NBC cancels series about dysfunctional Christian family
Susan Jones, CNSNews.com
January 26, 2006

A conservative advocacy group is taking some of the credit for NBC's decision to cancel its new television series, "The Book of Daniel."

The American Family Association (AFA) called for a boycott of the "anti-Christian program," even before the first episode aired.

In a message to its supporters on Tuesday, the AFA welcomed news that the program has been canceled. "Your efforts, combined with those of hundreds of thousands of other AFA Online supporters, had an impact."

NBC said it dropped the Friday night show three weeks after the first episode aired because of low ratings.

NBC says the show involves sex, drugs, stolen money, and martinis. "Family can really test your faith," the website said.

The main character, Daniel Webster, is a drug-addicted Episcopal priest who regularly speaks with an unconventional, white-robed Jesus. Webster's family includes a homosexual Republican son; a drug-dealing daughter; and an adopted son who is sleeping with the bishop's daughter.

According to AFA, "NBC didn't want to eat their economic losses" after a number of sponsors dropped the program.

"Even an impassioned plea by "Daniel's" producer Jack Kenny could not match your participation," AFA told its supporters. Kenny reportedly described the AFA as a bully and said its boycott was "un-Christian and un-American" censorship.

The AFA said Kenny's attitude is typical -- "Non-Christians telling Christians what is Christian."

The AFA is thanking the 678,394 individuals who sent emails to NBC and the thousands who called and emailed their local affiliates.

The AFA's message ends with a fund-raising appeal.

The Campaign for Children and Families, a leading West Coast pro-family organization, also applauded NBC's decision to cancel the series.

"Americans want decent programming that tells a good story, not offensive shows that insult their moral and religious values," said Randy Thomasson, CCF president.

"Pro-family citizens have just learned they have the power to clean up Hollywood by speaking with their voices, their shopping dollars, and their TV remotes."