Critics and viewers alike have not been kind to most of NBC’s live musicals in the past, but it seems like the network has finally nailed the format with Jesus Christ Superstar. While other productions have qualified as hate-watches, Jesus Christ Superstar proved to be a genuine triumph of production and talent. Between John Legend, Alice Cooper, and Sarah Bareilles, it’s hard to imagine a better lineup. Plus, it’s safe to say that Hamilton‘s Brandon Victor Dixon is now on everyone’s radar after his turn as Judas.
As per usual with a television event like this, Twitter blew up with the best jokes and commentary during the show’s run. The general consensus seems to be that as excellent as this concert version was, a fully staged Broadway version with this cast would completely change the game. Make it happen, Broadway!
https://twitter.com/dodaistewart/status/980598596604256256
The moral of Jesus Christ Superstar? Catholicism is fucking METAL
— Kristina Koppeser 🐾 (@KristinaLuca) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/alissamarie/status/980601593245683712
so far #JesusChristSuperstarLive is mostly a woman telling two temperamental men to calm down and take a nap before they ruin everything
so basically the most historically accurate thing I’ve ever seen
— Blessedterns (@Blessedterns) April 2, 2018
I want to see Jesus heal one these guys of his man bun. #JesusChristSuperstar
— A Little Bit La La La, A Little Bit Danny 🏳️🌈 (@DannyPKC) April 2, 2018
#JesusChristSuperstarLive is going to resurrect Bible fandom BIG TIME
— Carly Lane-Perry (@carlylane) April 2, 2018
Jesus Christ Superstar (2018) pic.twitter.com/sMUusay029
— Jesse McLaren (@McJesse) April 2, 2018
More of this Jesus, less of Pence Jesus please. #JesusChristSuperstar
— Lizz "Insufferable Wench" Winstead (@lizzwinstead) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/chelseanachman/status/980609397964591104
Jesus: " Peter will deny me in just a few hours."
Peter: pic.twitter.com/yO4nTEPs0l— Sara Netzley (@SaraNetzley) April 2, 2018
I dunno, maybe Christianity *was* created by a troupe of glitter & leather-loving Williamsburg baristas #JesusChristSuperstarLive
— Mo Ryan (@moryan) April 2, 2018
Who among us hasn't shouted at God with a half-full bottle of alcohol in hand, surrounded by friends who fell asleep hours ago? That's half of Catholicism. #JesusChristSuperstarLive
— John Dougherty (@JohnDoc23) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/pilotbacon/status/980601225971470336
Alice Cooper as KING HEROD >>>> Christopher Walken as Captain Hook
— Kristina Koppeser 🐾 (@KristinaLuca) April 2, 2018
Peter: pic.twitter.com/k4FI7EPyuG
— Alexandra Petri (@petridishes) April 2, 2018
I didn't know I even liked this musical, turns out IM IN LOVE WITH IT #JesusChristSuperstarLive
— Sarah Paulson (@MsSarahPaulson) April 2, 2018
[tries to shove money under the door at 30 Rockefeller Plaza] PLEASE. JUST TAKE IT. #JesusChristSuperstarLive https://t.co/a906t1SP3c
— @hayesbrown.bsky.social (@HayesBrown) April 2, 2018
I realize how weird this sounds but: honestly, that crucifixion was one of the more extraordinary things I've seen on TV recently. #JesusChristSuperstarLive
— Jen Chaney (@chaneyj) April 2, 2018
Nazareth Crime Story: Versace #JesusChristSuperstarLive pic.twitter.com/cgi1Pb0vkt
— Michelle Collins (@michcoll) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/soniasaraiya/status/980602904716496896
Do you have this tortured souls suit in a size ME? #JesusChristSuperstarLive pic.twitter.com/JJD9f82M9R
— Abbi Crutchfield (@curlycomedy) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/fredletterday/status/980633350657527808
#JesusChristSuperstarLive reminding us why the Arts are essential for this life.
— John Pavlovitz (@johnpavlovitz) April 2, 2018
https://twitter.com/DebraMessing/status/980630011970453504
Wait. If this is a concert version, what the hell would it look like fully staged?!?! #JesusChristSuperStarLive
— Seth Rudetsky he/him (@SethRudetsky) April 2, 2018
Mercy! I need this cast to revive this show on Broadway! #jesuschristsuperstarlive
— Mkay (@JoyAnnReid) April 2, 2018
However, the undisputed online queen of the night was Chrissy Teigen, who roasted and praised her husband’s turn as Jesus in equal measure. Teigen continues to seem like the most fun person to gossip with at a fancy party.
8 mins til #JesusChristSuperstarLive!! I can’t wait to learn about Jesus and superstars!!!!
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 1, 2018
HE HAS RISEN aaaaahahahahhahahahahahahahahh
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 2, 2018
I have no idea what’s going on I’m assuming these people are bad because coats
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 2, 2018
Oh shit the lepers that was the rehearsal I brought Luna to. That was a mistake
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 2, 2018
I have a feeling whoever has the deepest V will be crucified
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 2, 2018
THE V’S. THEY ARE A’DEEPENING
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 2, 2018
❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/u4jsEj99Kf
— chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) April 2, 2018
Still, despite most of Twitter having a good time with the Biblical tale, one familiar, angry voice stood out from the crowd:
Watching JC Superstar on NBC. Who knew Jesus of Nazareth ran a tattoo parlor? Geez.
— Bill O'Reilly (@BillOReilly) April 2, 2018
Apparently Jesus should never, ever rock a deep V.