'The Real O'Neals' on ABC denounced by Christian group over anti-religion humor

The new ABC comedy series "The Real O'Neals" has drawn flak from Christian groups for its anti-religon humor and sexually charged and expletive-laden language.

"The Real O'Neals," which debuted earlier this month, features an Irish Catholic family with parents who are headed for divorce and a son who just came out as gay. Christian groups have spoken out against the way the show mocks people of faith.

In a column posted on Wednesday, American Family Association (AFA) president Tim Wildmon said "The Real O'Neals" exhibits "pure contempt" for Christianity. He also blasted show producer Dan Savage for his alleged anti-Christian practices, the report relays.

"'The Real O'Neals' mocks Christianity and insults Catholicism. AFA recognizes this show ridicules people of faith, and Christians across America are offended by it," said Wildmon in his column. "A perusal of Dan Savage's work reveals a career built on advocating violence — even murder — and spewing hatred against people of faith."

The Parents Television Council (PTC) has looked into the show's graphic content and found out that in the first three episodes, profanities or sexual language came up once every 43 seconds. The council also noted that the show is rated TV-PG and airs at 7:30 p.m. despite its graphic content, the report details.

PTC President Tim Winter lamented ABC's decision to air a supposedly PG-rated show which contains explicit and adult content during a time slot for family-oriented shows. To make matters worse, the expletive lines are being delivered by child stars, Winter added.

Meanwhile, ABC is still keeping the new comedy show on air despite its failing ratings. "The Real O'Neals" attracted 6.3 million viewers during its premiere, but its third episode only had 3.47 million viewers, NewsBusters reports.

An online petition has been launched to pressure ABC to scrap "The Real O'Neals" because of its anti-Christian tone, but the public has yet to see if the network will continue to air the comedy series despite its falling ratings, or go ahead and scrap it.