EVIL: Pilot
Faith versus science, with Christian hope and adult-level horror.
Should You Watch It?
The pilot of EVIL takes faith seriously. It places a priest-in-training and a pragmatic forensic psychologist on opposite sides of a question that matters: Are violent actions explained by mental illness alone, or can demonic forces be involved? The episode presents Christ and prayer as the only hope against those forces, and its conclusion offers a bit of hope.
The episode is well-written and produced, but it follows a familiar CBS standard with more violence. Multiple scary appearances by a violent demon, gory pictures of dead bodies, foul language, and sexual references make this unsuitable for children and young teens.
If you are a discerning adult who can handle horror elements and difficult subject matter, this pilot is worth watching for its Christian exploration of faith versus science. For family viewing, choose something else.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDr. Kristin Bouchard is a pragmatic forensic psychologist who believes violent criminals may be explained through mental illness. David Acosta, a Catholic priest-in-training, believes supernatural forces may also be driving their actions.
When Acosta asks Bouchard to join him in investigating a possible miracle, the two begin examining the boundary between science and the supernatural. Their partnership brings questions about demons, faith, prayer, and what may remain unexplained.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is a solid, well-made pilot with clear strengths. Robert and Michelle King bring writing talent and television expertise to the episode, which is well-written and well-produced.
The series presents a compelling conflict between a pragmatic psychologist and a priest-in-training who sees a supernatural battle between good and evil. It also establishes a strong Christian worldview and offers a hopeful conclusion. Its weaknesses are the violent, scary, and sexually troubling material that makes the episode a difficult recommendation for younger viewers.
The Worldview
EVIL intentionally contrasts the strong Christian worldview of David Acosta with the strong humanist or atheist worldview of Dr. Kristin Bouchard. Acosta believes demons may fuel violent crimes, while Bouchard attributes strange supernatural encounters to science. The episode openly discusses demons, miracles, angels, believers, and doubts about the supernatural.
The Christian perspective receives meaningful support. Acosta offers Bouchard a Cross and tells her that the “Our Father,” or Lord’s Prayer, can help ward off evil. The episode presents Christ and prayer as the only hope against demonic forces behind the rise of evil in the world.
At the same time, the pilot explores the supernatural world through demonic harassment and assault, scary appearances, and discussions of rape and necrophilia. Bouchard’s strong belief in science is challenged, and she appears to be considering Christianity and the church by the episode’s end.
The episode’s central question—whether evil is merely psychological or part of a spiritual battle—echoes Scripture: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against...the spiritual forces of evil” (Ephesians 6:12).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
The strong Christian worldview of one character intentionally contrasts with the strong humanist/atheist worldview of another, a Cross is drawn on a table, the “Our Father” or Lord’s Prayer is seen as protection from the demonic, characters openly discuss the demonic, miracles, angels, and believers, and doubts about the existence of the supernatural are expressed, but the humanist/atheist character appears to be considering Christianity and the church at the end of the episode
Foul Language
Two obscenities, one light profanity, and a character says, “I swear”
Violence
Strong and light violence includes multiple descriptions and depictions of murder, a demon harasses and assaults a woman, a man attacks a woman, and rape is discussed
Sex
Sexual content includes rape and necrophilia are discussed, references to one character’s sexual thoughts, and it’s implied that a demon removes the panties of a woman and kisses her C-section scar
Nudity
No explicit nudity but there’s implied nudity during a demonic assault
Alcohol Use
No alcohol use
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or illegal intoxicant drugs, but a woman takes a prescribed medication
Miscellaneous Immorality
A discussion of evil in the world and what drives it encourages, a dysfunctional family is portrayed as mom attempts to raise four daughters without a husband present, and doubts about the existence of the supernatural include a strong belief in science.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The episode places faith and science in tension. How should Christians pursue truth while remaining humble about what they do and do not understand?
Proverbs 18:13 · 1 Thessalonians 5:21Acosta presents the Lord’s Prayer as protection from evil. How does Jesus teach His followers to pray when facing temptation and evil?
Matthew 6:9–13The characters debate whether evil comes from illness, human choices, or spiritual forces. How does Scripture describe the reality of spiritual opposition?
Ephesians 6:12 · 1 Peter 5:8–9Bouchard begins questioning her assumptions. What does it look like to examine your beliefs honestly while seeking wisdom?
Acts 17:11 · James 1:5The Final Word
EVIL: Pilot is a well-written, well-produced drama that takes Christian faith seriously and offers hope against demonic evil. Its violence, gore, frightening imagery, and sexual references make it an adults-only choice. For discerning adults, it is WORTH WATCHING — ADULTS ONLY. Families seeking something gentler should choose from these family-friendly picks.
