The Life Section is home to a wide range of reviews on media releases, but it is rare that a release fosters interest in multiple writers who all are motivated to review it. That was until we heard about “The Baxters,” a faith-based family drama sitcom on Amazon Prime Video. The series released its first season on March 28, and several Life writers couldn’t help but wonder; what is a religious family sitcom like? Let’s see how the show stacks up.
Patrick’s review:
As someone who doesn’t watch these types of sitcoms very often, I found myself pleasantly surprised by “The Baxters.” The show is centered around a family in what seems like typical situations, but with a surprising mix of adventures and challenges. Additionally, it’s a series based on a popular book franchise, so I’d be interested to learn what got left on the cutting-room floor.
“The Baxters” seem like a relatable bunch, but maybe not for the student demographic. The show deals with some real-world issues, but it does so in a way that feels genuine and heartwarming — part of the premise involves a professor’s affair with a student and whether or not his marriage is salvageable.
There are some faith-based undertones in the show, but it isn’t too in-your-face. If you’re looking for a feel-good show in the spirit of Lifetime network, then “The Baxters” is worth checking out. However, if you’re someone who finds family-based sitcoms to be a bit predictable or cheesy, then this show might not be for you.
Rating: 3/5 Baxters
Sarah’s review:
“The Baxters” is a new family drama on Prime Video based on books by author Karen Kingsbury. It heavily revolves around faith and the church with a bible verse shown after the theme song. We’re quickly thrown into the main drama of the show where Kari, one of the Baxters, finds out that her husband, Tim, has been cheating on her. The show definitely has an older demographic in mind since the characters are all adults with children.
When Tim returns to the house the next morning, he fights with Kari, and we find out that they lost a child, which worn on their relationship. Tim asks for a divorce and Kari refuses. Devastated, Kari goes to her parents to stay for a few days. When she tells her mom, dad, and sister Ashley that Tim is in love with another woman, they’re immediately thinking about a divorce. Although this show revolves heavily around religion, it’s refreshing to see Kari’s family question why she wants to stay with Tim. She wants to fight for her marriage, but no one wants her to continue fighting for it, especially since Tim doesn’t even want her. I personally think she’s scared to lose Tim and be alone while also losing some faith in God.
From the first episode alone, it’s definitely got me hooked and I might continue to watch so I can see the drama unfold. With that though, I don’t think this is a show for everyone and that’s okay.
Rating: 3/5 Baxters
Ben’s review:
“The Baxters” is a faith-based drama series based on a novel of the same name (as well as other books in a series) by Karen Kingsbury, and while it is generally well made with solid scene design and acting, I have mixed reactions to the first episodes of the recently released first season.
“I thank god every day for giving me more time with you,” John Baxter said to his wife Elizabeth. They sat on the couch together in a dark ambiance and began to pray for their family. Such a powerful moment occurred while I sat in the brightly lit library, feeling just a little confused as to why I didn’t feel connected to these characters.
There isn’t much out of the ordinary in the first episodes, except for a professor having an affair with a student and cheating on his wife. Life is full of twists for each Baxter, including John and Elizabeth’s daughter, Kari. One of the first dramatic moments shows Kari and her husband Tim in an argument, Kari goes on to punch Tim’s car. It is a dramatic scene, and it captures the core premise of the story for the first few episodes: Tim’s infidelity. All of this takes place in the brutal, yet quaint, suburbs of Bloomington, Ind. If you have time to spend engaging with a story that can have thrilling moments amongst heartfelt tragedy, then this show isn’t a bad one to add to your watchlist — though if you haven’t already, why not read the book as well?
However, I will add that if you are someone who prefers short-form content or is used to watching the standard 10-minute YouTube video, this long-form sitcom feels rather slow. That said, it is far from bad. It is good for what it is, and user ratings suggest that it is fairly aligned with the expectations of those who have read the books — for context, I have not. Because of that, I must recommend it; just hold off if you’re used to fast-paced thrillers.
Rating: 3/5 Baxters
Conclusions:
The scores have been cast, and “The Baxters” received a shockingly unanimous rating of 3/5. With early episodes providing a compelling introduction to the story, there is potential for the show to develop into something special. It may not be award-winning just yet, but with seasons two and three potentially arriving in the future, things look promising.
As a Christian and a writer, I was glad to see (especially so many years after the demise of Seventh Heaven and Touched by an Angel) a Christian show. Unfortunately, I’m finding the Baxters to be rather over-the-top. The dialogue doesn’t remotely sound like real people. Most of it is pipey and even laughable. I’ve been Christian and around Christians all my life and have never heard any of them throwing out scriptures and praying as much as these people. And as many times as I’ve been to a cemetery, I’ve never seen anyone talking to a headstone. (Some of the commenters have referred to the show as a sitcom. Unfortunately, it is a drama. If it were indeed a sitcom, many things could be forgiven.)
There seem to be enough episodes per season for the show not to be moving as swiftly as it is. There is no character development whatsoever. Before we can even get to know Tim, he’s dead. How long was he married to Kari before he started fooling around with his student? Why does his shooter care so much for Angela in the first place when she doesn’t seem to give a hoot about him? Why are the super religious Baxters so eager for their daughter to get a divorce rather than to forgive her husband’s first mistake? Is it because he’s black? (Which would be a better reason than not having one at all.)
Usually, when someone is on the phone and the doorbell rings and they’re not expecting a visitor, they usually ask the caller to stay on the line while they see who’s at the door. Especially if they’re pregnant and the person on the phone is their husband.
Kari is newly pregnant in one episode and has the baby in the next. It’s Thanksgiving in one episode and Christmas the next. Even one man production house Tyler Perry doesn’t move things along that fast!
Bloomington, IN also doesn’t seem to be the kind of place where a majority white congregation
would have a black senior pastor and a Latina assistant pastor. (From the demographics, it doesn’t seem like there are many minorities even in Bloomington.) The few times I attended a mostly white church, it was not a comfortable experience. Only one or two people even spoke to me, but many glared. However, when white people have come to my predominantly black church, they have been embraced (often physically) by nearly everyone in the building. I’m praying that the writers aren’t going to use the minority actors as the mouthpieces to speak out against homosexuality and transgenderism. Most of that is coming from evangelical white churches.
I hadn’t heard of Miss Kingsbury or her books. But after watching season 1 (I couldn’t help myself), I will indeed find at least one book to see if the series is being true to the books or if more time in development was needed.
Thank you. This review is the most thoughtful and cogent. This show is completely over the top for me and disconnected from the real world. I agree that White churches are unfriendly. Overall, they really are not friendly to anyone. I have been to a ton of white churches and the majority are just plain cold. The majority white church with the black pastor in the series—yep—not likely. And of course they portrayed the one major black man character as “bad.” While I am a Jesus follower, nothing much of the “Christian” American culture works for me and neither does this series.
I have really enjoyed the series. For me there it definitely reflects struggles that are relevant to a large Christian family’s life. I live in Indiana and my oldest daughter attends a mostly white church with a black pastor associate pastor. My other daughter attends a large church with a Latino worship leader. So, for me, this wasn’t totally unrealistic. For a city the size of Bloomington, I expected a more contemporary church, though. I live in a rural community and have a large family who have experienced nearly all of the tragedies that are our divulged in this series. (I binge-watched many episodes.) As a Christian, I was surprised how cathartic this series was for me personally. I agree it is a drama and some of the characters should be more fully developed, but their prayers and scripture resonated with me.
As a black Christian woman I wish the black man was not the one cheating. Then the two black men i the show was killed. That part was telling to me even though I don’t think it was done intentionally. However i would like to see more representation that are integral and a part of the fabric of the storyline. I love that you are addressing real issues which believers are not exempt from. Jesus promised we will have tribulation. I think overtime if more episodes are in the future you can develop the characters more. I hope there is more episodes to come. I will watch and recommend others to watch. Thank you. Ps. I would love you to continue Ashley story because i also over 33 yrs ago was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and I have married raised my young sons to men ordained elder author of my story. Living to see a grand child born.
I like the Bacters’s but I find the show as someone else put it over the top. I also find it judgemental which is not a Christian principle. For example I dont understand how Elizabeth could give Lori so much understanding but not Tim. The show is good but because of the double standards that I see I dont look at it as strictly faith based. You cant use faith based principles for some situations and not others. Also, I think they take some of the story lines too far. As a parent and Christian I believe in helping others but I would not put someone else before my child. Lori hurt Luke and cheated on him. Elizabeth should not have gotten that close to her. You can help people but you dont get so involved until your own child feels betrayed. Another example are the sisters knowing Luke has a child and not telling him. Luke is their brother and going through a lot and if he knew about the child it might help him but instead his sisters keep it from him in order to protect Cassidy. I think I would have given Cassidy a few days and if she didnt tell him I would have told him.
I still recommend watching it but I wouldnt recommend it to someone who is new to Christianity because I think some of the principles have been twisted and that can be dangerous.
I’ve read the books. And , I loved the series – REALLY HOPING Prime picks up MORE episodes!!! And while , honestly yes, most christian families aren’t, as some have said , this over the top when it comes to their praying, quoting Bible verses in every circumstance ect – I watched it and my very heartfelt take was “IF only we WERE!!!” …
So I see they changed the way Reagan’s father got killed in the book it was 9/11 in New York if they take the series further down the road Landon goes to New York to help the cleanup of 9/11 so I guess they would change that too I have never read a book and then able to watch the movie it’s been so exciting I have often thought of the Baxters throughout my years since I read all the books Karen Kingsbury really did an exceptional job on writing the Baxter’s story and they started the shows After Ashley went to Paris when I first started it I was a little confused but then I realize that she had already been to Paris and I literally love the guy that’s playing John Baxter I have watched him through the years especially in Married With Children