01 · Entertainment value
×1
Measuring appeal and likeability.
Survey questions
- How much did you like or dislike this scene?
Entertainment · ResearchFaith &
Faith &
entertainment
index.
Faith, storytelling, and its influence on modern American audiences.
A groundbreaking new study explores how today’s TV and film audiences respond to faith on screen.
A roadmap for filmmakers
What makes a story connect?
- Scenes tested
- 106
- Interviews
- 12,723
- Social insights
- 38k+
How can creators tell authentic stories with faith in a way that tangibly builds engagement?
Why do some stories land better than others?
The index brings audience responses, social listening, and research-informed AI coding together to examine what happens when faith becomes part of the story.
- Ages 18–34
- 26%
- Ages 35–49
- 24%
- Ages 50–64
- 25%
- Ages 65+
- 25%
Age distribution of survey respondents · HarrisX
The foundation
How the research was conducted.
Published 2026
Fieldwork: September 9–18 and November 13–25, 2025.
Modern audiences in America
Professionally recruited consumers who watch TV or movies at least weekly completed an online survey. Jewish and Muslim respondents were oversampled to achieve readable samples among major U.S. faith groups. Religious affiliation was weighted to reflect the U.S. population.
56% watch TV or movies daily. 78% identify as spiritual, religious, or a person of faith.
Age breakdown
| Age | Share |
|---|---|
| 18–34 | 26% |
| 35–49 | 24% |
| 50–64 | 25% |
| 65+ | 25% |
Gender breakdown
| Gender | Share |
|---|---|
| Male | 50% |
| Female | 50% |
Religiosity
| Identity | Share |
|---|---|
| Spiritual | 35% |
| Religious | 38% |
| Person of faith | 40% |
| None of the above | 22% |
Religious identity
| Identity | Respondents |
|---|---|
| Christian | 5,579 |
| Catholic | 2,072 |
| Protestant | 2,266 |
| Jewish | 2,467 |
| Muslim | 2,652 |
| Eastern religions | 90 |
| Other religion | 265 |
| Atheist / agnostic | 1,538 |
Religiosity is a multiple-response measure. Catholic and Protestant are included within Christian identity, so these rows should not be added as separate groups.
Qualitative research and supplementary analysis
The report describes 32 avid entertainment consumers in its qualitative phase, recruited for a diverse mix of demographics and ideologies. The quantitative phase tested 106 scenes from 50 series and films.
Organic YouTube comments were grouped into themes. A research-informed AI taxonomy of more than 130 tones was then used to code the scenes consistently.
Read methodology and coding details in the reportA first-of-its-kind evaluation system
Three ways to measure impact.
Each scene is evaluated against three core pillars. The weights reflect their relative contribution to the index.
02 · Faith portrayal
×1.5
Authenticity, accuracy, and storytelling features.
Survey questions
- How well or poorly do you think faith was portrayed?
- To what extent do you agree or disagree that each of the following describes this scene? (Average agreement across all “totems”.)
03 · Engagement impact
×2
Sentiment and interest in future content.
Survey questions
- Overall, did this scene make you think more positively or negatively about faith, or did it have no impact?
- How did this scene affect your interest in seeing the full show, film, or more content like it?
Explore all consumer-defined storytelling features
The study calls these features “totems.”
Entertainment features
- Feels like it’s made for people like me
- Is relatable
- Is easy to understand
- Avoids clichés or overused tropes
- Makes you reflect or think differently
- Has characters who feel layered and complex
- Connects to broader social issues
- Shows realistic characters and situations
- Uses humor respectfully
- Is emotionally moving
- Is entertaining
Faith-specific features
- Depicts faith authentically
- Depicts faith through relatable, everyday experiences
- Depicts faith accurately
- Shows different perspectives within a faith
- Shows characters exploring their faith
- Places faith in contemporary or modern settings
- Weaves faith naturally into the story or journey
- Teaches something new about faith
- Challenges common stereotypes about faith
- Appeals to people of a different faith
- Appeals to people with no faith or spirituality
- Avoids offending people of a particular faith
- Avoids preachy or heavily faith-based language
The highlights
Faith belongs in
mainstream stories.
92%Say faith has a role to play in modern entertainment.2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
The top 10
The scenes that stayed with people.
Explore the scenes audiences found most impactful. Open a profile for audience scores, storytelling features, and viewer responses.
Ranked by the all-consumer index. Scores are weighted index values, not percentages.
01
The PittDr. Robby Thanks WhitakerJudaism80.6Index score
The Pitt: Dr. Robby Thanks Whitaker — scene analysis
Watch scene
"7:00 PM," The Pitt, S1, E13 (2025), HBO Max, et. Al.
- All Consumers
- 80.6Rank #1
- Christian Consumers
- 86.0Rank #2
- Jewish Consumers
- 84.5Rank #1
- Muslim Consumers
- 91.4Rank #10
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Shows characters exploring their faith77%
Weaves faith naturally into the story or character journey75%
Places faith in contemporary/modern settings75%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Shows characters exploring their faith | 77% |
| Weaves faith naturally into the story or character journey | 75% |
| Places faith in contemporary/modern settings | 75% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact86%
Faith portrayal77%
Engagement impact75%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 86% |
| Faith portrayal | 77% |
| Engagement impact | 75% |
In their own words
"It shows that in the darkest times of life, people can look to God for courage and strength."
“It shows characters genuinely grappling with their beliefs in a meaningful way.”
AI coding analysis
- Coping With Tragedy: The emotional breakdown and subsequent effort to manage immense loss and grief
- Professional Endurance: The commitment to duty and service even when personally devastated
- Support and Solidarity: The act of one colleague offering critical emotional assistance to another
02
Young SheldonSheldon Convincing Mom to Believe in GodChristianity78.2Index score
Young Sheldon: Sheldon Convincing Mom to Believe in God — scene analysis
Watch scene
"A Crisis of Faith and Octopus Aliens," Young Sheldon, S2, E3 (2017), CBS, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 78.2Rank #2
- Christian Consumers
- 86.2Rank #3
- Jewish Consumers
- 78.5Rank #12
- Muslim Consumers
- 91.9Rank #8
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand76%
Is emotionally moving74%
Shows realistic characters and situations73%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 76% |
| Is emotionally moving | 74% |
| Shows realistic characters and situations | 73% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact85%
Faith portrayal77%
Engagement impact71%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 85% |
| Faith portrayal | 77% |
| Engagement impact | 71% |
In their own words
“It shows how people have questions about their faith but continue to try to understand it.”
“The character belief were expressed genuinely and with emotional depth, making their faith seem authentic.”
AI coding analysis
- Doubt and Faith: Mary grapples with her belief system, while Sheldon attempts to re-affirm it
- Parental Guilt/Struggle: Mary feels she must navigate her faith crisis alone and shield her child
- Divine Design/Fine-tuning: Sheldon uses scientific observations to suggest an intelligent creator's existence
03
Nobody Wants ThisI Love YouJudaism77.8Index score
Nobody Wants This: I Love You — scene analysis
Watch scene
"Bat Mitzvah Crashers," Nobody Wants This, S1, E10 (2024), Netflix, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 77.8Rank #3
- Christian Consumers
- 81.1Rank #7
- Jewish Consumers
- 82.0Rank #3
- Muslim Consumers
- 86.8Rank #43
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
The source webpage lists Muslim rank #87; the downloadable report (p. 42) lists #43. This profile follows the report.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand80%
Shows realistic characters and situations78%
Shows characters exploring their faith77%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 80% |
| Shows realistic characters and situations | 78% |
| Shows characters exploring their faith | 77% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact88%
Faith portrayal78%
Engagement impact68%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 88% |
| Faith portrayal | 78% |
| Engagement impact | 68% |
In their own words
“The characters show sincerity and depth in their beliefs. That emotional honesty is what made it stand out as a good portrayal.”
“Rather than being a theatrical display, their generosity and humility were a reflection of genuine religion.”
AI coding analysis
- Interfaith Romance: Navigating the difficulties and nuances of a relationship between people of two different faiths
- Identity & Belonging: Joanne grapples with adopting a new religious identity to fit into his world
- Personal Integrity: Joanne refuses to convert for her partner, prioritizing her authentic self
04
Hacksaw RidgePlead GuiltyChristianity77.4Index score
Hacksaw Ridge: Plead Guilty — scene analysis
Watch scene
Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Lionsgate, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 77.4Rank #4
- Christian Consumers
- 87.1Rank #1
- Jewish Consumers
- 78.4Rank #13
- Muslim Consumers
- 93.0Rank #3
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Weaves faith naturally into the story or character journey73%
Shows characters exploring their faith73%
Is emotionally moving73%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Weaves faith naturally into the story or character journey | 73% |
| Shows characters exploring their faith | 73% |
| Is emotionally moving | 73% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact82%
Faith portrayal74%
Engagement impact72%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 82% |
| Faith portrayal | 74% |
| Engagement impact | 72% |
In their own words
“Because the character is trusting in something unseen despite the odds which reflects true faith.”
“He was willing to stand by the guidelines of his faith and not use a gun to kill.”
AI coding analysis
- Moral Integrity: Doss maintains his convictions despite intense pressure and the risk of court-martial
- Personal Conviction: His unwavering adherence to his principles, rooted in his faith, even when it means facing imprisonment
- Sacrifice: The personal cost Desmond and his loved ones face due to his commitment to his faith
05
Hacksaw RidgeDesmond Asks God for StrengthChristianity77.3Index score
Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond Asks God for Strength — scene analysis
Watch scene
Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Lionsgate, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 77.3Rank #5
- Christian Consumers
- 81.9Rank #6
- Jewish Consumers
- 78.7Rank #9
- Muslim Consumers
- 90.4Rank #15
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand73%
Has characters who feel layered and complex73%
Is emotionally moving72%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 73% |
| Has characters who feel layered and complex | 73% |
| Is emotionally moving | 72% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact83%
Faith portrayal73%
Engagement impact72%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 83% |
| Faith portrayal | 73% |
| Engagement impact | 72% |
In their own words
“It shows faith in a light of following through even in the toughest circumstances when we don't think we can but yet with faith we can.”
“It shows genuine belief, struggles, and hope, feeling realistic and relatable.”
AI coding analysis
- Sacrifice: Desmond risks his life repeatedly to save soldiers in a deadly warzone
- Personal Conviction: Desmond stays steadfast in his commitment to his conscientious objector vows in the face of battle
- Faith While Under Fire : Putting his faith in God despite the horrors of war
06
Nobody Wants ThisNoah's SermonJudaism77Index score
Nobody Wants This: Noah's Sermon — scene analysis
The source embeds a Hacksaw Ridge clip here. The scene reference is “Pilot,” Nobody Wants This, S1 E1, 22:20–23:45 on Netflix.
"Pilot," Nobody Wants This, S1, E1 (2024), Netflix, et. al.; Time stamp for the clip on Netflix is (22:20-23:45)
- All Consumers
- 77Rank #6
- Christian Consumers
- 82.1Rank #4
- Jewish Consumers
- 80.5Rank #7
- Muslim Consumers
- 90.1Rank #16
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand78%
Places faith in contemporary/modern settings75%
Shows characters exploring their faith72%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 78% |
| Places faith in contemporary/modern settings | 75% |
| Shows characters exploring their faith | 72% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact87%
Faith portrayal74%
Engagement impact70%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 87% |
| Faith portrayal | 74% |
| Engagement impact | 70% |
In their own words
“[The scene] indicated that all you have to do is look around and God is there with you.”
“The way the Rabbi brings everyday occurrences to religion. It’s a good way to bring faith in a relatable manner.”
AI coding analysis
- Everyday Signs & Spiritual Purpose: The sermon reframes the drowning-man parable to show that life’s “signals” come through ordinary experiences
- Personal Awakening: As Noah speaks, Joanne, who isn’t religious, connects with the message
- Agency in Changing One’s Path : His sermon urges people to wake up, make choices, and reshape their lives instead of waiting for a divine signal
07
The West WingParable ConversationChristianity76.2Index score
The West Wing: Parable Conversation — scene analysis
Watch scene
"Take This Sabbath Day," The West Wing, S1, E14 (2000), National Broadcasting Company (NBC), et. al.
- All Consumers
- 76.2Rank #7
- Christian Consumers
- 80.3Rank #10
- Jewish Consumers
- 75.5Rank #25
- Muslim Consumers
- 86.1Rank #51
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand79%
Shows characters exploring their faith70%
Shows realistic characters and situations70%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 79% |
| Shows characters exploring their faith | 70% |
| Shows realistic characters and situations | 70% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact82%
Faith portrayal73%
Engagement impact70%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 82% |
| Faith portrayal | 73% |
| Engagement impact | 70% |
In their own words
“…It shows that faith can coexist with uncertainty, which makes it more relatable and real.”
“Because that scene was about God helps those who help themselves, and not that you’re waiting on a miracle from God.”
AI coding analysis
- Divine vs. Human Will: The tension between heavenly guidance and earthly responsibility in decision-making
- Misguided Faith: The danger of passive belief without corresponding action or recognition of divine gifts
- Interpretation of Signs: The challenge of discerning God’s will and recognizing help in everyday events
08
Hacksaw RidgeDesmond is Jailed & Speaks in CourtChristianity75.9Index score
Hacksaw Ridge: Desmond is Jailed & Speaks in Court — scene analysis
Watch scene
Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Lionsgate, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 75.9Rank #8
- Christian Consumers
- 80.8Rank #8
- Jewish Consumers
- 74.7Rank #30
- Muslim Consumers
- 87.6Rank #30
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand76%
Shows realistic characters and situations74%
Is emotionally moving69%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 76% |
| Shows realistic characters and situations | 74% |
| Is emotionally moving | 69% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact86%
Faith portrayal70%
Engagement impact71%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 86% |
| Faith portrayal | 70% |
| Engagement impact | 71% |
In their own words
“The guy was sticking to his beliefs and his morals with no compromise.”
“…it captured the depth, complexity, and emotional truth of what it means to believe.”
AI coding analysis
- Moral Integrity: Doss maintains his convictions despite intense pressure and the risk of court-martial
- Duty v. Belief: The conflict between military duty (bearing arms) and personal religious belief (not killing)
- Selfless Service: Doss’ desire to still contribute to the war effort and risk his life by saving, not taking, lives
09
SelmaMLK Jr. in JailChristianity73.6Index score
Selma: MLK Jr. in Jail — scene analysis
Watch scene
Selma (2015), Paramount Pictures, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 73.6Rank #9
- Christian Consumers
- 79.2Rank #11
- Jewish Consumers
- 76.6Rank #21
- Muslim Consumers
- 89.6Rank #19
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand74%
Shows realistic characters and situations74%
Has characters who feel layered and complex73%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 74% |
| Shows realistic characters and situations | 74% |
| Has characters who feel layered and complex | 73% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact80%
Faith portrayal72%
Engagement impact66%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 80% |
| Faith portrayal | 72% |
| Engagement impact | 66% |
In their own words
“It showed unwavering belief despite doubt, struggle, and uncertain outcomes.”
“The characters express their beliefs through sincere conversations and actions, making it feel authentic and heartfelt.”
AI coding analysis
- Systemic Injustice: Highlighting the deeply rooted racial discrimination and its devastating impact
- Spiritual Sustenance: Finding strength and guidance through faith and scripture during times of adversity
- Resilience in Struggle: The unwavering commitment to continue to fight for justice despite immense suffering
10
God's Not DeadSin is Like a Jail CellChristianity73.3Index score
God's Not Dead: Sin is Like a Jail Cell — scene analysis
Watch scene
God's Not Dead (2014), Pure Flix, et. al.
- All Consumers
- 73.3Rank #10
- Christian Consumers
- 80.6Rank #9
- Jewish Consumers
- 74.2Rank #34
- Muslim Consumers
- 86.0Rank #52
Weighted index scores, not percentages. Audience ranks refer to all 106 tested scenes.
Top storytelling features
Is easy to understand73%
Is emotionally moving70%
Places faith in contemporary/modern settings70%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Is easy to understand | 73% |
| Is emotionally moving | 70% |
| Places faith in contemporary/modern settings | 70% |
Scoring inputs · all consumers
Entertainment impact75%
Faith portrayal71%
Engagement impact68%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Entertainment impact | 75% |
| Faith portrayal | 71% |
| Engagement impact | 68% |
In their own words
“Because the comparison of the woman's life to a sinner fits well and makes you question God.”
“It shows faith as personal, not preachy.”
AI coding analysis
- Suffering vs. Faith: A man challenges an elderly woman's lifelong faith due to her debilitating illness
- Spiritual Complacency: The woman describes how the devil allows an easy life to deter people from God
- Consequences of Sin: Sin is depicted as a comfortable prison that eventually traps and seals one's fate
When stories connect, success follows
Ten scenes. Seven successful stories.
The study’s top scenes come from award-winning, widely watched titles.
The Pitt
- 2 Golden Globes
- 5 Emmy awards
- 10M+ average views globally
Nobody Wants This
- #1 Netflix globally
- 15M+ average views
Young Sheldon
- 3 Family Film & TV awards
- Kid’s Choice awards
- 12M+ average views globally
Hacksaw Ridge
- $180M+ gross worldwide
- 2 Oscars awards
- Nominated for an additional 4
The West Wing
- 26 Emmy
- 2 Peabody
- 3 Golden Globe awards
- 17M+ average views globally
Selma
- Oscar nomination for Best Picture
- Grossed nearly $70M globally
God’s Not Dead
- $58M profit
Awards and audience figures are as published in the 2026 index; they are not live totals.
The findings
Faith. Honesty. Familiarity.
01 · Faith drives engagement
Faith belongs in mainstream stories.
92%
Open to faith representation in entertainment.
Most viewers see a place for faith, whether central to the story, part of the background, or present through subtle references.
Where audiences see a role for faith
Central to the story23%
Present, but not the main focus51%
Subtle, light references18%
Not at all8%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Central to the story | 23% |
| Present, but not the main focus | 51% |
| Subtle, light references | 18% |
| Not at all | 8% |
The three forms of inclusion total 92%. Report p. 14.
2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
01 · Faith drives engagement
Faith in entertainment appeals across audiences.
77%
Believe stories about a specific faith can have broad appeal.
A majority across ages, faiths, and political groups believe these stories can appeal broadly or somewhat broadly to all audiences.
Who believes these stories have broad appeal?
All entertainment consumers77%
Gen Z79%
Millennials83%
Gen X78%
Baby Boomers72%
Christian83%
Jewish78%
Muslim87%
Atheist / non-religious59%
Democrat75%
Republican82%
Independent / other73%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| All entertainment consumers | 77% |
| Gen Z | 79% |
| Millennials | 83% |
| Gen X | 78% |
| Baby Boomers | 72% |
| Christian | 83% |
| Jewish | 78% |
| Muslim | 87% |
| Atheist / non-religious | 59% |
| Democrat | 75% |
| Republican | 82% |
| Independent / other | 73% |
2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
01 · Faith drives engagement
Seeing faith on screen deepens connection.
Before and after exposure to scenes.
Viewers found content with faith themes more appealing and more relatable after watching the selected clips, including viewers who were not religious.
Content with faith themes is more appealing
Before viewing scenes53%
After viewing scenes58%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Before viewing scenes | 53% |
| After viewing scenes | 58% |
+5 percentage points+15 points among atheists / agnostics
Content with faith themes is more relatable
Before viewing scenes53%
After viewing scenes61%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Before viewing scenes | 53% |
| After viewing scenes | 61% |
+8 percentage points+13 points among atheists / agnostics
2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
02 · Honesty drives authenticity
Emotion makes faith feel authentic.
6 of the top 10 scenes were emotional, reflective, and thought-provoking.
The three leading scenes share vulnerability and reflection. Audiences respond to emotional honesty and characters who grapple with belief.
The Pitt
Dr. Robby Thanks Whitaker
Key themes
- Coping with tragedy
- Professional endurance
- Support and solidarity
Key tones
- Reflective
- Vulnerable
- Empathetic
Viewer assessment
Portrays struggle and doubt77%
Deeply emotionally moving72%
Invites reflection69%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Portrays struggle and doubt | 77% |
| Deeply emotionally moving | 72% |
| Invites reflection | 69% |
Young Sheldon
Sheldon Convincing Mom to Believe in God
Key themes
- Doubt and faith
- Parental guilt / struggle
- Divine design / fine-tuning
Key tones
- Emotional
- Pensive
- Tender
Viewer assessment
Portrays struggle and doubt73%
Deeply emotionally moving74%
Invites reflection70%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Portrays struggle and doubt | 73% |
| Deeply emotionally moving | 74% |
| Invites reflection | 70% |
Nobody Wants This
I Love You
Key themes
- Interfaith romance
- Identity and belonging
- Personal integrity
Key tones
- Emotional
- Pensive
- Honest
Viewer assessment
Portrays struggle and doubt77%
Deeply emotionally moving74%
Invites reflection70%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Portrays struggle and doubt | 77% |
| Deeply emotionally moving | 74% |
| Invites reflection | 70% |
2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
03 · Accessibility through familiarity
Faith resonates when it is lived through relationships.
Family, love, and shared everyday experiences.
Familiar human moments help audiences connect to faith. Relationships make the experience recognizable.
Depicts faith through everyday experience
Young Sheldon · Sheldon convinces his mom68%
Nobody Wants This · I Love You73%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Young Sheldon · Sheldon convinces his mom | 68% |
| Nobody Wants This · I Love You | 73% |
“Although we don’t know what has made mom question her faith, having Sheldon as her son and him telling her she is the best mom for him – it’s that warm feeling inside that the world needs right now.”
“The characters show sincerity and depth in their beliefs. That emotional honesty is what made it stand out as a good portrayal.”
2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
03 · Accessibility through familiarity
Humor builds connection when it is done with care.
92%
Open to seeing comedy or humor in the TV and movies they watch.
Comedy is the most sought-out theme. But the response to individual scenes depends on whether humor treats people and their faith respectfully.
The place of comedy
Open to comedy / humor in TV and film92%
Say respectful humor is important in faith portrayals66%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| Open to comedy / humor in TV and film | 92% |
| Say respectful humor is important in faith portrayals | 66% |
Agree the scene uses humor respectfully
#6 · Nobody Wants This — Noah’s Sermon69%
#22 · Young Sheldon — Exploring Religion70%
#105 · Broad City — Yom Kippur48%
#106 · Mo — Nicolas’ Mom’s Prayer41%
View data table
| Audience / measure | Percent |
|---|---|
| #6 · Nobody Wants This — Noah’s Sermon | 69% |
| #22 · Young Sheldon — Exploring Religion | 70% |
| #105 · Broad City — Yom Kippur | 48% |
| #106 · Mo — Nicolas’ Mom’s Prayer | 41% |
“When they threw in the random crypto joke… you can kind of chuckle a little bit… loosen people up and then… they’ll be more receptive.”
“It never got past the stereotypical assumptions that are typically associated with various religions.”
2026 Faith & Entertainment Index · HarrisX
Across faith traditions
Different beliefs. Shared connection.
The story and experience mattered more than a specific faith tradition. Explore each audience’s ten highest-ranked scenes.
Christian
- Hacksaw RidgePlead Guilty
- The PittDr. Robby Thanks Whittaker
- Young SheldonSheldon Convincing His Mom
- Nobody Wants ThisNoah’s Sermon
- Hacksaw RidgeI Can’t Touch a Gun
- Hacksaw RidgeDesmond Asks God for Strength
- Nobody Wants ThisI Love You
- Hacksaw RidgeDesmond Speaks to Court
- God’s Not DeadSin Is Like a Jail Cell
- The West WingParable Conversation
Jewish
- The PittDr. Robby Thanks Whittaker
- Life of PiPi’s Religious Exploration
- Nobody Wants ThisI Love You
- Orange Is the New BlackCindy Wants to Convert
- ConclaveCardinal Benitez’s Revelation
- Midnight MassSheriff Hassan's Monologue on Dignity
- Nobody Wants ThisNoah’s Sermon
- HomelandSaul on Politics & Religion
- Hacksaw RidgeDesmond Asks God for Strength
- Orange Is the New BlackNicky’s Bat Mitzvah
Muslim
- King RichardFamily Dinner
- Nobody Wants ThisProgressive Rabbi Neil
- Hacksaw RidgePlead Guilty
- Life of PiPi’s Search for Religion
- Midnight MassSheriff Hassan's Monologue on Dignity
- Ramy“Islam Is Like an Orange”
- Young SheldonExploring Religion
- Young SheldonSheldon Convincing His Mom
- RamyRamy’s Family Meets Zainab’s
- The PittDr. Robby Thanks Whittaker
Atheists/ Agnostics
- Young SheldonSheldon Convincing His Mom
- The PittDr. Robby Thanks Whittaker
- CocoMiguel Into Land of the Dead
- The PittWhittaker Finds Dr. Robby
- Hacksaw RidgeDesmond Asks God for Strength
- The West WingParable Conversation
- Orange Is the New BlackCindy Wants to Convert
- Nobody Wants ThisNoah’s Sermon
- CocoDía de los Muertos
- Nobody Wants ThisI Love You
Tools for storytelling
Familiar moments make faith accessible.
Tools and plot devices that help ground audiences.
Family & intergenerational relationships
- Young Sheldon · Sheldon Convincing His Mom to Believe in God
- The Big Sick · Family Argument
Love & romance
- Nobody Wants This · I Love You
- This Is Us · Hospital Chapel
Respectful humor
- The Big Sick · Hospital Lunch
- Broad City · Yom Kippur
Warmth & lightness
- Coco · Miguel Crosses Into the Land of the Dead
- Nobody Wants This · Noah’s Sermon
What this means for creators
A small set of proven story moves.
Home runs
- Is entertaining
- Respectful humor
- Makes you reflect
- Is relatable
- Accurate depiction
- Emotionally moving
- Is easy to understand
- Authentic depiction
- Made for people like me
- Weaves naturally
High-potential, overlooked
- Layered, complex characters
- Appeal to people with no faith
- Teaches you something new about faith
- Appeal to people of a different faith
What the research makes clear
Faith resonates most
when it feels human.
Real people. Real stakes. Audiences respond to faith when it shows up in everyday moments—doubt, love, grief, courage.
When belief is woven naturally into honest characters and lived experience, it doesn’t limit who’s watching. It widens the circle.
Done right, faith doesn’t just entertain. It invites reflection. Builds empathy. And connects people across belief lines.
Explore Faith & Media Connect
The complete picture
Keep exploring.
Download the full 71-page report, its complete rankings, and shareable social graphics.
Social media assets
Connection beyond beliefDownload PNG 
A place for faithDownload PNG 
The audience opportunityDownload PNG Sources and editorial notes
Source: FAMI’s 2026 Faith & Entertainment Index and its downloadable HarrisX report.
The report supplies the exact interview count (12,723), scene count (106), and the correct “more relatable” label for the second before/after comparison. The web page repeats the “more appealing” label.
For Nobody Wants This · I Love You, Muslim rank #43 follows report p. 42; the source webpage says #87. The source embeds a Hacksaw Ridge clip for Noah’s Sermon; this page supplies the Netflix episode and timestamp instead.
Repeated, mismatched social commentary on the source page is not attributed to unrelated scenes here. Social listening is included where the report supports the scene association. The Pitt’s coding analysis follows report p. 39 rather than the unrelated awards list shown on the webpage.
In partnership with HarrisX.