Christian movies and TV shows have had a mixed history. Many have had poor scripts, limited budgets, forgettable casting, and mediocre directing. Others offended Christian viewers by promoting heresies or contracting the clear teaching of Scripture. “The Chosen” has avoided these pitfalls to tell fictional, but Bible-based stories about Jesus and the people who met Him. “The Chosen” richly brings the Gospels to a global audience, providing a chance to see what life was like in occupied Israel in Jesus’ time. “The Chosen” creates credible stories for His family, the disciples, and others who encountered Jesus while remaining faithful to the Scriptures. Many scholars and consultants strive to make the sets, the clothing, and the atmosphere look, feel, and sound like ancient Israel. Jesus is not on-screen for long in any episode, but His presence and impact are dramatic as people come to realize He is the promised Messiah. Jesus’ miracles are portrayed as clearly supernatural, including when the disciples caught an incredible amount of fish, when water was turned into wine, and at the healing of a leper. People’s reaction to Jesus’ miracles span astonishment, wonder, puzzlement, and fear.
The opening credits of the first episode of “The Chosen” 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.” In 2019, the first season’s eight episodes include (i) Jesus with Little Children, (ii) the Wedding Gift at Cana, (iii) Jesus healing Mary Magdalene, (iv) Jesus meeting the Samaritan women at the well, and (v) Jesus calling His disciples.
“The Chosen” was crowdfunded through Angel Studios. So far nearly 19,000 people have invested over $11 million to bring "The Chosen" to the screen. Viewership is already nearly 200 million worldwide. The show has been translated into 52 languages and seven seasons are planned. In 2021, the second season focuses on the beginning of Jesus public ministry and what happens as word of His ministry begins to spread. “The Chosen” is available for free through the show’s app or on YouTube, and on NBC’s Peacock network. “The Chosen” is reminiscent of other recent Bible-based, Christian-produced miniseries: “The Bible” in 2013 and “A.D. The Bible Continues” in 2015. While storytelling based on the Bible has its drawbacks and pitfalls, “The Chosen” deserves a spot on your viewing schedule.