Written by: Jay Heilman (3/20/2026)

As someone who has spent over two decades in the Christian entertainment industry, I’ve seen many attempts to bring the Bible to the screen. Some capture the scale, while others capture the Sunday School lessons. But with FOX’s new event series, The Faithful, showrunner and writer Rene Echevarria (Star Trek: The Next Generation) has managed to capture something much rarer: the human soul.

The Emotional Weight of Scripture

When we read the Book of Genesis, the words on the page provide a divine blueprint, but they don’t always convey the raw, immediate emotions of the people living them. I often find myself wondering: What was Sarai feeling in those moments of silence? What was the atmosphere in the tent after the promise seemed to delay?

Echevarria fills those silences with incredible care. He brings the “essence” of the story to life in a way that feels entirely consistent with the Scriptures while giving us a window into the internal lives of these biblical icons.

A Powerhouse Performance

Minnie Driver is simply excellent as Sarai (later Sarah). She portrays a woman caught between her deep love for her husband and the agonizing wait for a promise that feels impossible. Her performance is a masterclass in subtlety, showing us a Sarah who is courageous, flawed, and deeply relatable.

Respect for the Text

What impressed me most about the premiere episode was the careful respect shown to the source material. It is clear the production team didn’t want to just “use” the Bible for a plot; they wanted to honor it. Whether you are a dedicated student of the Word or a fan of high-quality historical drama, the attention to detail and the reverence for the text are undeniable.

The Verdict

I have only seen the opening episode, but if it is any evidence of the two chapters to follow, we are in for a fascinating journey through Easter Sunday. This is more than just a TV show; it’s an invitation to rediscover the matriarchs of our faith.

Make plans to watch The Faithful this Sunday, March 22nd, on FOX.

Go Deeper: To learn more about the filming process and Rene Echevarria’s vision for the series, check out my full video interview on the Kingdom Builder Podcast below:

4.5/5

Released: 3/22/2026 (TV)

Running Time: 83 Minutes (Fox)

Rated NR

Links for The Faithful:

IMDB