Aidan Quinn

NBC has begun promoting a new weekly show in January that centers around a troubled, pill-popping Episcopal priest played by veteran actor Aidan Quinn, who talks with a manifestation of Jesus, played by Garret Dillahunt.

"The Book of Daniel" is being touted as the riskiest new show of the year. It is also billed as the only show on television in which Jesus appears as a recurring character.

It's a drama with comedic aspects and is being kicked off Jan. 6 with back-to-back episodes. It is scheduled to air regularly Friday nights at 9 p.m. The cast also includes Ellen Burstyn and Susanna Thompson.

As NBC itself explains the show, it focuses on "an Episcopalian minister and father. He finds himself conversing with Jesus -- his mentor and friend -- who helps navigate family problems, church politics and even his nagging reliance on prescription painkillers."

Comedienne Phyllis Diller plays a member of Daniel Webster's flock.

Garret Dillahunt

NBC executives have been excited about "The Book of Daniel" for a long time, though the show failed to make its fall lineup. Dillahunt is said to play a "hip, modern Jesus."

"This challenging new series is our first announced drama for midseason as we continue to seek different out-of-the-box projects," NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly told the Hollywood Reporter.

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