Miracle Workers (2019 TV series)
Miracle Workers is an American anthology comedy television series created by Simon Rich for TBS. It is based on Rich's writings, with each season being based on a different work. The first season was based on his 2012 novel "What in God's Name" and the short story "Revolution" provided the basis for the second season. The series stars an ensemble cast comprising Daniel Radcliffe, Steve Buscemi, Geraldine Viswanathan, Jon Bass, Karan Soni, Sasha Compère, and Lolly Adefope. "Miracle Workers" premiered on February 12, 2019, with its seven-episode first season. A ten-episode  second season, subtitled "Dark Ages", premiered in January 2020. The third season, subtitled "Oregon Trail", premiered on July 13, 2021. In November 2021, the series was renewed for a fourth season. Premise. Season 1. The first season follows Craig, a low-level angel responsible for handling all of humanity's prayers, and Eliza, a recent transfer from the Department of Dirt. Their boss, God, has pretty much checked out to focus on his favorite hobbies. To prevent Earth's destruction, Craig and Eliza must achieve their most impossible miracle to date. The season is based on Rich's novel "What  in God's Name". Season 2. The second season is set during the Dark Ages, and is based on Rich's short story "Revolution". It stars Steve Buscemi as Eddie Shitshoveler, Geraldine Viswanathan as Alexandra Shitshoveler, and Daniel Radcliffe as Prince Chauncley. Season 3. Reverend Ezekiel Brown leads his dying, famine-stricken town for a better life on the Oregon Trail, taking in notorious outlaw Benny the Teen as trailmaster. Production. Development. On May 17, 2017, TBS announced that it had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of seven episodes. The series was created by  Simon Rich and based on his novel "What in God's Name". Executive producers were expected to include Rich, Lorne Michaels, Andrew Singer, Daniel Radcliffe, and Owen Wilson. Production companies involved with the series were slated to consist of Broadway Video and Studio T. On October 19, 2017, it was announced that Wilson would no longer be serving as an executive producer and would be replaced with Steve Buscemi. On May 15, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season. On November 20, 2019, it was announced that the second season, titled "Miracle Workers: Dark Ages", would premiere on  January 28, 2020. On August 6, 2020, the series was renewed for a third season that will focus on the Wild West and Oregon Trail. On May 19, 2021, it was announced that the third season, titled "Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail", would premiere on July 13, 2021. On November 3, 2021, TBS renewed the series for a fourth season. Casting. Alongside the initial series order announcement, it was confirmed that Daniel Radcliffe and Owen Wilson would star in the series. On October 19, 2017, it was announced Steve Buscemi had replaced Wilson in the role of God after the latter  had decided to vacate the part. In November 2017, "Deadline Hollywood" and "Variety" reported that Geraldine Viswanathan, Jon Bass, Karan Soni, and Sasha Compère had been cast in series regular roles. On March 25, 2018, it was announced that Lolly Adefope had joined the cast in a main role. On May 27, 2021, Quinta Brunson joined in recurring role for the third season. Filming. Principal photography for the first season took place in December 2017 and January 2018 in and around Atlanta, Georgia. Filming took place in Norcross, Georgia, on December 29, 2017, and in Piedmont Park on January 16 , 2018. Release. On December 4, 2018, TBS announced that the series would premiere on February 12, 2019. On February 8, 2019, TBS released the first episode of the series on its official YouTube channel. In Australia, the series has same day release on the streaming service Stan. Marketing. On December 5, 2018, TBS released a teaser trailer for the series. On December 19, 2018, the official full length trailer was released. Premiere. On January 26, 2019, the series held a screening of the pilot episode during the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Those in attendance included Daniel Radcliffe, Geraldine Viswanathan, Karan  Soni, and Simon Rich. Reception. Critical response. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series's first season has an approval rating of 74% based on reviews from 39 critics, with an average rating of 6.26/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "More charming than clever, "Miracle Workers" functions as a palatable showcase of Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi's quirky star power." On Metacritic it has a score of 61 out of 100 based on reviews from 19 critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series's second season has an approval rating of 78% based on reviews from 9 critics, with an average  rating of 5.60/10.