aTVfest screening ‘Miracle Workers’ gives audiences a sneak peek​​ into the pil​o​t

by Lisa Shore

“Miracle Workers” is a TV show adapted from Simon Rich’s novel, “What in God’s Name?” It stars Steve Buscemi as God, and his angels Daniel Radcliffe, Karan Soni and Geraldine Viswanathan. The Heaven-set workplace comedy premieres on TBS this spring. The show screened its pilot and second episode during SCAD’s aTVfest to a packed house on the mainstage of SCADshow.

Audiences should be familiar with show creator Simon Rich. He’s the creator of the hit show “Man Seeking Woman” and writer of its source material “The Last Girlfriend on Earth.” Still not ringing the familiarity bell? Rich’s father is the legendary columnist, Frank Rich. Unfortunately, there’s no known diagnostic test to determine if writing skill is hereditary. That being said, every writer knows or finds out real fast, that a great connection only gets you in the door. It’s up to you to stay.

Directed by former “Saturday Night Live” writer and one-third of Lonely Island’s magic comedic triangle, Jorma Taccone, “Miracle Workers” is a slight departure from the source material. The show opens as God (Buscemi) sits on his big white couch in the sky, wearing sweat pants, drinking beer and watching the world he created implode. 

God’s inner circle is executive Sanjay, (Karan Soni) and administrative assistant Rosie (Lolly Adefope). The novel makes it clear that staff members are angels and archangels. This distinction isn’t as clear in the screen adaptation. What’s clear is that on Earth, as it is Heaven, there’s a pecking order — a hierarchy. You don’t just get to bend God’s ear without going through a series of gate-keepers. Also clear is the show’s premise that God has lost all hope and faith in humanity, and intends to blow up Earth and use the new space to open a restaurant. He calls a company-wide meeting to deliver the news. 

Craig (Daniel Radcliffe) heads up the woefully woeful and understaffed Department of Unanswered Prayers. But things are about to look up, not just for him, but the world. Enter dissatisfied Department of Dirt employee, Eliza (Geraldine Viswanathan). When Eliza walks into the story, so does the show’s first crack of sunlight. These new miracle coworkers get to work balancing out each other and plotting to save the world from God himself.  A deadline is set. A bet is made. And love is the only thing that will save the world.

The episodes, 30 minutes each, screened back-to-back to a packed audience and were followed by a Q&A discussion led by Entertainment Weekly’s Shirly Lee. Joining Lee on stage were “Miracle Workers” director Jorma Taccone, and castmates Jon Bass, Sasha Compere and Karan Soni.  The panel covered topics ranging from the unique set and costume design to creator Rich’s work, and the cool and intimidating factor of working opposite screen legend Buscemi. Next, Lee fielded questions from an audience full of fans of the show “Man Seeking Woman.”

“Miracle Workers” premiers Tuesday, Feb. 12 on TBS.