The Baxters (2024– ) User Reviews

Loved the books

[wooten_heather-73350 · 6/10 · 14 April 2024]

I'm three episodes in and because I read the books I know what happens to Tim.

SPOILERS BELOW

While I appreciate that the cast has attempted to be diverse, why is the black man the one who cheats and wants a divorce? And Ryan the white savior comes back?

Come on, this could have been seen a mile away.

I just feel like he could have been any of the husbands and choosing him as that one was a decision that everyone made and could see the damage it could cause.

I loved these books even if I'm not a huge Christian anymore. I always thought it was funny that this husband gets murdered so his beloved Baxter daughter could end up with the football star.

Kari Baxter... why ?

[rosebailey2524 · 6/10 · 3 April 2024]

Kari Baxter character was the same level of annoying as scrappy doo. The writers of Scooby Doo at least the decency to write him out of show for past few decades (live action movies not counted). The writers of the Baxters weren't so merciful.

1. She shouldn't be doing marriage counseling when she can barely handle her own life.

2. She's hypocritical and it's never acknowledged 3. Her relationship with Tim makes me grind my teeth. She begs him to come back and then goes on a date with highschool love and kisses him. Then he's killed to make room for that relationship.

4. Why is she the example of unwavering faith ? Elizabeth is a much better example and doesn't get as much screen time.

The rest of the characters have their own moments of annoyance but it makes sense. They have redeemable characteristics much like Fred from Scooby. Honestly if we let Kari story line go , I would have rated the show much higher.

Good story except for Tim's death. Episodes shorter than I expected. Longer episodes would be easier to follow. I am aware that the author intended to include trauma and loss

[marywillingham-05016 · 7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Short episodes. Good storyline although tragic, especially the death of a main character. The Baxter daughters look alike enough to be confusing at times. The parents and other older adults are well played.

The actual length of each episode is 20 minutes or less with recap and ads; 45 minutes episodes would be keep continuity flowing. The original viewing time of the episodes could've been due to a 30-minute time slot. Good, clean conversations and family friendly content. Jesus is the answer to all our problems but not always instantly. It is through faith and patience we receive the promises of God. I would recommend this series, especially to young adults and mature teenagers.

Absolutely Loved It!

[charkless · 10/10 · 3 April 2024]

I stumbled upon this series at a time in my life when I needed it the most. I think the show was a great example of how to navigate the struggles of life as a believer. I loved how they tackled some of the most controversial situations in life and demonstrated how to navigate it through faith, grace and forgiveness. The Christian walk is oftentimes filled with unanswered questions and moments of unbelief, but to see God's grace covering his children was so beautiful. As a result, my faith was increased and I hope to see more of the Baxters in the years to come. I hope there will be a season 4!

Refreshing & Want More

[dania-14802 · 28 April 2024]

My sister told me about this series and I loved it. It is refreshing to watch a show that is honouring to God while still being real about the dramas of life. Although Elizabeth is far too calm when the world is upside down her spirit is a welcome change and an inspiration.

I truly hope you can continue this series with more seasons, or bring make more content like this available.

As a mom of five daughters and one son, I know the reality of large family troubles and drama. It was comforting to relate to some of the drama, struggles and reconciliation that happened in the story. Bravo well done and please being more content like this.

Disappointed.

[samantharachel-45478 · 3/10 · 21 April 2024]

I read Karen Kingsbury's series on the Baxters when I was around 14. I was obsessed, and often found myself praying for the characters. I so badly wanted it turned into a show for YEARS because it was my favourite book series. I've re-read them multiple times over the years and still love them just as much. So when the show finally came out I was ecstatic; especially Since Karen had a part in the production. Which is why I think I'm so disappointed in the show.

The characters are not at all what I envisioned while reading the books. Elizabeth saying she would punch Tim? Or John encouraging divorce? The books portray them in such a biblical and godly light. I realize that they're human, but they just did not come across at all how the books made them seem.

The messages of faith felt empty and and yet pushy (coming from a Christian!), and so incredibly fake and forced. I also REALLY hated how they had people saying "God!" or "Oh god!" in exasperation. The Lord's name in vain is the one thing I absolutely do not think needs to be in any TV series, let alone a faith based one and I am very disappointed that it happens as often as it does, let alone happens at all.

The storyline changed so much in comparison to the book (I read them not even 6 months ago) and while the changes might not seem like a big deal to some people, it changes the entire storyline for me. Ultimately I will watch more seasons as they come out but I don't have high expectations for it. I guess for those looking for reviews it's not a terrible show in comparison to the worldly shows out there. But from someone who waited 15 years for the books to be turned into a show, it's not one I would recommend if you care about similarity or accuracy.

Loved watching these books come to life!

[cehutton-39973 · 9/10 · 2 April 2024]

I was so excited to finally see these books come to life after hearing it was in production. The books are obviously more fulsome in length/story telling but I think overall the adaptation to the screen is pretty good. My only criticism is that I wish the episodes were a bit longer as I think it would have helped the stories not feel as rushed and there were some moments in the first couple of episodes where some of the actors felt like they were acting but it did improve over the episodes. I really hope there will be more seasons that finish off the series and go into the spin off books. If you haven't read the books you likely won't enjoy the show quite as much but it would still be worth the watch if you enjoy wholesome shows with real life problems.

I wanted to love this...

[vickieescalante · 3/10 · 5 April 2024]

I've read almost every Karen Kingsbury book and every book in this series, but I can't love this show. First, it doesn't follow the books fully to the point that it was confusing. I guess I know all can't follow the books exactly, but this was not what the books were like.

The acting wasn't great and all of these sisters are a bit of not completely annoying. I know that Christian films and tv shows struggle due to budget, etc., but the stilted dialogue added to the lack of strong acting made it difficult to watch.

Again, I watched all the seasons to try to like it and I just didn't. Lastky, watching the HUGE change in Season 2 to what was in the books was difficult to stomach as it felt like it was trying to just "rip from the headlines" instead of follow what she originally wrote.

I love this show!

[sjtjuiceplus · 10/10 · 29 March 2024]

First off, I have been waiting for The Baxter family to make it to the TV screen for years. I love Karen Kingsbury so much. I appreciate that she writes about real life issues, but in a grace-filled way. This show is everything I'd hoped for! I love all of the characters. I appreciate the stories coming to life on screen. This show is so well done, and it's a breath of fresh air. I am looking forward to watching more episodes soon. Just a note though: This show is not for young children, and would be best for teens or older. It will definitely open up conversations, which is awesome! Love it!!

so so show

[ripler-11813 · 6/10 · 1 April 2024]

If you enjoyed "Chesapeake Shores", then you might enjoy this one too. "The Basters" seems much like "Chesapeake Shores", but heavy on religion!? Unlike in real life, characters in this(The Basters)show are super religious, incredibly polite goody two shoes, and definitely not from this planet! Writers must have had a overacting imagination with a lot of experience in all things fictional, bordering on science fiction to have written scripts for this show. Personally though, I liked Chesapeake more, mostly because it presented life much more realistically, propagating self reliance instead of waiting on celestial forces to fix one's problems!

I give it a 5. In the middle.

[fredapeace · 5/10 · 6 April 2024]

At times, the characters seem inconsistent and not well acted. Kari seems pretentious... going from divorce goes against God's will to kissing Ryan to acting like Tim only needs to do the work for their marriage when she also needs to work through some things as well. You are left thinking that she hold others more accountable and puts herself on a pedestal.

I think the way the actor plays Luke presents Luke as genuine.

Sometimes, it feels as though the onscreen Baxter family play to a different standard then to the one they set others (who are not their family) to.

If you're a Christian and filled with the Holy Spirit having real depth in the Lord, it can be somewhat jarring to hear things like "Should we see what God has planned for us today?" (S1, E2). Uhh, come on!

What seems to be statement of faith is really just Christianese language. They say things sometimes without no real understanding or grit to them. I appreciate they're just actors.

On the other hand, I guess it's a Christian faith based show so that's good. Better than watching other stuff.

Wonderful & Necessary changes!

[saralou-03553 · 10/10 · 5 April 2024]

The way the writers rewrote the series to be in the current era (2019+) and not turn into a 9/11 tribute were so great.

This series is 23 years removed from the book & 9/11 tragedy and if they had followed that part of the books, it would have overshadowed. And been 23 years old.

Not every detail of the books needed to be exactly followed. Angela's part *needed* to be trimmed. The manner & location when Tim dies is really irrelevant - sadly, him dying is the end goal of the story. The main point is Landon and Reagan needed to leave. And go somewhere they could be found.

The movies are never the same as the books!! ;) The Baxter purists should probably go back and just read the 20+ books. I probably will, for fun!

My one criticism is, I wish each episode was longer. Like a 1 hour drama: 43 minutes of story, 2or3 commercial breaks.

Just okay - easy watch

[christinemumma · 5/10 · 7 April 2024]

This show is fine. The acting is mediocre, story line is overly dramatic and unrealistic, and the hype on the faith portion/instant solution once characters (apparently for the first time?) discuss their inner-most motivations is trite. Ted and Roma are seasoned, quality actors. Put it on in the background or as a throw-away.

Death, abandonment, trauma are treated as simple concerns to overcome. The production is decent, nothing more.

Explaining who the characters are, their motivations, and even who each of the children are and their families is not immediately clear which makes this inferior to other similar shows like Chesapeake Bay or Virgin River.

Incredible series!

[jqnzknyz · 10/10 · 30 March 2024]

Ashley Baxter is my favorite character in this incredible show! Hats off to author Karen Kingsbury and Roma Downey and everyone who was involved. The storyline is incredible. The actors are incredible. Please film more seasons !!!!!! Karen Kingsbury is a brilliant writer Roma Downey is a brilliant producer and it was brilliantly directed as well!!!! Hopefully this will be the forerunner for many more faith and positive family shows to come. I love how the series sticks so closely to the books. There could be so many more episodes and i hope there are! This franchise could go on forever. Amazon would be wise to consider this. The possibilities are endless if they will stick to the books.

What's up with the endings?

[indylo-40897 · 5/10 · 21 April 2024]

This is a great show but why are the storylines so blurred or just on to the next?

For example

What happened to the boy who killed Tim? Why don't we find out? Is he just roaming around with a gun? Why hasnt he gotten arrested?

What happened to the girl who dated Tim?

Who was the shooter of the church?

Why did all the black people die from the show or just fade out?

Why did Kari move on so quickly after Tim's death?

Why didn't Tim have a funeral?

I think the writer should spend more time working out the storylines for this show to be more cohesive unless it's a budgeting issue then I completely understand.

Excellent show

[hsyhnfcq · 10/10 · 29 March 2024]

This is a wonderful show about family, faith, forgiveness and redemption. The actors did a great job and the storylines pulled me in. I hope they will shoot more seasons so that we can continue to enjoy the day to day lives of all the Baxters. There are many more stories to be told based on the books. My favorite character is Ashley. Masey McClain does a great job portraying her and showing the tension between her and her family based on the things she has been through and the dynamics between siblings and parents It's refreshing to be able to watch a show that's entertaining while also handling real life situations and challenges.

Roma does it again!

[presencevw · 3/10 · 26 April 2024]

I'm not a BLMer or someone who sees race behind every corner but Roma has done it again. Some years ago Roma Downey got into a little bit of trouble with her casting in the series The Bible. By and large, the bad people were dark skinned and the good people were white. So it is not surprising in The Baxters that the problem husband is black, leaving room for a white good guy to save the day. It's hurtful and disappointing but not surprising. I think little Roma has an issue with black men. It happens. After watching two and a half episodes, I realized that the show a bit too predictable to be my cup of tea.

The Baxter Family FINALLY on film!

[ribbit-69878 · 9/10 · 3 April 2024]

I loved how this series of books that all began what seems like a lifetime ago (but in reality was closer to 20 years ago) are finally on film. While small things were changed as the book were written to film, the integrity (in my humble opinion) of the original author's work appears to be in tact. I couldn't wait to read each new book of the Redemption series when they originally were released. I recall rushing to the book store of library to read each new installment, and the same goes for these filmed episodes. Great to watch, wonderful characters who I hope to eventually see in more than 3 seasons of these episodes!

Terrible series

[denning_emily · 1/10 · 1 April 2024]

I haven't read the books in a few years, but I remember enough to recognize all the ways they COMPLETELY changed the story line. The actors were terrible and did not portray the characters at all. Elizabeth Baxter would have NEVER said she felt like punching someone in the face. Tim did not die at his house. He was shot at Angela's house after she lied and told him she was pregnant. Luke and Reagan's relationship is all wrong. Ashley and Ryan's relationship is all wrong. Honestly all the relationships and interactions were not portrayed well. Extremely disappointed in how this show turned out after being so excited about it.

Love It!

[jamiafwife · 10/10 · 30 March 2024]

I've read through all these books twice and am so excited for this show coming out! I've binge watched the first season in two days and while a few things have changed, it's still great and mostly alligned to the books. The casting is wonderful and even if not exactly how I pictured in my head, most have already grown on me and seem perfect. I'm so glad this series was made into a show and I hope there are plans to keep making more seasons because this is one of the best series I've read and they've done such an amazing job turning it into a show. We need wholesome shows like this available to be able to watch with our teenagers.

Cheesy and bad acting that even Ted McGinley cannot make up for

[lisabrowntemporary · 5/10 · 25 April 2024]

Not the quality I expect from Amazon. This show is cheesy, full of bad acting and even worse theology. Yet I continue to watch to find out what happens next and I know it's because episodes are only 20 minutes long. If I had to spend a full 40 minutes per episode I would have walked alway already. I am a fan of Christian fiction. I tried reading Karen Kingsbury years ago and found her books to be shallow. I was 3 episodes in when I saw that this series is based on her books and understood why I'm not crazy about this series. I have one exception to this review - Ted McGinley. His does a great job but he cannot carry the entire series on his shoulders.

Relevant and Hopeful in the Messes of Life

[carlasjoyfullnoise · 10/10 · 2 April 2024]

I'm so thankful for this series. It gives me hope for my family and the next generation. This beautiful series walks us through the messes of an amazing committed family, and gives courage and hope for situations many find themselves in throughout life. For me personally, it has brought me encouragement, patience, and hope for my adult children who are in some challenging situations. The acting is superb, as the actors present real beautiful emotion in life. I feel their pain, joy and hope as deeply as they present it. Thank you, Francine Rivers, Roma Downey and team for taking us on this beautiful journey of real relevant lives surrounded by hope.

Horrible but better than most Christian television

[kjnakamura · 3/10 · 24 April 2024]

This show is horrible. There is no reason to watch it if you're not a devout Christian whose entire personality revolves around being a Christian.

I gave it a 3/10 instead of a 1 or 2 strictly because one or two of the actors are actually decent and the cinematography is pretty respectable for the most part.

The writing is easily a 1/10.

Now, I believe the following spoiler will demonstrate to you just how uninspiring the show's writing is:

There are a man and woman, supposedly in college but played by 30+ year old actors, who are deeply in love and want to abstain from sex until marriage. Three whole episodes revolve around them trying to keep it in their pants, including a lovely scene in S01E06 with the woman's father giving "the talk" to the man like he's a 12 year old. Obviously, episode 6 concludes with them having sex (oh no!), and the following episode opens with them panicking for fear of her father finding out (but, shouldn't they be more worried about their dear Lord knowing...?). She lies to her father on the phone and tells him she will meet him at church instead of riding together. In the next scene, a mass shooting occurs at the church, killing her father before she arrives. The kicker is that she now hates her boyfriend because her father is dead "because they had sex".

This is just phenomenal to me; the moral of the story is that if you have premarital sex, people could DIE and it will be your fault! Never have sex, folks, or else the Lord will murder everyone you love, just like any loving God would do. Praise be to God!

Love

[ynrpb · 10/10 · 2 April 2024]

This show is amazing. So wonderful and I love how God is such a big part of this show. My mom had read all the books and I am going to start reading them. I sure hope we get more seasons of this wonderful show. This world needs a show like The Baxters. Wholesome and full of God.

This show talks about real problems that we can face in our lives and shows how you can still love and honor God through the messiness of this world. We all make mistakes and we all fall short in different ways and God is always there for us.

I just hope we have more seasons and get to see more of God. It's hard in this world we live in now to find good shows and movies that talk openingly about faith and doesn't have a bunch of language and ugly stuff in it.

Please make more seasons!

You probably have to love the books!

[mrsrog · 9/10 · 2 April 2024]

In order to love this series. I do hope it continues. God knows we need some decent programming to watch! Read the books first. The series will make much more sense if you do. It is a wonderful family drama. A family that is not perfect and has it's share of struggles but shows how God leads them through those struggles and never leaves them. God isn't looking for perfection. These stories portray that so well. The characters are fabulous if you will stick with this and hopefully they will give us more, I don't think you will regret watching it. Give it a chance. Write a re. It will definitely help.