The Chosen (TV series): Difference between revisions

*The Chosen*
The Chosen
Genre	Historical drama
Created by	Dallas Jenkins
Written by	Dallas Jenkins; Tyler Thompson; Ryan Swanson;
Directed by	Dallas Jenkins
Starring	Shahar Isaac; Jonathan Roumie; Elizabeth Tabish; Paras Patel; Noah James; George H. Xanthis;
Music by	Matthew S. Nelson; Dan Haseltine;
Country of origin	United States
No. of seasons	4
No. of episodes	34 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers	Derral Eves; Dallas Jenkins; Tyler Thompson; Ryan Swanson; Matthew Faraci; Brad Pelo;
Producers	Chad Gundersen; Justin Tolley; Chris Juen;
Cinematography	Akis Konstantakopoulos; Petros Antoniadis;
Editors	John Quinn; Adam Lutge;
Running time	20–100 minutes
Production company	5&2 Studios;
Original release
Network	5&2 Studios;
Release	December 24, 2017 –; present

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The Chosen is an American Christian historical drama television series. Created, directed, and co-written by filmmaker Dallas Jenkins, it is the first multi-season series about the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Primarily set in Judaea and Galilee in the 1st century, the series centers on Jesus and the people who met and followed him. The series stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus as well as Shahar Isaac, Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Noah James, and George H. Xanthis.

The producers primarily employ a crowdfunding approach to finance production; The Chosen became the most successful crowdfunded TV series or film project in history.^[2] The series streams for free on its own app, using a pay-it-forward model for viewers to contribute funding to make it free for others. Additional revenue comes through licensing to other streaming platforms, TV networks, and theatrical releases. Filming began on rental sets in Texas. The series was later offered the opportunity to use a Jerusalem film set in Utah created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Following the success of the first two seasons, The Chosen partnered with the National Christian Foundation and the Impact Foundation to construct a production complex in Texas complete with soundstage, set workshops, and a replica of the village of Capernaum.

According to a 2022 analysis commissioned by the show's producers, 108 million had seen at least part of the show through the app and streaming platforms.^[3] While the series has received some criticisms for its use of artistic license and portrayals of Mary, as well as claims the writers were injecting Mormon theology into its script, the majority of response to the show has been positive. It has won two GMA Dove Awards, two K-Love Fan Awards, and one Epiphany Prize from Movieguide.

The series is internationally distributed by Lionsgate and translation into other languages is funded by the Come and See Foundation.^[4] The show has been adapted into a series of novels by Jenkins's father, author Jerry B. Jenkins, a series of graphic novels by Corvus Comics, and companion Bible study materials published by David C. Cook.

Synopsis

Set in 1st century Galilee, the first season chronicles Jesus starting to build a group of disciples and his ministry,^[5] inviting people with different backgrounds to study under him. As he performs his first miracles, including turning water into wine in Cana, Jesus calls the redeemed woman Mary Magdalene; the stonemason Thaddeus; the choir member Little James; the fishermen Simon, Andrew, Big James, and John; the caterer Thomas and vintner Ramah; and the tax collector Matthew to follow him. Following Jesus's meeting with the Pharisee Nicodemus, the season culminates with the group traveling through Samaria, where Jesus launches his public ministry after revealing himself to Photina, a Samaritan woman.

Beginning in Samaria, the second season moves into nearby regions such as Syria and Judea, where Jesus continues to build his group of students. As he continues to perform miracles, including healing the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda, while preparing for a significant sermon, Jesus additionally calls John the Baptizer's disciple Philip, the architect Nathanael, and the Zealot Simon Z. As the word of Jesus spreads throughout the region,^[5] he encounters both opportunities and difficulties.^[6] The season ends on the preparations for Jesus's Sermon on the Mount with the help of the business apprentice Judas Iscariot.

Returning to Capernaum, the third season portrays the increasing popularity of Jesus, which troubles different societal and political groups, including the Romans and the Pharisees.^[7] Following the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sends his twelve apostles, two by two, to preach and perform miracles without him, leading to the disciples facing their biggest challenge yet. Jesus then returns to his hometown, Nazareth, which results in a shift to his ministry in the year of his popularity. After multiple miraculous occurrences, the season closes in the Decapolis and at the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus feeds thousands with loaves and fishes and then walks on the water.

Starting with the death of John the Baptizer, the fourth season unfolds the last year of the ministry of Jesus as Jesus bears the weight of his mission alone as his adversaries converge on him while his disciples struggle to keep pace with him.^[8]^[9] As Jesus performs his last miracles, such as healing a man born blind, and transforms his followers, such as changing Simon's name to Peter, the group leaves Capernaum and journeys to Judea and Perea, where they face violent opposition to Jesus's message, including the death of Ramah. When the Jewish religious leaders side with the Roman authorities following Jesus's last sign of raising Lazarus from the dead, the season concludes with Jesus making his way to Jerusalem.

Main cast

Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter
Jonathan Roumie as Jesus
Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene
Paras Patel as Matthew
Noah James as Andrew
Janis Dardaris as Zohara (season 1)
Lara Silva as Eden (seasons 1, 3, and 4; guest season 2)
Shaan Sharma as Shmuel
Nick Shakoour as Zebedee
George H. Xanthis as John
Shayan Sobhian as Big James (season 1, episodes 1–4)
Erick Avari as Nicodemus (season 1)
Kian Kavousi as Big James (season 1, episodes 5–8)
Brandon Potter as Quintus Benedictus Dio (seasons 1, 3, and 4; recurring season 2)
Kirk B. R. Woller as Gaius (seasons 1, 3, and 4; recurring season 2)
Giavani Cairo as Thaddeus
Jordan Walker Ross as Little James
Abe Bueno-Jallad as Big James (seasons 2–4)
Joey Vahedi as Thomas (seasons 2–4; guest season 1)
Yasmine Al-Bustami as Ramah (seasons 2–4; guest season 1)
Vanessa Benavente as Mary (seasons 2–4; guest season 1)
Yoshi Barrigas as Philip (seasons 2–3)
Austin Reed Alleman as Nathanael (seasons 2–4)
Alaa Safi as Simon Z. (seasons 2–4)
Luke Dimyan as Judas Iscariot (seasons 3–4; guest season 2)
Ivan Jasso as Yussif (seasons 3–4; recurring seasons 1–2)
Amber Shana Williams as Tamar (seasons 3–4; recurring season 2; guest season 1)
Elijah Alexander as Atticus Aemilius Pulcher (seasons 3–4; recurring season 2)
Reza Diako as Philip (season 4)

Episodes

Season	Episodes	Originally released
Season	Episodes	First released	Last released
Pilot		December 24, 2017 (2017-12-24)
1	8	April 21, 2019 (2019-04-21)	November 26, 2019 (2019-11-26)
2	8	April 4, 2021 (2021-04-04)	July 11, 2021 (2021-07-11)
Christmas Special		December 1, 2021 (2021-12-01)
3	8	December 11, 2022 (2022-12-11)^{[SO 1]}	February 7, 2023 (2023-02-07)
4	8	June 2, 2024 (2024-06-02)^{[SO 2]}	June 30, 2024 (2024-06-30)

^ Episodes 1 & 2 of season 3 were released for an early limited theatrical run on November 18, 2022.^[10]
^ All episodes of season 4 were released in theaters prior to release for streaming: episodes 1–3 on February 1, 2024, episodes 4–6 on February 15, 2024, and episodes 7–8 on February 29, 2024.^[11]

Background and production

Development

In 2017, working through his production company, Vertical Church Films, Dallas Jenkins released a feature-length film, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone; the film did not perform to the studio's expectations at the box office.^[12]^[13] While working to determine his next project, Jenkins began binge-watching different television shows and realized there had never been a multi-season show about Jesus that could be watched in the same way.^[14]

Jenkins returned to a script for a short film called The Shepherd. Filmed on a friend's farm in Marengo Jenkins wrote the screenplay and intended the film be shown during a Christmas Eve service at his church, Harvest Bible Chapel in Elgin, Illinois.^[15] Expanding on that idea, he came up with the concept for The Chosen as a multi-season story arc about the life of Jesus that could build a backstory based on cultural and historical context.^[14] This allowed him to focus more on the people who encountered and followed Jesus, viewing him through their eyes and thus presenting Jesus in a way that was more "personal, intimate, [and] immediate".^[15]

Faith-based video streaming service VidAngel, now Angel Studios, became aware of The Shepherd and showed interest in expanding on the concept of a Jesus-based series.^[14] At the time, VidAngel was involved in a lawsuit with major Hollywood studios and thus seeking original content to distribute.^[16] They suggested putting the short film on Facebook as a series pilot to see if interest would be generated for a multi-season show.^[17] Jenkins expressed that he was not totally on board with the potential of crowdfunding, but decided to give the platform a try.^[18] The short film received over 15 million views around the world.^[19]

VidAngel, along with Jenkins and video marketing strategist Derral Eves, turned to the crowdfunding business model to produce The Chosen. A provision in the JOBS Act that went into effect in 2016 allowed them to offer shares of ownership and profits from the production rather than the arbitrary perks offered by regular crowdfunding.^[19] The first fundraising round raised $11 million from more than 16,000 investors for the project, each of whom received equity in the project.^[20] This surpassed Mystery Science Theater 3000 as the top crowdfunded TV series project.^[17] Their equity stake allows them to share in profits not only from the show itself but also from other revenue sources, such as merchandise, books, and Bible-study materials.^[2] Majority shareholders will not receive a share of the profits until the original investors earn 120% of their investments.^[2]

After funding the first season by selling equity, the show has utilized traditional crowdfunding for subsequent seasons, along with a model that offers more traditional crowdfunding perks, such as appearing as an extra in the film.^[2] Season 2 fundraising had raised over $6 million from more than 300,000 contributors as of July 1, 2020.^[21] As with previous seasons, the producers continue to use the pay-it-forward model developed by Angel Studios to help fund the development of the show's future seasons.^[22] Through 2021, the average contribution through crowdfunding efforts was $65.^[2]

In October 2022, the creators partnered with a new nonprofit, the Come and See Foundation, which was created to manage the show's funding.^[4] The nonprofit status allows contributors to receive a tax deduction for their donations.^[23] In March 2024, Jenkins announced a delay in the streaming release of season 4 for legal reasons stemming from a dispute between The Chosen, LLC and Angel Studios, noting that the production costs of the series were proving the previous method of crowdfunding to be unsustainable.^[24]

The show also raises revenue through licensing to other streaming platforms and TV networks, video and merchandise sales, and limited premiere runs in movie theaters.

Seven seasons of the series are planned.^[3]^[25] In 2023, former DreamWorks executive Mark Sourian was hired to lead development of an entertainment universe with future films and shows based on the original series.^[26]

Script

In contrast with typical Bible-focused productions, Jenkins has given more depth to his scripts by adding backstories to various characters from the gospels without contradicting material that is present.^[15] This is noted in the opening credits of the first episode, which include the following:

The Chosen is based on the true stories of the gospels of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Backstories and some characters or dialogue have been added. However, all biblical and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the gospels. The original names, locations and phrases have been translated into English for anything spoken.^[27]

Although the show has an evangelical tendency,^[28] there are consultants from three Christian faith traditions providing input. Acting as consultants are Messianic rabbi Jason Sobel from Fusion Global Ministries; Catholic priest and national director of Family Theater Productions Father David Guffey; and professor of New Testament at Biola University Dr. Doug Huffman. They review scripts and provide facts or context on the biblical, cultural, and socio-political history of the storyline.^[29] Orthodox Jewish theologian David Nekrutman was appointed as adviser for the show's fourth season.^[30]

Jenkins said he draws creative inspiration from shows like Friday Night Lights and The Wire,^[2] whereas writers Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson list The Wire, Game of Thrones, Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek as their influences.^[3]

Casting

The show features many people of color as actors, which is not often the case in television and film based on the Bible.^[20]^[15] Jenkins avoided "big stars" and "white people", trying instead to re-create a picture of 1st-century Capernaum—which, being on a trade route, would have reflected a diversity of ethnicities and backgrounds.^[15]

Various members of the cast have described a deep connection to the show, the story, and their character. Elizabeth Tabish, who was considering leaving her acting career, described it as a "dream role".^[31] Jonathan Roumie said he always aims to "empty out as much of himself as possible" to allow the Holy Spirit to work in him through both the script and his performance onscreen. In describing his preparation for the role, Roumie said that he does "a good bit of reading and rereading the source material" but that most of the preparation is "in the spiritual department".^[31]

Filming

Season 1 was filmed over 60 days mostly around Pooleville and Weatherford, Texas, supplemented by a sound stage and visual effects in a Dallas studio. After searching online for suitable locations, the producers settled on the existing Capernaum Village in Pooleville, a venue that offers both film set rental and live experiences for tourists.^[32]

Season 2 moved filming to Utah County, Utah, to a replica Jerusalem movie set built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The set was originally built to authentically replicate most of the primary locations of the ancient city in order to film scenes for the LDS Church's Bible and Book of Mormon videos.^[33] As part of the LDS Motion Picture Studios South Campus, the set's use by The Chosen marks the first time a production not affiliated with the LDS Church has been allowed to film there. Filming occurred during October and November 2020. Commenting on how much the Utah desert resembles the Holy Land, Dallas Jenkins said that they could not re-create it anywhere else—"you can't even get this in Israel".^[34]

Being filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic created challenges for the production of season 2. Two thousand extras were used in filming the Sermon on the Mount scene, all of whom were required to obtain a negative PCR test prior to filming.^[35] Safety precautions such as multiple testing and proper PPE kits for the cast and crew members were also applied. Following COVID-19 protocols increased the production costs by an additional $750,000.^[36] Anyone arriving on set had to be tested in advance and upon arrival, longer meal breaks were required, and all hair and makeup stations had to be sanitized regularly.^[34] Jenkins indicated that the production experienced fewer than five positive cases during filming.^[34]^[35]

Production of season 3 moved filming back to Texas, to a site in Midlothian, Texas, selected for its similarities with the Middle East in both topography and weather.^[37] There, The Chosen partnered with the National Christian Foundation and the Impact Foundation to construct a $20 million production complex on the site of the Salvation Army's Camp Hoblitzelle. When completed, the complex will include a soundstage, set workshops, and a replica of Capernaum. The Chosen will lease the facility, which will ultimately be used for other film and television projects.^[2] Beginning in April 2022, filming for season 3 included a four-day shoot for the scene of the feeding of the 5,000, using nearly 12,000 extras from 36 countries. Most of the extras came at their own expense and made their own costumes.^[37]

Season 4 production began in March 2023 in Midlothian.^[38]^[39] When the series had to stop filming at the beginning of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike on July 14, 2023, fans started a prayer campaign through social media.^[40] The series was granted a waiver to continue filming on July 16, 2023.^[41]^[42] Under the terms of the waiver, the show's producers agreed to be bound to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement retroactively.^[43]

Filming of season 5 began on April 11, 2024, in Utah with production completing at the show's Midlothian, Texas, facility.^[44]

Music

To compose the music for the series, creator Dallas Jenkins called on a longtime friend, Jars of Clay vocalist and songwriter Dan Haseltine. Haseltine had worked on projects with Jenkins in the past, composing the music for Hometown Legend. Initially, Haseltine was not interested, believing that there were plenty of similar projects and that the world didn't need another "cheesy Jesus story". After Jenkins convinced him that The Chosen would be different, Haseltine brought in fellow Jars of Clay multi-instrumentalist Matthew S. Nelson to assist with composition. Haseltine has noted that musical influences include Middle Eastern, Indian drone, Delta Blues, and "slave spirituals".^[45]

Themes

Executive producer Dallas Jenkins wanted to produce a multi-season series about Jesus that viewers could binge watch.^[15] Hoping to distinguish the series from previous portrayals of Jesus, Jenkins wanted to "encounter Jesus through the eyes of those who actually met Him",^[17] presenting a story that would be more "personal, intimate, [and] immediate."^[15]

The show gives backstories to both the characters and the settings. For instance, there are storylines that explore vice and addiction, autism, and physical disability.^[2] In The New York Times, Ruth Graham points out that themes within the storylines include "complex relationships, suspense, political intrigue, and charged emotional moments".^[3] Other themes, described by Chris DeVille in The Atlantic, include marital conflict and financial struggles.^[25] Writing for Vox, Aja Romano points out there is an underlying theme of racial tension as shown in the relationship between Jews and Samaritans of the time.^[46]

Actor Jordan Walker Ross, who plays Little James, has scoliosis and minor cerebral palsy, causing him to walk with a limp, a disability that he was asked to hide in previous acting jobs. Rather than hide it, Jenkins has used Ross's physical disability to explore story themes in which Jesus heals some people but not others.^[47]

Jenkins also highlights the fact that there were key moments in which women were intentionally chosen by Jesus to be a vital part of his ministry.^[48]

Release and distribution

Streaming and broadcast

The first season was initially released on VidAngel's subscription service and also available for DVD purchase. Initially, viewership was sluggish.^[2] Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April 2020, the first season was made freely available through The Chosen app,^[15]^[17] at which time viewership spiked.^[2] Jenkins stated that revenue actually went up after they made it free to watch, attributing it to "God's impossible math".^[49] The producers have since made the free-to-watch model permanent, using a pay-it-forward model for viewers to contribute funding to make it free for others.^[2]

Primary distribution continues to be through their own app and website.^[2] New episodes typically premiere via livestream on YouTube and Facebook, and then released on the app and website. The app includes bonus content, such as Bible round-tables and exclusive "after-show" content, as well as an opportunity for viewers to make tax-deductible contributions to fund production.^[23]

In exchange for allowing production of the show at the LDS Church's Goshen set, BYUtv was granted streaming and broadcast rights in late 2020, the only broadcast network airing the show at the time.^[50] The series has since been licensed for release through several secular, Christian, and family-oriented streaming and broadcast platforms. By early 2021, broadcast was extended to include Amazon Prime Video, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Peacock, and UPtv.^[2]^[51]^[52] In 2022, season 1 was released on Netflix. In June 2023, The CW acquired the first three seasons of The Chosen for broadcast in the United States.^[53] The CW premiere broadcast was watched by 520,000 viewers.^[54] In June 2024, The CW picked up the show for its fourth season.^[55]

Following the February 2024 theatrical release of episodes 7 and 8 of season 4, Dallas Jenkins announced via a video statement in March that the streaming release would be delayed due to "legal matters". According to Jenkins, the delay was the result of a breach of contract dispute between Angel Studios and The Chosen, LLC.^[56] On May 29, 2024, Jenkins announced via video livestream on YouTube that legal arbitration had concluded and the first episode of season four would be released through the show's app on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Jenkins further stated two episodes per week would be released on the app through the month of June on every Sunday and Thursday.^[57]^[58]

International distribution

The producers have stated a desire for The Chosen to be seen by over one billion people and broadcast in every country in the world.^[59] In October 2022, the Come and See Foundation was formed as a nonprofit to help fund the translation and global distribution of the series. With no budget, the foundation began by operating on funding from an anonymous donor.^[4] The foundation's goal is dubbing the show in 100 languages and subtitling it in 600 languages.^[60]^[61] As of January 2024, the series has been dubbed in nearly 50 languages.^[62]

In May 2023, Lionsgate Television acquired worldwide distribution rights to the series under a sub-license. Under the agreement, the series remains an Angel Studios original and Angel retains exclusive launch windows and licensing rights to the show.^[63]^[64]

The series has expanded to international platforms, such as Canal+ in France.^[65] First season of the show was broadcast on the Croatian Radio Television during the last week of Advent in 2022.^[66] As of 2023, the series had also launched into the Netherlands on NPO, Spain on MovieStar, and Poland on TVP.^[67]^[64] In the summer of 2023, the show became the first television show to be translated into Malagasy.^[68]

Theatrical releases

The Chosen has partnered with Fathom Events for cinema exhibition. The first was a Christmas special titled Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers, which opened in 1,700 theaters on December 1, 2021.^[69]^[70] The special also featured performances from Contemporary Christian music artists including Phil Wickham, Maverick City Music, For King and Country, and Brandon Lake.^[71] It grossed $13.5 million with one million tickets sold, exceeding previous records for Fathom Events.^[3]^[72] The effort was to satisfy demand from fans as well as an attempt to drive people back to movie theaters.^[69] Season 3's first two episodes were released in theaters prior to streaming. It screened in more than 2,000 theaters throughout the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.^[73]

Jenkins indicated an interest to theatrically release the third season's penultimate and finale episodes as well, noting that the scene of the feeding of the 5,000 is more suited to the big screen.^[74] When Jenkins announced ticket sales during a livestream, the resulting demand initially crashed the Fathom Events website.^[75] The finale opened in theaters on February 2, 2023.

Another theatrical release special, Christmas with The Chosen: Holy Night, opened in theaters on December 12, 2023. Combining scenes from The Shepherd and The Messengers, the film featured seven musical performances from the previous special. A new performance included in the special was done by Andrea Bocelli and his son, Matteo Bocelli, singing "O Holy Night" in French.^[76] The special also featured monologues by Dallas Jenkins's wife, Amanda Jenkins, and co-writer of The Chosen, Tyler Thompson.^[77]

The entirety of the fourth season of The Chosen began its release in domestic theaters the first week of February 2024, with episodes 1–3 playing for two weeks, and episodes 4–6 for two weeks, episodes 7–8 playing for one week. The fifth season will premiere in theaters prior to being released via streaming, launching in three parts beginning March 27, 2025.^[78]

Box office performance

Film	U.S. release date	Box office gross
Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers	December 1, 2021	$13,728,000^[79]
The Chosen Season 3: Episodes 1 & 2	November 18, 2022	$14,679,613^[80]
The Chosen Season 3 Finale	February 2, 2023	$5,589,142^[81]
Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night	December 15, 2023	$4,676,000^[82]
The Chosen Season 4: Episodes 1–3	February 1, 2024	$14,234,370^[83]
The Chosen Season 4: Episodes 4–6	February 15, 2024	$8,882,174^[84]
The Chosen Season 4: Episodes 7–8	February 29, 2024	$6,770,155^[85]
Total		$68,559,454

Reception

The show's popularity began largely as an underground phenomenon, going unnoticed and unreviewed by major publications. Until it was added to Peacock in 2021, The Chosen was not available on any major cable network or streaming service,^[25] yet it was still able to achieve more than 312 million streaming views in that time.^[2] In November 2022, an independent consultant hired by the producers estimated that over 108 million people globally had watched at least part of one episode of The Chosen.^[3] According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the show has had 200 million viewers and 770 million episode views as of January 2024.^[62]

The success of the show attests to the popularity and profitability of Christian entertainment, while highlighting how filmmakers of faith can circumvent the gatekeepers of Hollywood.^[86] The creators credit the success of the series to a desire for quality faith-based content.^[75] The show's popularity among Christians is due in part to the scarcity of Christian entertainment,^[25] and the series will likely be enjoyed by audience members who are religious.^[87] The Atlantic's Chris DeVille noted that its success so far has arrived "not in spite of its insularity, but because of it", concluding that "for the most part, the series seems to be finding its fans among the converted".^[25] However, Texas Monthly suggested that the show has the most mainstream crossover potential since Touched by an Angel.^[88]

The show has received positive reviews for its acting, direction, and speculative storytelling beyond typical Bible stories,^[25]^[89] as well as for its authenticity.^[46] Covering the release of season 4 for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Patricia Holbrook wrote that the authenticity of the series "has made [her] realize how little [she] ever thought about the humanity of Jesus" and that "the series expands on known struggles that the disciples and other characters had, making us realize the impact of Jesus' presence and teaching on those who followed him".^[62] Other Christian commentators have also praised the series for its production value, noting that it raises the bar for other faith-based productions.^[3]

Not all reception has been positive. The creators have received an array of criticisms, including the production's association with the LDS Church^[90] and accusations of injecting Mormon theology into the scripts.^[91] Dallas Jenkins has refuted the claims in interviews and livestreams, stating that The Chosen has no Mormon influence in its writing, scripts, or theology and insists the show is "conservative evangelical".^[92] Other criticism has been from pastors and viewers who believe the writers have taken artistic liberty too far with what is and is not written in the Bible,^[93]^[86] as well as those who say the show violates the second of the Ten Commandments about creating images of God.^[94]

Awards and accolades

Year	Organization	Award	Result	Ref(s)
2020	Movieguide Awards	Epiphany Prize (season 1 episode 8)	Nominated	^[95]
2020	Movieguide Awards	Grace Prize (Jonathan Roumie)	Won	^[96]
2021	K-Love Fan Awards	Film & Television Impact	Won	^[97]
2022	GMA Dove Awards	Inspirational Film of the Year	Won	^[98]^[99]
2022	Movieguide Awards	Epiphany Prize: Movie (Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers)	Nominated	^[100]
2022	Movieguide Awards	Epiphany Prize: Television (season 2, episode 8)	Nominated	^[100]
2022	Movieguide Awards	Grace Prize (Jonathan Roumie)	Nominated	^[100]
2022	Museum of the Bible	Pillar Award	Won	^[101]
2023	K-Love Fan Awards	Film & Television Impact	Won	^[102]
2023	GMA Dove Awards	Television Series of the Year	Won	^[103]
2023	Movieguide Awards	Epiphany Prize (season 3, episode 1 & 2)	Won	^[104]
2023	Movieguide Awards	Grace Prize (Jonathan Roumie)	Nominated	^[105]
2023	Movieguide Awards	Best Television for Families	Nominated	^[105]

Media information

Marketing

Jenkins and VidAngel initially focused on social media to promote their idea for the show by releasing the short film The Shepherd on Facebook.^[17] After the first season of the show was released, they began to utilize their pay-it-forward model to assist with promotion. In addition, Jenkins has built a large following of fans by regularly hosting livestream events and "viewing parties". The production company employs a dedicated social media staff as well as a dedicated video team for "behind-the-scenes" coverage that is used in social media promotion. According to Jenkins, their success is based on direct communication with viewers.^[2]

Promotional trailers are also developed to appeal to specific denominations.^[25]

In 2022, as part of the producers' Easter marketing campaign, 48 of the 70 billboards for the show nationwide were changed to appear as though they had been defaced or vandalized with phrases like "The Chosen is boring" and "Chosensux.com". The URL directed users to a website called "The Chosen Is Not Good", which depicted Satan as a character trying to get people not to watch the show. As a result of the campaign, many fans of the show were concerned that the defacement was real and, in April, Dallas Jenkins issued an apology to fans for having not mentioned anything about the campaign.^[106]

Merchandising

To complement its crowd-sourced fundraising model, The Chosen generates revenue through merchandise sales including T-shirts, hats, books, and DVDs. In addition to offering general merchandise, The Chosen has partnered with Christian publishers such as David C. Cook and Broadstreet Publishing to produce companion study guides, devotionals, and Bible study materials.^[4]^[107]^[108] The show is also being adapted into a series of graphic novels by Corvus Comics.^[109]

Soundtracks for seasons 1, 2 and 3 have been released. Songwriter Dan Haseltine believes there will be additional projects by other artists influenced and inspired by the series.^[45]

Companion Bible study materials

To complement the show's content, Dallas Jenkins, his wife Amanda, and Douglas Huffman have released companion Bible studies that follow the show.^[110] Huffman, a professor of New Testament at Biola University, also serves as a consultant to the show.^[111] The first study, from David C. Cook publishers, was released January 21, 2021.^[110] In addition to a book, the study includes digital resources, video clips, teacher guides, and promotional materials.^[110]

Books

Dallas Jenkins's father, Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins, has contributed a novelization of each of the show's first two seasons.^[112]^[113] An additional third novel is planned.^[114] Jenkins has collaborated in the past with his father on Hometown Legend and Midnight Clear, a full-length feature film based on one of his father's short stories.^[114]

The elder Jenkins notes that this is atypical: though it is common for TV shows or movies to be based on novels, in this case it is the other way around, with the novel being based on the show in what he refers to as "a backward deconstruction".^[113] He notes that the biggest challenge in this approach is adding detail to the story that is not part of the Biblical account.^[113]

Spin-offs

The Chosen creator Dallas Jenkins launched 5&2 Studios to produce other Bible-inspired stories, the first of which will be an animated TV series called The Chosen Adventures,^[115] with Jenkins and company currently working on the project. Voice cast includes cast members from The Chosen, including Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.^[116]

References

^ ^a ^b Schneider, Michael (September 20, 2024). "'The Chosen' Plans Biblical Universe: Moses and Joseph Shows, Plus Animated and Unscripted Spinoffs (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via www.variety.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o Jurgensen, John (November 27, 2021). "Fans Pour Funding—and Faith—Into a Hit Drama About Jesus". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via www.wsj.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Graham, Ruth (November 25, 2022). "Jesus Christ, Streaming Star". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Rabey, Steve (December 11, 2022). "Come and See Foundation hopes to reach a billion people with "The Chosen"". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Carpenter, Chris. "Authenticity of Scripture Paramount to 'The Chosen's' Success". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
^ Carr, Kimberly (July 24, 2020). "'The Chosen' Officially Greenlights Production of Season Two". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
^ Toone, Trent (October 18, 2022). "'The Chosen': Watch the gripping new trailer for Season 3 with a message from show's creator". Deseret News. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
^ Law, Jeannie Ortega (October 19, 2023). "'The Chosen' to release entire season 4 in theaters; fans to see Jesus experience heartbreak". Christian Post. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
^ Seariac, Hanna (October 21, 2023). "Jesus' ministry is going to get 'bigger' in 'The Chosen' Season 4, Dallas Jenkins says". Yahoo. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
^ Toone, Trent (December 5, 2022). "'The Chosen' announces streaming release date". Deseret News. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
^ Seariac, Hanna (December 5, 2022). "It's official: Season 4 of 'The Chosen' will have a unique release". Retrieved November 23, 2022.
^ Hipes, Patrick (July 29, 2015). "WWE Studios Grabs Hold Of Faith-Based Pic 'The Resurrection Of Gavin Stone'". Deadline. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
^ "Christian Filmmaker Dallas Jenkins: For the Love of Story". Christian Broadcasting Network. March 22, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Hume, Ashley (December 16, 2022). "'The Chosen' star Jonathan Roumie and creator Dallas Jenkins on how faith turned their lives around". Fox News. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Moore, Evan F. (March 18, 2020). "'The Chosen': Elgin filmmaker wants people to 'Binge Jesus' on an app". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
^ Cullins, Ashley (June 13, 2017). "VidAngel Launches New Platform Amid Studio Legal Battle (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 25, 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Carpenter, Chris (December 28, 2018). "New TV Series The Chosen a Modern Day 'Five Loaves and Two Fish' Story". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
^ Halterman, Jim (July 19, 2023). "'The Chosen' Creator Shares TV Inspirations of 'Actual Humanity' From the Faith-Based Hit". TV Insider. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Bond, Paul (January 5, 2019). "Largest-Ever Crowdfunding Campaign for a TV Show Issues Equity to Investors". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Shepherd, Josh (March 29, 2019). "Jesus' Life Chosen for Two Very Different TV Series". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
^ Rodrigues, Marily (July 14, 2020). "Q@A with The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie". The Catholic Weekly. Retrieved January 9, 2021.
^ "Pay It Forward". Angel Studios. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
^ ^a ^b "'The Chosen' has a new home and funding model". Religion News Service. December 9, 2022. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
^ Wise, Talia (March 20, 2024). "If You Missed 'The Chosen' Season 4 and Are Sad About the Streaming Delay, Here's Some Good News". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g DeVille, Chris (June 27, 2021). "Christian America's Must-See TV Show". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 8, 2022.
^ Grobar, Matt (March 28, 2023). "'The Chosen' Sets Former DreamWorks Exec Mark Sourian As President Of Production, Will Serve As Foundation For Bible-Based Entertainment Universe". Deadline. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
^ "I Have Called You By Name". The Chosen. Season 1. Episode 1. 00:15 minutes in. BYUtv. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
^ Merrick, James (April 9, 2020). "'The Chosen' is a New and Promising TV Series on the Life of Christ". National Catholic Register.
^ "Is 'The Chosen' series about Jesus Christ a cultural moment worth watching?". Catholic News Agency. April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
^ McGuigan, Patrick B. (April 11, 2023). "Orthodox Jewish Theologian David Nekrutman is chosen -- as an adviser to 'The Chosen'". The Oklahoma City Sentinel. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Brownell, Dan (July 16, 2019). "The Chosen Season 1: VidAngel Presents the Greatest Story Ever Told in a Groundbreaking New TV Show". Today's Christian Living. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
^ Mauch, Rick (October 3, 2019). "'The Chosen' TV series on Christ finds 'perfect' filming location in Weatherford area". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
^ Toone, Trent (August 19, 2020). "Creators of VidAngel's 'The Chosen' to film second season in Utah". Deseret News. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Toone, Trent (October 28, 2020). "Why cast and crew of 'The Chosen' love filming in Utah's version of the Holy Land". Deseret News. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Sandberg, Bryn (February 10, 2021). "Crowdfunded TV Series 'The Chosen' to Film Scene With 2,000 Extras Amid Pandemic". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
^ Ortega-Law, Jeannie (February 13, 2021). "Record-breaking 'The Chosen' series gathers 2,000 extras to film biblical reenactment amid COVID regulations". The Christian Post. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Downs, Willie (June 10, 2022). "Thousands of volunteers descend on North Texas for filming of 'The Chosen's' feeding of 5,000". KLTV. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
^ Miller, Alexandra (September 2, 2023). "'The Chosen' Season 4: Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything We Know So Far". Collider. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
^ Warren, Steve (March 31, 2023). "'The Chosen' Begins Filming Season 4, Series to be Translated into 600 Languages". Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Jacobs, Gideon (July 31, 2023). "Jesus Walks Into a Deli". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
^ Wiseman, Andreas (July 17, 2023). "Hallelujah! Faith Series 'The Chosen' Granted SAG Waiver To Continue Filming & Becomes First Known Series To Get Exemption During Strike". Deadline. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
^ Stenzel, Wesley (July 17, 2023). "'The Chosen' gets waiver to continue filming during SAG-AFTRA strike". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
^ Post, Kathryn (July 20, 2023). "'The Chosen' cast 'eager to finish' season 4 after strike threatens schedule". Kentucky Today. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
^ Schneider, Michael (March 25, 2024). "'The Chosen' Season 5 Starts Production in April, as Season 4 Prepares to Hit Broadcast and Streaming After Theatrical Run (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Smith, Warren Cole (April 3, 2022). "A conversation with Dan Haseltine, Matthew Nelson, and Tony Evans". World. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Romano, Aja (August 2, 2023). "The Chosen, the Christian megahit about Jesus, explained". Vox. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
^ Dowd, Cooper (December 21, 2022). "Joni Eareckson Tada Reacts to Season 3 of The Chosen: 'I Was In Tears'". Movieguide. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
^ "'I see you': How 'The Chosen' is spotlighting the key role of women in Jesus' ministry". Deseret News. September 21, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
^ Farrand, Tess (July 17, 2020). "Dallas Jenkins: 'God's Impossible Math' Funded 'The Chosen'". Movieguide. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
^ Mikita, Carole (October 25, 2020). "Production On Season 2 Of 'The Chosen' Begins in Utah". KSL-TV. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
^ Law, Jeannie (February 9, 2021). "'The Chosen': Record-breaking series about Jesus debuts on TBN". The Christian Post. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
^ Henson, Melissa (April 22, 2021). "The era of complaining about Hollywood is over". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
^ Rice, Lynette (June 9, 2023). "'The Chosen': CW Picks Up First Three Seasons Of Drama About Jesus". Deadline. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
^ Mitovich, Matt Webb (July 17, 2023). "Sunday Ratings: How Did Jesus Do?". Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Petski, Denise (June 3, 2024). "'The Chosen' Season 4 Picked Up By The CW". Deadline. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
^ Bond, Paul (March 13, 2024). "An epic feud between two giants in Christian entertainment comes to a head". Newsweek. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
^ Post, Kathryn (May 29, 2024). "'The Chosen' announces release of Season Four, parts ways with Angel Studios". Religion News Service. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
^ Hibberd, James (May 29, 2024). "'The Chosen' Reveals Official Season 4 Streaming Date: "The Wait Is Finally Over"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
^ Law, Jeannie (December 13, 2019). "'The Chosen': Record-breaking TV series about Jesus debuts worldwide". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
^ Foust, Michael (December 7, 2022). "The Chosen to Be Translated into 600 Languages under New Partnership". Crosswalk.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Faust, Michael (February 16, 2024). "Come and See Foundation CEO Stan Jantz on Translating The Chosen into 600 Languages". Crosswalk.com. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Holbrook, Patricia (January 26, 2024). "Season 4 of "The Chosen" does not disappoint". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
^ Goldbart, Max (May 22, 2023). "'The Chosen': Lionsgate Takes Worldwide Rights To Hit Jesus Drama". Deadline. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Otterson, Joe (May 22, 2023). "'The Chosen' Worldwide Distribution Rights Acquired by Lionsgate". Variety. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
^ Dowd, Cooper (December 27, 2021). "The Chosen Lands Spot on French Media Platform as Global Reach Grows". Movieguide. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ "Izabrani" [The Chosen]. hrtprikazuje.hrt.hr (in Croatian). Croatian Radio Television (HRT). December 12, 2022.
^ Vlessing, Etan (May 22, 2023). "Lionsgate Nabs World Rights to Crowdfunded Series 'The Chosen'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Seariac, Hanna (October 26, 2023). "How 'The Chosen' made history in Madagascar". Deseret News. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ ^a ^b Toone, Trent (December 10, 2021). "Special holiday episode 'Christmas With the Chosen' is seeing remarkable success in the box office". Deseret News. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
^ Alexander, Bryan (December 1, 2021). "'The Chosen' streaming faith series brings authentic Jesus into theaters with Christmas special". USA Today. Retrieved December 3, 2021.
^ Toone, Trent (November 4, 2021). "What is the special bonus gift 'The Chosen' series is giving to fans this Christmas?". Deseret News. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
^ Mendelson, Scott. "Box Office: 'Christmas With The Chosen' Passes $10 Million". Forbes. Retrieved April 5, 2022.
^ Toone, Trent (November 16, 2022). "Stars of 'The Chosen' walk the 'teal' carpet, celebrate theatrical release of Season 3". Deseret News. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
^ Toone, Trent (October 7, 2022). "Here's how — and when — 'The Chosen' will release the first two episodes of Season 3". Deseret News. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Wise, Talia (January 16, 2023). "'The Chosen' Creators' Big Season 3 Finale Announcement Crashes Website". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
^ Seariac, Hanna (October 16, 2023). "'The Chosen' is having a Christmas special this year". Deseret News. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Bond, Paul (December 7, 2023). ""The Chosen" headed to movie theaters for a Christmas special". Newsweek. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Schneider, Michael (November 29, 2024). "'The Chosen' Season 5 Gets Pre-Easter Theatrical Release Date; Here's a First Look at 'Last Supper'". Variety. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
^ "Christmas with the Chosen: The Messengers". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
^ "The Chosen Season 3: Episode 1 & 2". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
^ "The Chosen Season 3 Finale". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
^ "Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night (2023) - Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
^ "The Chosen: S4 Episodes 1-3". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
^ "The Chosen: S4 Episodes 4-6". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
^ "The Chosen: S4 Episodes 7-8". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
^ ^a ^b "A television show about Jesus Christ has become an unlikely hit". The Economist. February 8, 2023. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
^ Gray, Peter (April 15, 2020). "TV Review: The Chosen is a faith-based series that deepens with interest the further it goes along". The AU Review. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
^ O'Neal, Sean (February 2022). "'The Chosen' Is Christian TV That Even Heretics Can Get Behind". Texas Monthly. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
^ Ng, Alan (April 11, 2020). "The Chosen [review]". Film Threat. Archived from the original on April 15, 2020. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
^ Toone, Trent (April 29, 2022). "The rumor involving Latter-day Saints that producers of 'The Chosen' want to squash". Deseret News. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
^ Noyce, David (October 27, 2022). "Latest from Mormon Land: Big money LDS superstar delivers big hit; 'The Chosen' gets some pushback". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
^ Foust, Michael. "Dallas Jenkins Talks Mormon, LGBT Controversies: The Chosen 'Is Conservative Evangelical'". KKLA-FM. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
^ Duin, Julia (April 15, 2022). "How Pop Culture and Makers of "The Chosen" Help Define Jesus' Life". Newsweek. Retrieved January 18, 2023. Although The Chosen has been successful to date, its producers have had to deal with long-standing distrust from evangelical Christians who tend to look down on any kind of poetic license with the Scriptures.
^ "Author, preacher Voddie Baucham says he won't watch 'The Chosen,' cites Second Commandment". The Christian Post. August 12, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ "'The Chosen' Earns 2 Movieguide Award Nominations". CCM Magazine. January 13, 2020. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
^ "2020 Movieguide Award Winners". Movieguide Awards. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
^ "2021 K-Love Fan Awards: Film & Television Impact Nominees". K-Love. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
^ "2022 Winners | The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards". Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
^ Griffin, David. "Watch: 'The Chosen' Producer Discusses Funding For The Series". KOTV-DT. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c "2022 Movieguide Award Nominations". Movieguide Awards. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ St. Cyr, Sylvia (November 5, 2022). "Museum of the Bible gives 'The Chosen' prestigious Pillar award". CHVN-FM. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ Williams, Lindsay (June 3, 2023). "All Things 10th Annual K-Love Fan Awards: Recap, Winners, Performances & More". K-Love. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ "2023 GMA Dove Award Winners". GMA Dove Awards. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ "2023 Movieguide Award Winners". Movieguide Awards. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ ^a ^b "2023 Movieguide Award Nominations". Movieguide Awards. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ Toone, Trent (April 14, 2022). "'Defaced' billboards part of strategic ad campaign by 'The Chosen' to grow audience". Deseret News. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
^ "Chosen Church Campaign Kit". David C. Cook. Retrieved January 3, 2023.
^ "Dallas Jenkins". BroadStreet Publishing. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ Wenner, Emma (June 22, 2022). "David C Cook Turns to Comics for Expansion". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c ""The Chosen," Season 1 Bible Study from Dallas and Amanda Jenkins releases from David C Cook on Jan. 21, 2021". Rush To Press. November 9, 2020. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
^ Carpenter, Chris (December 10, 2022). "Authenticity of Scripture Paramount to 'The Chosen's' Success". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
^ Law, Jeannie Ortega (June 20, 2021). "'Left Behind' author Jerry Jenkins talks new book, fatherhood and why he believes we're in the End Times". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Dowd, Cooper (August 17, 2022). "'Come and See': Award-Winning Author Jerry Jenkins Releases Novel Based on Season 2 of The Chosen". Movieguide. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Gryboski, Michael (August 25, 2022). "Jerry B. Jenkins: 'The Chosen' series not a 'substitute' for reading the Bible, going to church". The Christian Post. Retrieved January 5, 2023.
^ Schneider, Michael (September 20, 2024). "The Chosen Plans Biblical Universe: Moses and Joseph Shows, Plus Animated and Unscripted Spinoffs". Variety. Retrieved October 3, 2024.
^ Petski, Denise (September 20, 2024). "'The Chosen' Creator Unveils Animated & Unscripted Series Spinoffs, Moses & Joseph Shows". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 3, 2024.

External links

[release-11] Episodes 1 & 2 of season 3 were released for an early limited theatrical run on November 18, 2022.^[10]

[release1-13] All episodes of season 4 were released in theaters prior to release for streaming: episodes 1–3 on February 1, 2024, episodes 4–6 on February 15, 2024, and episodes 7–8 on February 29, 2024.^[11]

[V92024-1] Schneider, Michael (September 20, 2024). "'The Chosen' Plans Biblical Universe: Moses and Joseph Shows, Plus Animated and Unscripted Spinoffs (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 29, 2024 – via www.variety.com.

[wsj112721-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o Jurgensen, John (November 27, 2021). "Fans Pour Funding—and Faith—Into a Hit Drama About Jesus". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved April 5, 2022 – via www.wsj.com.

[nyt112522-3] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Graham, Ruth (November 25, 2022). "Jesus Christ, Streaming Star". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 8, 2022.

[:4-4] Rabey, Steve (December 11, 2022). "Come and See Foundation hopes to reach a billion people with "The Chosen"". Colorado Springs Gazette. Retrieved December 14, 2022.

[:0-5] Carpenter, Chris. "Authenticity of Scripture Paramount to 'The Chosen's' Success". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved January 21, 2021.

[6] Carr, Kimberly (July 24, 2020). "'The Chosen' Officially Greenlights Production of Season Two". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved June 10, 2022.

[DN101822-7] Toone, Trent (October 18, 2022). "'The Chosen': Watch the gripping new trailer for Season 3 with a message from show's creator". Deseret News. Retrieved October 26, 2022.

[CP101923-8] Law, Jeannie Ortega (October 19, 2023). "'The Chosen' to release entire season 4 in theaters; fans to see Jesus experience heartbreak". Christian Post. Retrieved October 29, 2024.

[Y102123-9] Seariac, Hanna (October 21, 2023). "Jesus' ministry is going to get 'bigger' in 'The Chosen' Season 4, Dallas Jenkins says". Yahoo. Retrieved October 29, 2024.

[S3release-10] Toone, Trent (December 5, 2022). "'The Chosen' announces streaming release date". Deseret News. Retrieved December 23, 2022.

[S4release-12] Seariac, Hanna (December 5, 2022). "It's official: Season 4 of 'The Chosen' will have a unique release". Retrieved November 23, 2022.

[14] Hipes, Patrick (July 29, 2015). "WWE Studios Grabs Hold Of Faith-Based Pic 'The Resurrection Of Gavin Stone'". Deadline. Retrieved January 8, 2023.

[15] "Christian Filmmaker Dallas Jenkins: For the Love of Story". Christian Broadcasting Network. March 22, 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2023.

[:13-16] Hume, Ashley (December 16, 2022). "'The Chosen' star Jonathan Roumie and creator Dallas Jenkins on how faith turned their lives around". Fox News. Retrieved January 8, 2023.

[:1-17] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h Moore, Evan F. (March 18, 2020). "'The Chosen': Elgin filmmaker wants people to 'Binge Jesus' on an app". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 17, 2024.

[18] Cullins, Ashley (June 13, 2017). "VidAngel Launches New Platform Amid Studio Legal Battle (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 25, 2018.

[CBN1519-19] Carpenter, Chris (December 28, 2018). "New TV Series The Chosen a Modern Day 'Five Loaves and Two Fish' Story". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved April 17, 2024.

[20] Halterman, Jim (July 19, 2023). "'The Chosen' Creator Shares TV Inspirations of 'Actual Humanity' From the Faith-Based Hit". TV Insider. Retrieved August 30, 2023.

[THR1519-21] Bond, Paul (January 5, 2019). "Largest-Ever Crowdfunding Campaign for a TV Show Issues Equity to Investors". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 4, 2021.

[:3-22] Shepherd, Josh (March 29, 2019). "Jesus' Life Chosen for Two Very Different TV Series". Christianity Today. Archived from the original on March 30, 2019. Retrieved May 5, 2020.

[catholicweekly-23] Rodrigues, Marily (July 14, 2020). "Q@A with The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie". The Catholic Weekly. Retrieved January 9, 2021.

[24] "Pay It Forward". Angel Studios. Retrieved December 21, 2022.

[:17-25] "'The Chosen' has a new home and funding model". Religion News Service. December 9, 2022. Retrieved January 18, 2023.

[26] Wise, Talia (March 20, 2024). "If You Missed 'The Chosen' Season 4 and Are Sad About the Streaming Delay, Here's Some Good News". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved March 20, 2024.

[:6-27] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g DeVille, Chris (June 27, 2021). "Christian America's Must-See TV Show". The Atlantic. Retrieved December 8, 2022.

[28] Grobar, Matt (March 28, 2023). "'The Chosen' Sets Former DreamWorks Exec Mark Sourian As President Of Production, Will Serve As Foundation For Bible-Based Entertainment Universe". Deadline. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

[29] "I Have Called You By Name". The Chosen. Season 1. Episode 1. 00:15 minutes in. BYUtv. Retrieved January 15, 2021.

[30] Merrick, James (April 9, 2020). "'The Chosen' is a New and Promising TV Series on the Life of Christ". National Catholic Register.

[31] "Is 'The Chosen' series about Jesus Christ a cultural moment worth watching?". Catholic News Agency. April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2021.

[oklahoma-city-sentinel-april-2023-32] McGuigan, Patrick B. (April 11, 2023). "Orthodox Jewish Theologian David Nekrutman is chosen -- as an adviser to 'The Chosen'". The Oklahoma City Sentinel. Retrieved April 12, 2023.

[TCV71619-33] Brownell, Dan (July 16, 2019). "The Chosen Season 1: VidAngel Presents the Greatest Story Ever Told in a Groundbreaking New TV Show". Today's Christian Living. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

[34] Mauch, Rick (October 3, 2019). "'The Chosen' TV series on Christ finds 'perfect' filming location in Weatherford area". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Archived from the original on May 5, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2020.

[35] Toone, Trent (August 19, 2020). "Creators of VidAngel's 'The Chosen' to film second season in Utah". Deseret News. Retrieved April 18, 2024.

[:5-36] Toone, Trent (October 28, 2020). "Why cast and crew of 'The Chosen' love filming in Utah's version of the Holy Land". Deseret News. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved January 2, 2021.

[:15-37] Sandberg, Bryn (February 10, 2021). "Crowdfunded TV Series 'The Chosen' to Film Scene With 2,000 Extras Amid Pandemic". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 12, 2023.

[tbn-law3-38] Ortega-Law, Jeannie (February 13, 2021). "Record-breaking 'The Chosen' series gathers 2,000 extras to film biblical reenactment amid COVID regulations". The Christian Post. Retrieved April 2, 2021.

[KLTV61022-39] Downs, Willie (June 10, 2022). "Thousands of volunteers descend on North Texas for filming of 'The Chosen's' feeding of 5,000". KLTV. Retrieved June 17, 2022.

[40] Miller, Alexandra (September 2, 2023). "'The Chosen' Season 4: Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything We Know So Far". Collider. Retrieved April 16, 2024.

[41] Warren, Steve (March 31, 2023). "'The Chosen' Begins Filming Season 4, Series to be Translated into 600 Languages". Retrieved April 18, 2024.

[42] Jacobs, Gideon (July 31, 2023). "Jesus Walks Into a Deli". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved August 30, 2023.

[43] Wiseman, Andreas (July 17, 2023). "Hallelujah! Faith Series 'The Chosen' Granted SAG Waiver To Continue Filming & Becomes First Known Series To Get Exemption During Strike". Deadline. Retrieved July 17, 2023.

[44] Stenzel, Wesley (July 17, 2023). "'The Chosen' gets waiver to continue filming during SAG-AFTRA strike". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved August 29, 2023.

[45] Post, Kathryn (July 20, 2023). "'The Chosen' cast 'eager to finish' season 4 after strike threatens schedule". Kentucky Today. Retrieved August 30, 2023.

[46] Schneider, Michael (March 25, 2024). "'The Chosen' Season 5 Starts Production in April, as Season 4 Prepares to Hit Broadcast and Streaming After Theatrical Run (Exclusive)". Variety. Retrieved March 29, 2024.

[:7-47] Smith, Warren Cole (April 3, 2022). "A conversation with Dan Haseltine, Matthew Nelson, and Tony Evans". World. Retrieved December 14, 2022.

[:20-48] Romano, Aja (August 2, 2023). "The Chosen, the Christian megahit about Jesus, explained". Vox. Retrieved August 30, 2023.

[49] Dowd, Cooper (December 21, 2022). "Joni Eareckson Tada Reacts to Season 3 of The Chosen: 'I Was In Tears'". Movieguide. Retrieved December 23, 2022.

[50] "'I see you': How 'The Chosen' is spotlighting the key role of women in Jesus' ministry". Deseret News. September 21, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.

[51] Farrand, Tess (July 17, 2020). "Dallas Jenkins: 'God's Impossible Math' Funded 'The Chosen'". Movieguide. Retrieved January 28, 2023.

[ksltv-52] Mikita, Carole (October 25, 2020). "Production On Season 2 Of 'The Chosen' Begins in Utah". KSL-TV. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved January 2, 2021.

[tbn-law-53] Law, Jeannie (February 9, 2021). "'The Chosen': Record-breaking series about Jesus debuts on TBN". The Christian Post. Retrieved March 4, 2021.

[54] Henson, Melissa (April 22, 2021). "The era of complaining about Hollywood is over". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 21, 2021.

[55] Rice, Lynette (June 9, 2023). "'The Chosen': CW Picks Up First Three Seasons Of Drama About Jesus". Deadline. Retrieved June 9, 2023.

[56] Mitovich, Matt Webb (July 17, 2023). "Sunday Ratings: How Did Jesus Do?". Retrieved April 18, 2024.

[57] Petski, Denise (June 3, 2024). "'The Chosen' Season 4 Picked Up By The CW". Deadline. Retrieved June 18, 2024.

[58] Bond, Paul (March 13, 2024). "An epic feud between two giants in Christian entertainment comes to a head". Newsweek. Retrieved March 20, 2024.

[59] Post, Kathryn (May 29, 2024). "'The Chosen' announces release of Season Four, parts ways with Angel Studios". Religion News Service. Retrieved May 30, 2024.

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v t e Works directed by Dallas Jenkins
Films	What If... (2010) The Resurrection of Gavin Stone (2017) The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)
Television	The Chosen (2017–present)