Joan of Arcadia

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Joan of Arcadia ranks 717 out of the 18,225 shows on TV.com.

The 1,081 users who count themselves as Joan of Arcadia fans have written a total of 112 reviews.

Status

Premiered

Ended

Genre

Theme

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Joan of Arcadia is a drama that follows a typical family facing atypical situations, not the least of which is their teenage daughter's conversations with God. A tough but soft-hearted police detective in Arcadia, Will Girardi (Joe Mantegna) dreams of providing a safe haven for his family and community. An... more »

Joan of Arcadia is a drama that follows a typical family facing atypical situations, not the least of which is their teenage daughter's conversations with God. A tough but soft-hearted police detective in Arcadia, Will Girardi (Joe Mantegna) dreams of providing a safe haven for his family and community. An outbreak of serious crime in his idyllic new town has challenged Girardi's desire for order, as have the ups and downs he faces with his family. Daughter Joan (Amber Tamblyn), an average teenager, has been acting a little strange. Most don't know that it has to do with the unusual way various people keep popping up, introducing themselves as God and then giving her specific directions to do things, such as get a job, join the debate team or volunteer with children. The appearances are hard for her to believe, even more so as she never knows who's going to turn up next. One minute it's a cute boy her own age, the next it's the lunch lady or a little girl. She'd been keeping it a secret from everyone, though she has finally revealed it to her artistic and generally sensitive boyfriend, Adam (Christopher Marquette), who believes she's been experiencing hallucinations.

Rounding out the Girardi family are her art-teacher mother, Helen (Mary Steenburgen); her 16-year-old science-geek brother, Luke (Michael Welch), and her older, newspaper-writer brother, Kevin (Jason Ritter), a former high-school sports star who is in a wheelchair as a result of a car accident. Joan's unlikely new best friend is her publicly caustic and rebellious, but privately insightful and supportive classmate, Grace (Becky Wahlstrom). Unsure of what God wants--if God exists--and if she's even sane, Joan tentatively follows God's cryptic directives, all the while trying to retain a normal teenaged existence. Theme Song:

"One of Us" Performed by Joan Osborne

CBS Broadcast History:

September 2003 - May 2005 --- Friday 8:00 pm

Awards and Nominations:

2003 - Won - People's Choice Awards - Favorite New Dramatic Series
2003 - Won - American Film Institute - Top 10 TV Programs of the Year
2004 - Nominated - Golden Globes - Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series (Drama): Amber Tamblyn
2004 - Nominated - Golden Satellite Awards - Best Performance by an Actress in a Series (Drama): Amber Tamblyn
2004 - Won - Golden Satellite Awards - Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series (Drama): Mary Steenburgen
2004 - Won - Saturn Awards - Best Actress on TV: Amber Tamblyn
2004 - Nominated - SyFy Genre Awards - Best Young Actor: Amber Tamblyn and Michael Welch
2004 - Won - The Humanitas Prize - 60 Minute TV Category: Pilot episode
2004 - Nominated - The Humanitas Prize - 60 Minute TV Category: The Uncertainty Principle episode
2004 - Nominated - Television Critics Assn. - Outstanding New Program
2004 - Nominated - Teen Choice Awards - Best TV Show: Drama, TV Actress Drama: Amber Tamblyn, and Choice Fresh Face: Amber Tamblyn
2004 - Nominated - Emmy - Outstanding Drama Series; Outstanding Lead Actress in Drama Series: Amber Tamblyn; Outstanding Guest Actress in Drama Series: Louis Fletcher (Do The Math episode)
2004 - Nominated - Artios Awards - Dramatic Pilot Casting: Vicki Rosenberg
2004 - Won - The Family Television Awards - Best Drama Series and TV Actress: Amber Tamblyn less «

• Jesus?

  I have only just started on the second series but I couldn't wait to find the answer to my question. Was Jesus ever men...more »

  I have only just started on the second series but I couldn't wait to find the answer to my question. Was Jesus ever mentioned? Did Joan ever ask about him or did God ever bring him up becouse if not then it seems like a rather large thing to omit not to mention that he could teach a little something to Joan about personal sacrafice. less «

  alyssa01 Last online 5 hrs, 24 mins ago
  5 comments, last one Feb 25, 2009 + Add Comment

• Q: About opening song

  Curious: Seeking opinions (if applicable) or facts (if available). The song, "What If God Were One of Us?" is a particula...more »

  Curious: Seeking opinions (if applicable) or facts (if available). The song, "What If God Were One of Us?" is a particularly ironic choice for the show, since it is specifically about a God who is distant, cold, and detached from us. One who does not understand our problems and suffering. The show, however, aims to show that God is no such thing, that He really does care, but that we don't always see the basis for it due to our own limitations. That it all really does have a "deeper meaning". So my question is: Was the choice of the song cluelessness on the part of someone on the production staff (hey, it might have been mandated from on-high by some idiots at the studio), or was the very strong irony unintentional? If it was cluelessness, that would seem unusual for the producers, who usually show an impressive level of talent. If anyone actually knows of any "official" commentary about this, it would be nice to read it. If not, feel free to chime in your thoughts or opinions.less «

  igotbupkis Last online 2 days ago
  4 comments, last one Jan 1, 2009 + Add Comment

• Song playing at the end of the episode titled "a night without stars"

  Does anyone konw the song was that was playing when Joan's father came to joan's mum sat on the couch at the end of the episode when they hugged? Please, help me. i really liked that song. thank you xxxx

  Does anyone konw the song was that was playing when Joan's father came to joan's mum sat on the couch at the end of the episode when they hugged? Please, help me. i really liked that song. thank you xxxxless «

  lindz_01 Last online Dec 30, 2008
  2 comments, last one Jan 1, 2009 + Add Comment

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  9.8 Superb

  I loved this episode... heck, I loved the show itself... hide « show »

  I loved this episode, but I do wish that we could have seen some of the future for the family... like who Joan, Luke, and what's his name of a brother... actually marry? And what will happen to the brother in the wheelchair? Does he ever walk again? And will Joan & her friends be able to stop the guy who's starting all the fires.... especially before anyone gets seriously hurt? And will anyone but her close friends believe who is starting the fires?
  
  We can only imagine what will happen, since the show's been cancelled, and has been for awhile now... and possibly even write some fanfiction/stories about the show itself, and all the character developments, etc...

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  peacejaw Added Feb 1, 2009 All my reviews
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  10 Perfect

  One of the most highly intelligent shows ever written about the place of God in human society, shown through the view of a young high school girl, and those of her family as it copes with its own tragedy. hide « show »

  Unfortunately, this show was a particularly intelligent one for people who AREN'T particularly religious (or are filled with doubt, or have problems with the classic view of God).
  
  It had issues with appealing to actually highly religious people. I won't detail them much, but the one PC sop, having God appear as a rather effete male, suggesting that it's ok to be gay is sure to annoy some religious types, with adequate Biblical argument on their side (regardless of if oyu agree, it's still going to annoy many highly religious people). I think it should have been either left as a topic-to-be-avoided (such as denominational issues, including judaism, Xtianity, and Islam) or confronted head on, with some sort of acknowledgement of what the Bible states but leaving the fact that it's between each person and God rather than something to be enforced by others. The show did neither, which did not help.
  
  That said, there was a movement by some Xtian groups to write-in to save the show, so not all Xtians were sufficiently offended by the show, which was on the cusp after the second season. Its initial popularity obviously surprised the hell out of CBS -- there's a reason they put it in the Friday Night Death Zone in the first place (remember, The Passion of the Christ came out in 2004, the first Narnia in 2005. Joan debuted in 2003).
  
  Another issue -- God is not supposed to appear to anyone again, after Jesus, until the Second Coming -- i.e., there are no further prophets (including Mohammed) -- which I have no problem with in the context of the show, as it is certainly never claimed or suggested that Joan is a prophet -- but I know at least one person who cited the Biblical passage as an excuse to reject the show unseen, and yes, I think he's an idiot. So its basis can chase away part of the "obvious" audience, Xtians, while not making its appeal known to the actual target -- people open to belief but who have problems with the classic view of God. This show is very good for people who consider themselves Agnostic or even somewhat Athiestic, or who have Really Serious Doubts -- because I believe it presents a view of God which is more humanistic and rationalistic than many "official" views. If the basis for your disbelief and doubt is associated with problems with the "classic view" of God, this show may provide you with a view you will find more acceptable to your own sense of Right And Wrong. I think that God, in this show, makes sense in light of the problems in this world. That can be a basis for Faith.
  
  I'm not making any promises -- YMMV -- but I think it's a fantastic show, exceedingly well written, with excellent acting and characters, and it does address issues with God, and The Problems of the World (and why God may choose to not interfere) with a remarkable level of intelligence and wisdom. If you don't believe in God, you may, watching this show, find a view of God which you can respect and believe in.
  
  At the very least, the show can be a good source of some great late-night BS sessions in a college dorm about religion and its place in society. And that's not necessarily a bad way to find religion, either.
  
  It is unfortunate that the show ended so abruptly, but, despite the cliffhanger series end, it's still very much worth the time spent watching it.

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  igotbupkis Added Jul 8, 2008 All my reviews
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  9 Superb

  An excellent show exploring concepts of God and the connectivity we share with others without eluding specifically to any religious doctrine. Started off as a somewhat strange premise to me but grew on me rather quickly. hide « show »

  I think that this show really endeared itself to me rather quickly despite my initial impressions of crossing a police drama with a spiritual teen drama. After a few episodes, it seemed that the production settled well into its premise and repeatedly foreshadowed ideas not expressed until later in the show. Though presenting at least 2 (?) religious approaches, the show did not connect itself to them at least from the prospective of a teen girl carrying on a relationship with God. Casting was great and each character really began to take on 3 dimensional aspects of their own. I sometimes disapproved of ultimate plots designed for at least two characters from the show but as a whole am glad to have watched it.
  
  A strange deviation in concept planned for a 3rd season, it is truly a shame as I even still would have enjoyed seeing it. Personally, I cannot imagine how the new concepts would be approached...

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  ScarletPanda Added Jun 16, 2008 All my reviews
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  10 Perfect

  Who can I contact who has enough influence to get this show back on television? hide « show »

  I was devastated when this show went off the air. The show is entertaining as well as insightful. My family and I watched the show and we all loved it!!!!
  
  I have NEVER taken the time to write about something like this. I was spurred to action after watching a Joan of Arcadia rerun. I think it was (and could be again) the best show on television. Why do networks cancel shows like Joan of Arcadia and continue to invent these ridiculous reality shows? Who cares who can eat worms or be picked as the most eligible bachelor? Give Joan of Arcadia a little advertising and hype and I really think the number of viewers will continually increase as they hear about it from friends and family. The world is changing and more and more people are moving from traditional religious thinking to a broader understanding of spirituality. I think this show can support this greater understanding and help the world to become a better place!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  lheebner Added Jun 5, 2008 All my reviews
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  9 Superb

  Joan of Arcadia is just not the typical teenage drama,it's a masterpiece. hide « show »

  One of the deepest shows television has ever had.It showed us the true emotions of life,showed us how hard the life is and that it is so hard to fit into it.The show has totally a hreatwarming note and tells us that the life is tough but there is always someone who can be good and who can help you.
  Joan is young and confused teenager who can talk to God.It is controversial if the voice of God is just in her head.The show shows us how confused are the nowadays teenager and that the voice of God can be just some precaution for Joan.
  Her life is tougher because of her family.Her older brother is paralysed and depressed.His story is one of the deepest of a paralyzed man I have watched on television.Every story of this series has something to say to everyone.The paralyzed boy storyline shows everyone that noone should loose their hope and to believe that wonders can happen.
  Joan's younger brother is a jerk and tries to fit into the high school teen life.
  Joan's father is, I don't remember clearly,something connected with the police and his job is hard enough to handle a family.
  It's a great series that have been praised both by the viewers and the critics.It's surprising how a somehow teen oriented show is nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series but it truly shows the series's potenitial.And the performance of Amber Tamblyn is one of the greatest I have seen in my life so far.She is also nominated for Emmy and Golden Globe.
  A perfect series with great actors,characters and storylines.

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  martooo_m Added Mar 30, 2008 All my reviews