Why is The History Channel’s “The Bible” Series So Popular?
I’ve been asked by a number of reporters my opinion on why Mark Burnett’s TV series on The Bible has been so wildly popular. It’s not hard to figure out, but I’m really quite amazed at the number of mainstream reporters who are baffled by it’s success. In most cases, I refer them to three reasons articulated very well by marketing expert Jonathan Bock at Grace Hill Media:
1) It’s popular because it’s agenda-free. It’s not the usual provocative or speculative approach of “Jesus: Did He Secretly Marry Mary Magdalene?” Or “Jesus: Was He Gay?” It’s just the story of the Bible with no slant and no agenda.
2) It’s popular because it’s unifying. There were more than 40 scholars, theologians, and pastors from the entire spectrum of Christianity involved in advising the production. It was designed to appeal to the wide range of Christians, not divide the audience.
3) It’s popular because not only does each episode have a compelling story arc, but the entire series tells the meta-narrative of God and how he deals with humanity.
But with few exceptions, I’ve dealt with reporters or seen other stories by reporters who are mystified at its success. But then again in a nation that has pretty much no knowledge of the Bible’s impact on Western culture, this is to be expected. I remember years ago after President George Bush made a reference to the “Walls of Jericho,” a network TV reporter responded that he had no idea what the Walls of Jericho were, but he’d check it out and get back to us.
I’ve said before that with an estimated 90 million evangelical Christians in the United States, the Christian community is the largest special interest group in America. Entertainment and media companies are only shooting themselves in the foot by not taking that audience seriously.
these are wise words. Great job, Phil!
They are popular because these are THE foundational stories of humanity that reveal the truth of the human condition, natural law, and how we find happiness and purpose. That is the purpose of all stories and why they are so popular in their many forms. Stories uncover the goodness, truth and beauty of who we are. And THE BIBLE stories are the templates for all the stories that have followed.
Amen!
Does anyone know if there are any plans to bring this to UK TV? We are itching for it over here !
Knowing Mark Burnett, it will be coming your way..
Phil…I found it interesting to see which pieces they chose to include/emphasize. It’s a good exercise in testing my own big-picture narative. Example: Samson included, Jacob and his sons not mentioned. Difficult task to tell such a big story in a limited time frame.
Good exercise Rich. Telling the story of the Bible into the frame of episodic television is tough for sure…
I am reading your books backwards, “Branding”, then”Jolt”, now “Unique”, next “One Big Thing” but it doesn’t seem to matter, they are all so relevant to impacting this generation with the greatest message available to humanity. Please keep writing, as you know, most people don’t get new concepts the first time through neither do they change quickly. Your insights are exceptional. Thank you!
David Elms – Charlotte
Thanks David. You’re exactly right. For the vast majority of people, change comes very slowly – if at all.
During my years in the news business, I discovered the same phenomena again and again. They really are blind to what makes us tick; genuinely puzzled at the power of God’s word and faith.
I went to “God’s Not Dead”
It is a much better movie.