The Faithful: Women of the Bible debuts Sunday, March 22, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on Fox. This three-week mini-series explores the lives of five Genesis matriarchs: Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel.
While Scripture frequently highlights Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the women who stood beside them often remain in the shadows. The Faithful brings these timeless stories to life, reframing biblical history through the perspectives of the women who lived it.
The premiere episode, “The Woman Who Bowed to No One,” stars Minnie Driver as Sarah and Natacha Karam as Hagar. From the opening scenes, the deep bond between Sarah and Abraham (Jeffrey Donovan) is clear. Early on, Sarah defies tradition by flatly refusing a marriage proposal from Abimelech (Andrew William Mockler), sparking a resentment that resurfaces later. Despite their love, one shadow looms over their marriage: Sarah’s inability to provide Abraham with an heir.
The drama intensifies when Sarah refuses to bow to Pharaoh (Amr Waked). Taken to his court, she meets Hagar, who is assigned to her as a slave. When Sarah finally leaves Pharaoh’s palace, Hagar accompanies her back to a tender reunion with Abraham.
The episode centers on the legendary conflict between Sarah and Hagar, using their friction to showcase Hagar’s burgeoning faith. While the Bible often portrays Hagar as a mere victim of Sarah’s jealousy, this series depicts her as a faithful servant. She endures hardship because she trusts that her suffering fits into a divine plan—one where God promises her that her son will father a great nation.
The Faithful demonstrates the enduring relevance of these ancient stories. Sarah’s faith in the mysterious God of Abraham grows gradually—and at times, grudgingly. Though her own conviction occasionally wavers, she leans on her husband’s unwavering belief. While she initially laughs at the prophecy that she will bear a son, her faith flourishes when she realizes she is pregnant, leading to the birth of the promised heir.
Ultimately, the stories of Sarah and Hagar invite us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys. We may possess more theological knowledge than these matriarchs, but knowledge does not equal the deep, sustaining faith required for life’s greatest trials. By watching Sarah, Hagar, Rebekah (Alexa Davalos), Leah (Millie Brady), and Rachel (Blu Hunt) navigate their worlds, we see what lived faith truly looks like.
The Faithful: Women of the Bible airs on Fox March 22, March 29, and April 5, from 8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT.