.

[afleitch]

The US is the world leader and pioneer in specifically religious broadcasting; an entire alternate media alongside 'secular' media. Anyone who directly wants that sort of religious ethical apologism in media has it. And 'secular' media is aware of it. That probably impacts perception of both 'how to write' and 'who to write for.' A 'come to Jesus' moment has the potential to be cringey to anyone who's had to sit through a Christian Godflix film where you are hit over the head with it.

Secondly as a UK consumer of US media, I don't think TV story telling is religiously apathetic especially when compared to ours.

My understanding of US faith in it's practice and it's interpersonal connection to people's lives in a way that's different from growing up in the UK comes from US media.

The problem is reactionary US Christians are blind to it. The West Wing was open to those themes, but was 'too elitist and liberal.'

The Simpsons is and was the show that has the exploration of religion and belief at it's core. They go to church. Lisa embraced Buddism and Bart earned his soul. But again, thirty years ago they were attacked by some for being 'unChristian

On 'Dead to Me' (great show) there's an affirming queer pastor who leads secular cast in prayer and there's a child of one of the leads finding faith because of it. Very well written and intersectional.

It's there.

[afleitch]

To add, the portrayal of Islam and Muslim Americans on TV post 9/11 in anything but an adversarial and discriminatory light was almost non-existent until recently. It's a better in the UK, but networks seem unwilling to take a risk on normalising everyday experiences.

[afleitch]

Japan bastardising western tropes always raises a wry smile.

[afleitch]

On that note, religious broadcasting in the UK was (and to some extent is) still an obligation, particularly on Sundays or before 'closedown' (yes...that was a thing I remember). For decades this was standard Anglican fare or Presbyterian in Scotland...('Hullo'. No one will get this.) This moved from somewhat 'square' worship to equally square but with cardigans and guitars. Then to broader 'philosophical' enquiry style programmes. It's not the sort of fare anyone would miss if it was gone.

Religion and faith portrayals are best showcased in plots or characters on the evening 'soaps' and done in a such a way it actually does it good service.