KINGS
A compelling, God-centered David story for teenagers and adults.
Should You Watch It?
KINGS is an entertaining, well-produced modern retelling of David’s story. Its strongest reason to watch is its God-centered perspective: God calls Silas, directs Samuel to anoint David, and remains clearly central to the series.
The series also takes liberties with the biblical account. Jonathan is clearly homosexual, David is sometimes less courageous than the biblical David, and the first episode contains at least 10 obscenities. There is also bloody violence, while the second episode contains two obscenities.
If you are choosing for teenagers or adults who can exercise discernment around mature content, KINGS is worth watching for its compelling story and theocentric vision.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESKINGS relocates the story of David to a modern kingdom. David charges into battle to rescue Jonathan, the son of King Silas, and quickly becomes a hero.
But David’s rise unsettles the king, especially as signs associated with Silas begin appearing around David. As the kingdom faces pressure from Gath and from within, David’s courage, calling, and vulnerability draw him into a dangerous royal struggle.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means KINGS is a highly entertaining and convincing series. It is well produced, and the story is intriguing enough to make this modern reimagining work on its own terms.
Ian McShane is terrific as Silas. Some of the dialogue is a little arcane, but the story itself remains compelling. David’s vulnerability makes him more sympathetic, even when he appears less courageous than the David of the Bible.
The Worldview
KINGS presents a very God-centered, Judeo-Christian worldview. God is clearly the hero of the series: He calls Silas, speaks to Samuel, and directs the anointing of David. Against that spiritual center stand war mongers, corrupt officials, and hedonists.
The series also portrays a homosexual Jonathan, whose father rebukes him and tells him he must get over it if he wants to be king. It includes a mention that God used evolution. These liberties and ideas depart from the biblical account, even as the series retains the central theme of God’s authority over kings and kingdoms.
The story’s deepest strength is its insistence that human power remains subject to God’s calling. Scripture says, “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Very God-centered, Juedo-Christian worldview talking about God’s anointing and God’s miracles, with a prophetic black preacher, opposed by war mongers, corrupt officials and hedonists, plus homosexual character and a mention that God used evolution; 10 obscenities in the first episode, two obscenities in the second; warfare and violence including hospital scenes of bloody wounds and people dying; barroom scenes of couples kissing and Jonathan is clearly homosexual and rebuked by his father, plus David kisses; upper male nudity; drinking at state dinners; and, assassinations, corruption, bribery, blackmail.
Talk About It
Four questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
The series places human rulers under God’s authority. What does it look like to obey God when power, fear, or ambition pulls in another direction?
1 Samuel 15:22–23 · Romans 13:1David’s vulnerability makes him more sympathetic. How can weakness become a place where God’s strength is seen?
2 Corinthians 12:9–10The story contrasts faithful leadership with war, corruption, and selfish ambition. What qualities should mark a leader who seeks the good of others?
Micah 6:8 · Mark 10:42–45KINGS presents God as the one who calls and directs people. How can you test whether a voice or desire is truly leading you toward God?
James 1:5 · 1 John 4:1The Final Word
KINGS is a polished, intriguing retelling with a clear God-centered vision. Its mature content calls for discernment, especially around younger viewers, but teenagers and adults may find its treatment of calling and divine authority worthwhile. WORTH WATCHING — TEENAGERS AND ADULTS.
