Joan of Arcadia (2003–2005) User Reviews

Interesting, well acted ... and a little frustrating.

[Vic_max · 7/10 · 4 August 2008]

The serious tone, interesting stories and good acting are the hallmarks of this series. It's pretty well done, but it's also a little frustrating. The basic storyline never changes, but still, you always want to see how each story ends up.

The basic idea of the series is as follows: "God" uses a high school girl (Joan) to do good in the world; he generally asks her to do things that are outside of her element. She always reluctantly accepts, never knowing why, and good comes of it.

The show is fairly well-written and is also well acted, particularly by Joe Montagne. His character is conflicted, intelligent and well-intentioned. He also commonly goes "against" the grain of everyone else. This makes him pretty interesting to watch and even though he's not the lead. While the other actors go a really good job, his performances seem to outshine everyone else.

The rules of the show are pretty well laid out along the lines of the aforementioned premise. While this generally works fine, it's a bit frustrating after a while in the same way the X-Files series is: one person always experiences extraordinary stuff, but no one else seems to be able to know about it. In this case, the eternal creator of the universe spends time asking a high school girl to do things, and everyone must remain oblivious. To some people, this is how the world works, to others, it makes you want to scream "good grief" ...

This show has some great writing, but eventually the repetitive premise may become bothersome. Until that happens to you (if ever), it makes for really good viewing.

From very good, to boring and stupid....

[lupin1980 · 6/10 · 20 April 2007]

Review based on full season 1 + beginning of season 2

Well, it's hard to make a judgment about Joan of Arcadia.

At first, with the Girardi family, at the center of the plot, we could have expected an incredible show !

The father is a police chief, hired to reduce the crime in a city where he and his family just moved in... The mother is a failed artist reminding me of a 60's gypsy cliché sometimes. The eldest son was once a perfect athlete making everyone proud, but who is now in a wheelchair, making everyone else depressed. The other brother is a 100% Nerd with an incredible brain And finally Joan, the sister, is a cute girl, totally normal, expect she begins to see god in different people around her, and is given stupid assignments by Him.

So Joan speaks to God... God reveals himself to her telling her secrets about her intimacy and hopes and prayers she made, like saving her brother's life after his accident, making him unable to walk but still living... Totally convinced she accepts to make daily quests for God, like joining the Cheerleaders, making a garage sale, inviting an ugly violent student to dance to the pre-prom....

And sometimes there is an hidden meaning to all this, other times the "philosophical logic" totally suck...

So this shows contains good emotions, mostly because of the brother who is in a wheelchair and everyone has pity for him, but the plot is really stupid. It could have been much better with Joan helping her father to resolve crimes, or God finally giving her some important quests, because don't tell me God will speak to an highschool girl telling her "join the yearbook project" so she can find a stupid anonymous poem in the garbage and then looking for it's author... etc...

Finally the story ends up mostly in highschool adolescent relationships problems, and the potential is ruined.

A pretty good show.

[Shopaholic35 · 6/10 · 12 February 2014]

This show is not just for religious people. It doesn't discriminate against people who aren't Christian's as it is structured around belief and faith in general. Or lack of belief and faith especially during the challenging times in life. While not everybody believes in a god of sorts the majority of people on the planet have faith in something.

The first season was better then the second as it turned a little more negative over time. There were new introduced plot lines that just did not fit and felt abnormal for the characters to portray. But it still gives you a calming feeling when you watch it. I think that is why I liked it. Even if they dealt with a difficult topic they did it in a way that never made you lose hope.

Shame on CBS

[dealingdreams · 10/10 · 17 June 2005]

CBS recently canceled this truly original and uplifting show because it had lost viewers, and the age of the typical viewer (according to the lovely Neilsen ratings system) was over 50 years old. So what does CBS do? Say that a show about ghosts would "skew younger" than one about talking to God. Shame, shame, on you CBS. You promised that the show would be moved to another time slot before you canceled it, and you canceled it after making Barbara Hall introduce a new character that would hopefully bring in more viewers, while leaving the exit point for the show all the more sloppy and unresolved.

Some other network needs to pick this show up now. It's been nominated for an Emmy, which it also might be again this year, and won the People's Choice Awards. It's got an estimated eight million viewers, which is pretty good considering it was up against Dateline and in a time slot when people are out and about (early evenings on Fridays, also not a time when a lot of the teenagers are home, so that also explains why the average age of the viewers was so high). It's really sad that a show which makes you think, feel, cry and laugh at the same time can be thrown away so easily, while all the reality TV junk and crime dramas that are all-too-similar are thriving. This show was the finest ever to grace TV, and I highly recommend it to anyone that is sick of the few choices left to watch on television anymore.

can't get enough of this show.

[emily37 · 20 February 2004]

first off: yay CBS for actually making a good show!! I mean, what, are we in our 10th season of JAG?

this show reminds me of My So-Called Life. and that's nothing to sneeze at. it's certainly not _as_ good, but it has the same feel with its realistic characters (and not just the main characters, but the supporting ones, too). it seems like kids who are teenagers now would relate to this show like kids of my generation related to MSCL in the 90s. I think the writers need to make the parents a little more accessible, but the way they show the many facets of the younger characters, especially Joan and her brothers, is really impressive.

the x-factor: Joan hangs out with God. I'm not a religious person, and if there are supposed to be religious overtones in this show, I'm not feeling them. It's almost like God is the trusty alien sidekick or something like that. It's cool, because even though I personally don't believe in God, I certainly have friends who do, and who knows? They might talk to God, too. It's nice that a TV show can address religion, which is such a part of so many people's lives, in a non-preachy way.

the show, however, isn't about religion. it's about a middle-class white suburban family and their personal struggles. I feel like the show could go up or down from here. there have been some really unique and interesting story lines (Joan's tame relationship with the "stoner"/artist Adam, the questioning of Grace's sexuality, the art-teacher mother's rediscovering of the art she created after being raped) and even the story lines that seem more boring and uninspired seem to be coming around (the condescending-macho chief of police dad being demoted, the wheelchair-bound former-star-athlete older brother regaining his confidence and returning to "player" status, despite his disabilities)

I think the show's sometimes-slow pace is a testament to how long it might last. I hope it stays around for a while, at least, even if I do have to keep staying in for a while on Friday nights :)

A family oriented program.

[sabbott3 · 9/10 · 30 April 2008]

This show can be watched by the entire family, as my family does, which is unique in itself. There is a tasteful mix of acting talent and togetherness. Each show gives a direction not usually predicted, with a rich message to boot. This is a nice change of pace from the rest of the programming out there today. The Girardi family is a perfect mix, and the writing is done with meaning and taste. A very pleasant show, kind of reminds me of 7th Heaven but more modern, and with an edge. Even outside of the Girardi family, the special mix of friends and extras are amazing to watch. I would highly recommend everyone at least giving this show a chance.

A pure CBS classic!

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 20 July 2006]

"JOAN OF ARCADIA," in my opinion, is a pure CBS classic! I haven't seen every episode, but I still enjoyed it. However, I think it was always funny when a mishap occurred. I always laughed at that. It's hard to say which episode was my favorite. It would probably have to be the pilot episode. Despite the fact that it was a short-lived series, it was nice that everyone had stayed with the show throughout its entire run. It seems that no one stays with a show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, I hope some network brings it back on the air for die-hard fans of the show to see.

A notch better than what replaced it, but still fairly boring.

[imgod2u · 2/10 · 19 September 2007]

While it's of infinitely better quality than the T&A show that is Ghost Whisperer (who would've thought skimpy outfits + ghost mysteries would actually be boring), I still was not impressed much by this show. It's just....too full of cliché's. The tough, honest cop father, the hippie gypsy mother, the star athlete brother (who's facing a crisis that interrupted his perfect life), the nerd super-genius brother, etc.

While all of these caricatures would've been great if this were a Monty-Python-ish tongue-in-cheek show, I get the feeling that they (the producers) are actually serious! It's long, drawn out and slow like a typical CSI-ish drama with just a not-so-subtle hint of religious preaching now and then (discounting testimony's from "God", since we'd expect that, but the "it's only logical to believe in God" speech from the nerd-brother?).

All in all, it's not a badly produced show, per se. One can tell that it's got a good crew behind it. But there's something missing amongst the decent acting (mostly), good props, set, lighting, cast, etc. It needs an interesting story.

Wow AWESOME - this is TV?

[FilmLabRat · 10/10 · 29 December 2003]

"Joan of Arcadia" is truly a well-written, well-acted show. I was waiting to see where it was going or if the story lines would develop in meaningful ways, and they have. I am very impressed not only with the quality but with the theology. As a theologian and minister, I am pretty picky especially about media that purports to be "about God," but kudos on all fronts - psychology of teens and parents, too. These are all great characters! And enough humor and edginess (not the perfect family - whew!) to make it fun and believable, too, for those of us who live on this messed up planet and not Heaven... God really does make things better in our world if we listen and obey. It'll be interesting to see Joan learn a few lessons from disobedience, too. Who hasn't chickened out of obeying God due to peer or other pressures... or fear of embarrassment? Anyway, Hall (and her show and thanks to CBS) has it all going on. May this show last for a very long time and may Hall continue to develop others like it. My prayers and heart-felt support are with this kind of programming.

2020 Update: Horrible example for children regarding bullying and assault

[rapaul-208-984415 · 1/10 · 1 July 2020]

Okay, its an old show. If you find it, avoid it. My girlfriend really likes it, and I did more than I do now. We're in the middle of Season 2 and the bad examples just keep getting worse. If you see it, just avoid it. There's a lot of wisdom in it, and the topics it deals with are relevant. But the messages are there: If you defend someone who is getting bullied, then you get punished and the bully goes free. If you stand up for your rights, you will be torn down. If a-hole students attack you there is nothing you can do. All the characters seem okay with all that: school officials, parents, even students. Bad show for anytime in the 21st century.

The last straw was when a girl stood her ground defending a garden against a bulldozer crew on school ground, in front of a teacher and other students who were cheering her on (but not joining her). A maintenance worker physically picked her up and moved her, while she smiled **in triumph?? because she stood her ground for a minute. The man just assaulted her with contempt for any propriety or rule of law. There were no police nearby. She should have yelled for him to get his grubby paws off her, and charged him with assault. Yet the incident passed as if it was a joke.

This show could not fly today, and should be destroyed. It provides very dangerous role models. Don't let your children see it; they will learn to be victims.

Best show on TV

[littlewriter50 · 11 December 2004]

It was disheartening to see that the first review was the one negative review in the bunch. When I opened the rest a sigh of relief echoed my quiet office. I think "Joan of Arcadia" is hands down the best show on TV. It has excellent actors, great writing, and each episode is more entertaining or satisfying than the last. This show touches me every time I watch it. The vehicle used is entertaining, the characters are wonderfully written, and a profound message is sent out without ever preaching. Having just been through the most faith-rocking year of my life, the truths illuminated in this series have provided comfort, insight, and peace. With all the faithless programming available, this show is a breath of really fresh air!

Loved it!

[justforonlinechat · 10/10 · 27 July 2014]

I know this show was canceled far long ago but it can still be found online. I was really wrapped up in this show. It's quirky and the first season is something we all can relate to.

The second season (and how dare they cancel it!) started heading in a darker direction. Millions of us sat glued to the TV on that last episode (which we didn't know would be the last)with our mouths dropped open, clutching a pillow, screaming OMG next year is gonna rock!

And this is why I no longer watch any new shows until the 3rd season begins. I didn't watch this show because it was a religious show or had something to do with God. I watched it because it was awesome. Find it online or buy the DVD's. But be warned: you too will watch the final episode and be angry the show didn't continue in the path we all were looking forward to.

Where was it headed?

[agnest-1 · 10/10 · 16 April 2019]

Just watched the final episode for the second time on Start TV and I really want to know what the next season would have been like.

I want to know what would happen with the relationships: Joan and Adam, Lily and Kevin, Grace and Luke, Helen and Will.

Wentworth Miller created such a complex abd interesting character in really just one episode and I'm so curious as to how that would have played out. Would Joan show him a better way? Would others become aware of his malice beneath the charm?

And Joan had really grown a lot (as had the others!) and was ready to deal with more depth and ambiguity. Cancelling this show was so wrong!!

There are other shows which were cancelled and the creators put online where they planned to go with it - was that ever done for Joan? On second viewing (thank you, Start TV!) I'm so impressed with everything - cast, writing, camera work - I wish so much that there were more of it!

A largely forgotten gem that really deserves a reboot

[namob-43673 · 9/10 · 16 November 2021]

This show is stunningly good. The acting is great, the directing great, sound, visuals, sets, story etc it is all great. I can really only think of two negatives. The first being the son Kevin (Jason Ritter) that was written to whiny boohooing in the first 4-5 episodes and I also got the feeling that Jason was the least competent of the actors, but both Jason and the writing got better as the episodes pass by. The second negative is the ending episode and the end of the show which really was not that greatly done and this show deserved so much more and I would say deserve at least two more seasons.

The great is all the rest. I especially like how God is not only teaching Joan but also us in the audience. Well, not "teaching" as much as asking questions about morality, physics, religion and philosophy. This show is also wholesome family drama that do not shy away from difficult topics but also do not Hollywood linger on them for effect and gore. Topics like teenage pregnancy, sex, rape, murder, death, religion and homosexuality is brought up and discussed without being too much preachy and not with too much political correctness. This show feels real and down to earth, which is weird since God is a key player. And who can forget the main music score?

This is a real gem of a show and I highly recommend to everyone. And those of you growing up today with all the dumb shows this is what great TV used to look and sound like. I also think there is great potential to remake or continue with the show. Perhaps Joan has her own children? Or we can start with another city and another set of characters.

A slightly week 9/10 since there are 2-3 episodes that feels unnecessary or as fillers, but excluding that and my objections above this is as good as TV get and you should all watch this greatness.

I love Jason Ritter

[injury-65447 · 2/10 · 9 October 2020]

That's why I'll give this a 2 instead of a 1. What if derp was one of us?

Uneven, but good ... 2 plot issues probably led to cancellation

[professor_of_gamez · 8/10 · 23 February 2021]

When this show is good, it really pulls at the heart strings and brings out emotions.

When it's not, it can be a little boring.

There were two significant plot lines at end of season 1, beginning of season two which most likely were responsible for the decline in viewership which ultimately led to cancellation.

First, having the drunk driver (or more precisely, his family) who caused the accident that paralyzed Kevin sue Kevin's family was beyond ridiculous. It would have been immediately thrown out of court (with the drunk driver's family being responsible for any court costs) ... and to have to such a ridiculous story line be the cause of so much drama is beyond words.

Also, to have Joan diagnosed with lime disease was ridiculous. It wouldn't have caused the God "hallucinations." And even if they believed it was lime disease, once that was treated, what was the point of making her "crazy" and sending her to "crazy camp?" None as far as I could tell. And it led to Joan behaving oddly at the beginning of season 2.

Also this show could have benefited from a paid sound engineer, rather than (what I am guessing was) an unpaid intern. There have been numerous scenes, especially in the school hallways, where the music and background noise washed out the dialogue making it unintelligible (not often, but often enough).

Pretends to know what god would do and has bad looking actors

[PeteRoy · 1/10 · 9 May 2005]

I don't like the fact that this show proclaims to know what god would do or say.

No human can know the ways of god (if he exists), anyone and anything that tries to tell you what god ways are is a sinner who tries to scam you.

Anyone who acts like gods spokesman is a sinner according to the bible, and for good reasons, people who believe someone is talking for god might go murder people thinking god told them to do it.

Also, this show has bad looking actors, I don't want to sit in-front of the TV looking at ugly people, there are enough of them in the world I don't need them in my living room.

The girl who plays Joan looks bad, her father looks awful, her off and on boyfriend also looks ugly.

The might not look too bad but I believe if you are going to make a TV show, at least use people who look good.

A godsend in an otherwise lackluster season...

[TerminalMadness · 14 February 2004]

In a season filled with terrible reality shows and cookie cutter sitcoms, a small show from CBS made its way into the territory of classic television in the making. While I'll admit the show drew me with the charming previews and attractive main star; I was rather hesitant to watch this but stumbled upon a gem in television, one of the rare gems in television in a shallow and short attention span audience.

Joan is the middle child in a middle/low class family who begins getting messages from god through the various forms of people who come to her asking her to perform certain deeds.

While she's not always sure what god's intentions may be for her she always manages to perform the deed and learns something that affects her life.

Many religious themed shows have rarely ever been able to send out watchable storylines with the religious undertones without completely botching them. "Seventh Heaven" a recent hit show with religious themes fails in every aspect possible by preaching of love, family, etc. while coming off as cheesy, campy, and very sappy. While that show continues to run out of steam with its horrible storylines and characters, this one manages to push it to the side.

Somehow "Joan of Arcadia" is real and that is due to many winning aspects including the excellent cast of actors who give this show the kick it needs. The often under rated Joe Mantegna gives an excellent performance as the father and leader of the family who works as a police officer while being forced to confront his rapidly feigning power, Mary Steenburgen plays the mother who often rules the household in the father's absence with a soft voice but a hard fist, Jason Ritter son of the late John Ritter plays the paralyzed oldest brother who must confront his disability while adjusting to life as disabled, Michael Welch plays the brainy youngest child who must adjust to his families problems while living as an individual, and best of all Amber Tamblyn stars as the title character who is extremely likable and charming; Tamblyn is excellent as Joan who takes God's often vague directions in stride and a sarcastic and often witty one-liner.

It'd be easy to make the character of Joan whiny and self-absorbed but the excellent writers pull her character off well and make her a heroine for the female viewers and eye candy for the young male viewers.

The writing is what make this series a joy with its often gripping and heartbreaking storylines and refreshing wit; while the earlier episodes in the series were mired in sloppy continuity and lack of any true direction, it picked up thankfully and has managed to achieve its purpose with amazing plot twists and often heart breaking character development.

"Joan of Arcadia" preaches themes without becoming preachy and becomes natural in its story telling while the excellent actors get into character flawlessly. Each character is likable and each character is more realistic and involving than any bargain basement reality show, and by the numbers sitcom and manages to mark its territory into classic television.

What make this the quintessential drama is that despite its religious backdrop it never preaches to people and never tells people that one religion is true, it only shows a young distraught girl being led by god personally and comes of age.

This is surely a godsend.

JoA - any excuse to bash

[gynsusamatoshi · 10/10 · 1 July 2005]

I simply DO NOT BELIEVE how people can watch 5 minutes of one episode (Or worse - not watch any episodes) and then leave a negative commentary about it! And NO - I am NOT a JoA fanatic, just someone who watched off and on through two seasons. *****anyone who has seen more than 5 minutes of this show would clearly see that the negative comments posted in here are for the most part TOTALLY inaccurate, to the point where you wonder if they were watching something entirely different.*****

I do agree on one point however:I TOO am surprised it lasted as long as it did, not because it was bad - but because it was actually an intelligent program. And AS YOU KNOW, shows in that category always die an early death.

And now, to translate into a language that those who left negatives should understand: "Yer mother was a hamster, and yer father smelt of elderberries! Now go away, or I shall be forced to taunt you a second time!" (HAD to say it :)

"Joan of Arcadia " is a good show .

[Rectangular_businessman · 10/10 · 9 April 2007]

This show was good .The story is like a retold of the story of Joan of Arc ,but in the modern times .Believe me ,it's better than it sounds . Because this show have lots of heart and high values but also it offers a very well written script ,that makes a great work with all the characters ,saving it to be a cheesy drama for teens .

With a unusual combination of many genres (from comedy to drama and fantasy )the show have a decent level in all the chapters .The performances are fine and even in the most dramatic moments it keep a good control on the emotions of the story . Definitely this show isn't for the cynical viewers .But it wasn't a show for religious fanatics either . If you like shows with heart and drama ,this is for you .

One of the Best shows on CBS that has been Cancelled.

[RavenMScott · 10/10 · 27 June 2006]

I loved this show! I don't get those that wouldn't want to watch it. My dad watches it, and he got mad when he found out that it was cancelled. Why would anyone not want to watch it? What's the deal? It was one of the best shows on CBS, along with all three CSI's, Without a Trace, etc. COME ON PEOPLE!!!! Tell us what your problem was with the show! It's almost like if CSI got cancelled because everyone stopped watching it. Or, perhaps, CSI: Miami, Without a Trace, or NCIS. Some of the best shows on television. What if one of your favorite shows got cancelled because everyone in the world stopped watching it? Then you guys (that don't watch it) will be just as mad as everyone else, wouldn't you? How would it feel?

Emotionally powerful show left me wanting more

[paladinmtk · 10/10 · 21 September 2006]

Accidentally began watching this silly "God Show" at 2 A.M. one Friday night in February 2005 when regular CBS 8 P.M. broadcast was preempted by sports event. Was more than pleasantly surprised by the depth and character of this show that focused on teenagers, and centered on emotions. Kind of like a cross between MASH and Twilight Zone, with U2 lyrics peppered in between; this show was meant for everyone. Most episodes pack some kind of emotional wallop. Disappointed when only a few weeks after I began watching, the show was canceled. I later purchased the first season DVDs. Shockingly well-written, episode 12 "Jump" is one of the 10 best episodes of television ever broadcast.

GREAT show!

[magicbeauty · 12 November 2004]

I stumbled upon Joan of Arcadia near the end of the first season and quickly found one thing out: This is a great show!

God speaks to Joan to have her try to make a DIFFERENCE in this world. The show is all about the choices we make in our lives that make a difference in the world around us. Through the choices Joan, her friends and her family make, we can learn something. Don't worry, it doesn't come off as all about religion, or all preachy. There is a great cast (especially Amber Tamblyn, Joe Mantegna and Mary Steenburgen), solid story lines and some really great music in between. I have been extremely impressed with Amber Tamblyn; she is perfect for this part.

Sometimes sad, very often funny, there is always something you can relate to. Give it a chance; you will enjoy it!

and your reviewer throws up his hands and asks WHY?

[A_Different_Drummer · 9/10 · 4 February 2017]

It is the job of the reviewer to see things others miss and understand things others do not.

I try. But frankly this one has me stumped.

This wonderful show appeared just as the monster hit TOUCHED BY AN ANGEL ended its run.

I prefer to see that as neither a coincidence nor an Act of God. Someone had an eye to keep the franchise open with a younger audience in mind.

It was a wonderful show. The cast was to die for, The writing was tight. It successfully captured that feel-good vibe from TBAA and also the elusive teen angst it was looking for -- later showcased in series like My So Called Life and Awkward.

This review (a retrospective review written in 2017) not only cannot explain why it was cancelled after two seasons but also cannot explain why it failed to strike a chord with viewers? What if God was one of us? A good question.

What if good shows actually got a chance ... is an even better one.

amazing

[CaitlinL886 · 10/10 · 5 January 2007]

All that really needs to be said about "Joan of Arcadia" is that everyone must see it! It is a unique masterpiece and every episode is a joy to watch. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you fall in love with each and every character, and it will make you appreciate your life and the people in it more than ever before.

Rent/buy both seasons and I promise you will get addicted along the way..... the relationships tug at your heartstrings, the actors are perfectly casted for every role, the scripts are incredibly clever, and every episode gives you something to truly think about that will remain with you for a long time...

Inside and out, "Joan of Arcadia" is a BEAUTIFUL show!