Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth’s new TV series GCB may be all about “characters and fun,” according to the Broadway vet, but Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich isn’t so sure. After the ABC series, which is about conniving church ladies in Texas, first aired on March 4, Gingrich spoke out against the comedy's subject matter, labeling the show “anti-Christian bigotry,” as reported by New York Daily News. Broadway.com recently caught up with Chenoweth to find out her thoughts on the GCB controversy.
Chenoweth was shocked by Gingrich’s comments, considering the actress is a Christian herself. “I was like, 'No, Newt, don’t talk about my show!'” Chenoweth told Broadway.com. “I would never do anything that would make fun of my own religion! I don’t think [GCB] does that.”
GCB, which is based on Kim Gatlin’s novel Good Christian Bitches, revolves around a group of churchgoing Dallas women who love fashion, plastic surgery and God. Chenoweth stars as scheming ringleader Carlene Cockburn, a flashy millionaire who delivers dialogue like “cleavage helps your cross hang straight."
The Gingrich controversy hasn’t been all bad news for GCB. “Our ratings went up [for the second episode],” Chenoweth said with a laugh. GCB airs Sunday nights on ABC.