SCHOLARS had frowned on the addition of "angels with ninja skills" to the latest adaptation of the Bible, branding it a transparent ploy to lure an audience.
If so, it worked: the Good Book is America's newest television phenomenon. A biblical mini-series that began this week with the story of Adam and Eve has beaten a host of critically feted dramas, all manner of sitcoms and, yes, even Downton Abbey.
The series, which is called The Bible and produced by the History Channel, attracted more than 13 million viewers on Sunday, making it the most-watched entertainment show of the year on cable.
The success of The Bible owes much, no doubt, to America's large Christian community. But it may also reflect the populist touch of its British-born producer, Mark Burnett, who made his name in reality TV with shows such as The Apprentice.