Faith-based television rarely invites laughter, but The Promised Land is challenging that expectation in bold and unexpected ways. Writer Sophie Dianne explores how the series’ mockumentary approach to the Exodus has sparked both praise and controversy, raising questions about creativity, reverence, and faith-inspired storytelling.
Since its release in July, the faith-based television series The Promised Land has sparked a growing debate among Christian viewers. Some have praised its fresh take on biblical storytelling, whilst others have questioned whether its mockumentary style veers too far into artistic licence.
For those who are yet to watch, here’s a summary: The Promised Land, produced by Milk and Honey Studios, re-imagines the story of the Exodus, as a workplace-style sitcom, complete with fourth-wall breaks, interview confessions, and comedic bickering in the desert.
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The shows writer and director, Mitch Hudson (known for The Chosen), has stated that the project isn’t meant to mock God or Scripture but to portray the men and women of the Bible as real, flawed, often funny people
The shows writer and director, Mitch Hudson (known for The Chosen), has stated that the project isn’t meant to mock God or Scripture but to portray the men and women of the Bible as real, flawed, often funny people: “This is not a show about the Bible, it’s a show about some people who were in the Bible,” he told Religion News Service.
The show’s producer, Richie Johns, echoes that vision. In a recent statement to Movie Guide, he explained that their aim was to show that faith-inspired storytelling, can thrive outside the traditional dramatic or reverent formats: “We are not making fun of the Bible. The humour comes from the human experience. The Promised Land is not laughing at faith. It is laughing with humanity.” Yet for many, the shift in tone has become a cause of contention.
Critics believe that by transforming sacred texts, into sitcom material, risks undermining the gravity of those stories. One long-standing critic of From the Lighthouse, called the series “a mockery of truth” that could be detrimental to new Christians. I however don’t agree.
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From the outset I was hooked, and it became very clear that this show was unlike anything I’d seen before. I had joined 2.9 million others that liked The Promised Land and I wanted to see more.
The Chosen taught Christians the importance of honouring the truth of scripture, while letting human stories shine.
The Chosen taught Christians the importance of honouring the truth of scripture, while letting human stories shine. With The Promised Land however, there is levity, crossing the Red Seas was the easy bit, living together in the desert was where the comedy lies.
I’ve tried to consider how I would survive under the same circumstances, and I imagine I’d have behaved in the same way, complaining about the food, getting bored of work and being caught up in some silliness. While the show also deals with scenes of an adult nature, I would argue that is more realistic than the likes of The Chosen or even House of David. Had it not been for the humour, it would have been less human, we learn because we relate and that’s what makes the scenarios within the show more palatable.
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For me though, the best part was the assignment of Miriam as the women’s leader. During ancient Israelite society, women were defined by patriarchal structures. This meant they could hold leadership roles within their own families, communities and religious contexts. Miriam remarked that “back in Egypt women of the tribes had to suffer silently, we built palaces and monuments, and we kept quiet, but now that were free, we have the opportunity to build something for ourselves.” Having attended churches where the role of women has been questioned, seeing this translated on screen was hugely valuable to me and it emphasised what value women have to offer.
The Promised Land is more than just a sitcom, yes, it’s daring, and sure, the characters are comedic, but their call from God is very real. The Hebrews walked the desert for 40 years, so I’m sure there’s plenty of material for season 2. I certainly hope so anyway and I will be sure to recommend it to others.
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