Tonight is the series premiere of ‘The Real O’neals’ airs, a new comedy that could have a religious following.
But it's religion that's bringing critical attention to the show.
In the new series we meet a seemingly normal Irish Catholic family that soon becomes anything but.
And while some local church leaders say the show is out of line, others believe it is just shedding light on some of today's realities.
Program creators Casey Johnson and David Windsor took this sitcom to a new level, highlighting some of today's biggest controversies in the Catholic church.
Leaving many Bakersfield church leaders like John Kauffman, the Parish Manager at St. Joseph’s, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Deacon David Rodriguez, with split opinions.
“It sounds very realistic. It's something that I myself and many other people, regardless if I'm a Catholic or not, have run into in our own lives,” said Kauffman.
“It's a little dissappointing the way they portray the average Catholic Family, they seem to go to extremes when it comes to traditions that the church holds and the way they're portrayed on the TV show,” said Rodriguez.
The sitcom introduces us to a family of five -- mom, dad and three kids.
At first glance you notice four smiles -- and a frown.
But when you look closer you'll notice four white halos -- and one rainbow.
This sign being a direct reference to the boy's sexual orientation.
Just one reason that has pushed potential viewers to take a critical look at the writing.
“And they're pushing a real hard agenda...It seems like they went above and beyond to point out certain elements and really make those a sharp point of the story line,” said Rodriguez.
And when it comes to religion, many realize that this is just another way portraying today's reality and not just taking a stab at Catholicism.
Whether you're a Catholic, or a Presbyterian, or a Baptist these things happen in your family,” said Kauffman.
And while many of these controversial topics continue to be discussed, Msgr. Craig Harrison of St. Francis Parish said that these are things that this generation is slowly be accustomed to.
“You know we didn't deal with, people in gay life styles were closeted and nobody ever spoke about it and divorce in the Catholic faith was very rare. Families didn't,” said Harrison.
