dysfunctional family a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians Dear David, On January 6, NBC will begin a new series entitled The Book of Daniel. While the public has not seen the program, NBC is promoting "The Book of Daniel" as a serious drama about Christian people and the Christian faith. The main character is Daniel Webster, a drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis. Webster regularly sees and talks with a very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus. The Webster family is rounded out by a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister-in-law. NBC and the mainstream media call it "edgy," "challenging" and "courageous." The series is written by Jack Kenny, a practicing homosexual who describes himself as being "in Catholic recovery," and is interested in Buddhist teachings about reincarnation and isn't sure exactly how he defines God and/or Jesus. "I don't necessarily know that all the myth surrounding him (Jesus) is true," he said. NBC considers The Book of Daniel a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians. Please take action now! Here is what you can do: 1. Call your local NBC affiliate and ask them not to air the program. You can find their contact information in your local phone book or by Clicking Here. 2. Print out a copy of AFA's pass along sheet, fill in the affiliate call letters and phone number, make copies and pass out at your church. Ask your pastor to announcement it and put information in the bulletin and newsletter. [doc version] [pdf version] 3. If you haven't already done so, send an email to NBC by Clicking Here. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT! Please help get the word out by forwarding this to your family and friends. They probably aren't aware of it! Finally, if you believe we are making a difference, would you consider a small financial gift to AFA? There is so much more we could do if funds were available. Click here to help. Sincerely, Don Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association P.S. Please forward this e-mail message to your family and friends!