The Latest: 'Living Biblically' aims for respectful laughs

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) — The Latest from the TV Critics meeting in Pasadena, California (all times local):

11:50 a.m.

The producers of the new CBS comedy "Living Biblically" say their goal is to appeal to both believers and non-believers.

Inspired by A.J. Jacobs' book "The Year of Living Biblically," the series stars Jay R. Ferguson as a modern New Yorker who decides to strictly follow the Bible in his daily life. He's guided by a priest and a rabbi.

Executive producer Patrick Walsh told TV critics Saturday that the show aims to "loosen up the conversation" about religion in a funny, respectful way.

Among the show's producers is Johnny Galecki, who stars on "The Big Bang Theory." Galecki said that presumptions that "The Year of Living Biblically" will be sarcastic about religion are wrong.

The hope is that viewers will find the comedy to be a "cool take" on religion, which is what a lot of people base their lives on, Galecki said.

The show, which also stars Lindsey Kraft, Ian Gomez, David Krumholtz, Tony Rock and Camryn Manehim, debuts Feb. 26.

———

11:03 a.m.

Actor Alan Cumming will portray what is believed to be the first gay lead character in a broadcast network drama and he says it's particularly important that the milestone is happening during President Donald Trump's administration.

His crime procedural "Instinct" arrives at a time when Cumming said "the president is actively condoning, by his silence, violence and persecution against the LBGT community."

The show premieres on CBS March 11. Cumming plays an author who is an expert on serial killers who gets drawn into helping New York police track down a killer who models his behavior on one of his books.

Cumming says it's a perfect time to have a married same-sex couple portrayed on network TV.

———