Key moments
In a significant development for television audiences, actor Jeffrey Donovan has been cast as Abram in the highly anticipated miniseries The Faithful: Women of the Bible. Set to air on March 22, 2026, at 8 p.m., the three-part event promises to recenter the narrative around women in biblical stories, a refreshing approach in a genre often dominated by male perspectives.
The miniseries, created by René Echevarria, aims to explore the lives and struggles of legendary women from the Bible, beginning with the tale of Sarai and Abram. Minnie Driver will portray Sarai, while Donovan’s character, Abram, plays a pivotal role in the story. This first episode will delve into their complex relationship, setting the stage for the series’ overarching themes.
As the series unfolds, it will feature a diverse cast including Alexa Davalos, Natacha Karam, and Tom Mison, among others. The show is based on the Book of Genesis and is designed to align with the Easter and Passover seasons, with the final episode strategically scheduled to air on Easter Sunday. This timing is expected to resonate with audiences looking for spiritual and reflective programming during this significant time of year.
Notably, the series has been developed with a commitment to not contradict Scripture while allowing for artistic interpretation. Echevarria has emphasized the importance of portraying the obstacles faced by women in biblical times, stating, “The drama is the obstacles that women at that time faced, and how they had to use other means to overcome these obstacles.” This focus on female resilience and agency is a central theme that aims to engage viewers in a new dialogue about these ancient stories.
The miniseries is also positioned within a broader cultural context, as the success of similar programs, such as The Chosen, has paved the way for more faith-based storytelling on television. Echevarria expressed hope that The Faithful: Women of the Bible could inspire further projects that highlight women’s roles in historical narratives. He remarked, “I hope it will lead to more. I’m lucky that this kind of program is even possible now, thanks to the success of The Chosen.”
As anticipation builds for the premiere, early reactions from industry insiders and potential viewers have been positive. Carol Mendelsohn, a producer associated with the project, noted that the series may have been influenced by her great-grandfather, a Canadian rabbi she never met, suggesting a personal connection to the material that could enrich the storytelling.
Overall, The Faithful: Women of the Bible represents a significant step in the evolution of biblical storytelling on television, with Donovan’s role as Abram marking a key moment in his career. The series not only seeks to entertain but also to educate and inspire audiences by bringing to light the often-overlooked narratives of women in the Bible.
