In the late 70's, George Burns was cast as the Almighty in "Oh, God", which was a smash hit, co-starring singer John Denver. There'd be a sequel, and that was it.
Producers Marcy Carsey & Tom Werner (Roseanne, 3rd Rock From the Sun, Cosby Show, etc.) decided to have a little fun with the concept in 2000. They were tasked to produce an animated sitcom for NBC which had God and Lucifer, aka the Devil, actually socializing. In what amounts to a satire on the Old Testament book of Job, God, the Devil, & Bob purports God to have the physical appearance of the late Grateful Dead frontman, Jerry Garcia. You can figure out that joke, I'm sure.
God (James Garner, ex-The Rockford Files) and Lucifer (Alan Cumming) make a bet. An ordinary schlub, one Bob Allman (French Stewart, 3rd Rock From the Sun), is chosen as God's new messenger. Unfortunately, he makes John Denver's character in the "Oh, God" movies look even more like a Boy Scout, as Bob is into porn and booze.
A combination of low ratings and pressure from religious watchdog groups forced the show off the air after a month. [adult swim] picked up the series and ran the remaining 9 episodes. Oh, unsurprisingly, it's popular overseas, but not here.
As the opening episode, "In the Beginning", begins, we find God and the Devil meeting at a place where most folks probably think the Devil has a vested interest----a used car lot.
Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne) and Nancy Cartwright (The Simpsons) co-star. Can't say for sure if either one wants to remember this even happened.
Rating: D.
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