The Chosen (TV series)

Set in 1st century Galilee, the first season chronicles Jesus starting to build a group of disciples and his ministry,{{Cite web|last=Carpenter |first=Chris |title=Authenticity of Scripture Paramount to 'The Chosen's' Success |website=Christian Broadcasting Network |url=https://www1.cbn.com/television/authenticity-scripture-paramount-chosens-success |access-date=January 21, 2021}} 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, he encounters both opportunities and difficulties.{{Cite web|last=Carr |first=Kimberly |date=July 24, 2020 |title='The Chosen' Officially Greenlights Production of Season Two |website=Christian Broadcasting Network |url=https://www1.cbn.com/hollywoodinsight/chosen-greenlights-season-two |access-date=June 10, 2022}} 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.{{Cite news |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=October 18, 2022 |title='The Chosen': Watch the gripping new trailer for Season 3 with a message from show's creator |work=Deseret News |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/10/17/23410332/new-the-chosen-season-3-trailer-theaters |access-date=October 26, 2022}} 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.{{Cite news |last=Law |first=Jeannie Ortega |date=October 19, 2023 |title='The Chosen' to release entire season 4 in theaters; fans to see Jesus experience heartbreak |work=Christian Post |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-chosen-to-release-entire-season-4-in-theaters.html |access-date=October 29, 2024}}{{Cite news |last=Seariac |first=Hanna |date=October 21, 2023 |title=Jesus' ministry is going to get 'bigger' in 'The Chosen' Season 4, Dallas Jenkins says |work=Yahoo |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/jesus-ministry-going-bigger-chosen-193000129.html |access-date=October 29, 2024}} 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|List of The Chosen characters|l1 = List of {{noitalic|The Chosen}} characters}}

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

{{Main|List of The Chosen episodes}}

{{:List of The Chosen episodes}}

File:Dallas Jenkins.jpeg

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.{{Cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=July 29, 2015 |title=WWE Studios Grabs Hold Of Faith-Based Pic 'The Resurrection Of Gavin Stone' |url=https://deadline.com/2015/07/resurrection-of-gavin-stone-wwe-studios-sean-michaels-1201486878/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline}}{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2017 |title=Christian Filmmaker Dallas Jenkins: For the Love of Story |url=https://www1.cbn.com/movies/christian-filmmaker-dallas-jenkins-for-love-of-story |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Christian Broadcasting Network}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Hume |first=Ashley |date=December 16, 2022 |title='The Chosen' star Jonathan Roumie and creator Dallas Jenkins on how faith turned their lives around |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/the-chosen-star-jonathan-roumie-creator-dallas-jenkins-how-faith-turned-lives-around |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Fox News}}

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. 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. 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".{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Evan F. |date=March 18, 2020 |title='The Chosen': Elgin filmmaker wants people to 'Binge Jesus' on an app |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/3/18/21185293/dallas-jenkins-chosen-jesus-vidangel-christ-bible-streaming-app |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Chicago Sun-Times}}

Faith-based video streaming service VidAngel became aware of The Shepherd and showed interest in expanding on the concept of a Jesus-based series. At the time, VidAngel was involved in a lawsuit with major Hollywood studios and thus seeking original content to distribute.{{Cite news|last=Cullins|first=Ashley|date=June 13, 2017|title=VidAngel Launches New Platform Amid Studio Legal Battle (Exclusive)|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/vidangel-launches-new-platform-studio-legal-battle-1013164|access-date=February 25, 2018}} They suggested putting the short film on Facebook as a series pilot to see if interest would be generated for a multi-season show.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Chris |date=December 28, 2018 |title=New TV Series The Chosen a Modern Day 'Five Loaves and Two Fish' Story |url=http://www1.cbn.com/television/new-tv-series-chosen-modern-day-five-loaves-and-two-fish-story |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Christian Broadcasting Network}} Jenkins expressed that he was not totally on board with the potential of crowdfunding, but decided to give the platform a try.{{Cite web |last=Halterman |first=Jim |date=July 19, 2023 |title='The Chosen' Creator Shares TV Inspirations of 'Actual Humanity' From the Faith-Based Hit |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1098733/the-chosen-series-tv-the-cw-dallas-jenkins-jonathan-roumie/ |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=TV Insider}} The short film received over 15 million views around the world.{{cite news|last=Bond|first=Paul|date=January 5, 2019|title=Largest-Ever Crowdfunding Campaign for a TV Show Issues Equity to Investors|work=The Hollywood Reporter|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/largest-ever-tv-crowdfunding-campaign-issues-equity-investors-1173422|access-date=January 4, 2021}}

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. The first fundraising round raised $11 million from more than 16,000 investors for the project, each of whom received equity in the project.{{cite web|last=Shepherd|first=Josh|title=Jesus' Life Chosen for Two Very Different TV Series|url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/march-web-only/jesus-his-life-history-chosen-tv-series-vidangel.html|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330165747/https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/march-web-only/jesus-his-life-history-chosen-tv-series-vidangel.html |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |url-access=subscription |website=Christianity Today|date=March 29, 2019 }} This surpassed Mystery Science Theater 3000 as the top crowdfunded TV series project. 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. Majority shareholders will not receive a share of the profits until the original investors earn 120% of their investments.

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. Season 2 fundraising had raised over $6 million from more than 300,000 contributors as of July 1, 2020.{{cite news|last=Rodrigues|first=Marily |date=July 14, 2020|title=Q@A with The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie|work=The Catholic Weekly|url=https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/qa-with-the-chosen-star-jonathan-roumie/|access-date=January 9, 2021}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Pay It Forward |url=https://watch.angelstudios.com/en/thechosen/pif |access-date=December 21, 2022 |website=Angel Studios}} Through 2021, the average contribution through crowdfunding efforts was $65.

In October 2022, the creators partnered with a new nonprofit, the Come and See Foundation, which was created to manage the show's funding. The nonprofit status allows contributors to receive a tax deduction for their donations. 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.{{Cite web |last=Wise |first=Talia |date=2024-03-20 |title=If You Missed 'The Chosen' Season 4 and Are Sad About the Streaming Delay, Here's Some Good News |url=https://www2.cbn.com/news/entertainment/if-you-missed-chosen-season-4-and-are-sad-about-streaming-delay-heres-some-good |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=Christian Broadcasting Network |language=en}}

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.{{cite news |last1=DeVille |first1=Chris |date=June 27, 2021 |title=Christian America's Must-See TV Show |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/06/the-chosen-jesus-tv-show/619306/ |url-access=limited |access-date=December 8, 2022 |work=The Atlantic}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=March 28, 2023 |title='The Chosen' Sets Former DreamWorks Exec Mark Sourian As President Of Production, Will Serve As Foundation For Bible-Based Entertainment Universe |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/the-chosen-mark-sourian-president-of-production-2-1235311742/ |access-date=August 28, 2023 |website=Deadline}}

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. This is noted in the opening credits of the first episode, which include the following:{{blockquote

|text=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.{{Cite episode |title=I Have Called You By Name |url=https://www.byutv.org/player/413b4c41-0bc2-405e-a10b-7fd147d3c607/the-chosen-i-have-called-you-by-name |access-date=January 15, 2021 |series=The Chosen |network=BYUtv |season=1 |number=1 |minutes=00:15}}

}}

Although the show has an evangelical tendency,{{Cite web |last=Merrick |first=James |date=April 9, 2020 |title='The Chosen' is a New and Promising TV Series on the Life of Christ |url=https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-chosen-is-a-new-and-promising-tv-series-on-the-life-of-christ |website=National Catholic Register}} 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.{{Cite news |date=April 19, 2021 |title=Is 'The Chosen' series about Jesus Christ a cultural moment worth watching? |work=Catholic News Agency |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/247320/is-the-chosen-series-about-jesus-christ-a-cultural-moment-worth-watching |access-date=April 20, 2021}} Orthodox Jewish theologian David Nekrutman was appointed as adviser for the show's fourth season.{{cite news |last=McGuigan |first=Patrick B. |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Orthodox Jewish Theologian David Nekrutman is chosen -- as an adviser to 'The Chosen' |url=https://www.city-sentinel.com/community/orthodox-jewish-theologian-david-nekrutman-is-chosen----as-an-adviser-to-the/article_00580d06-d87c-11ed-9611-5b4ac4f51732.html |access-date=April 12, 2023 |work=The Oklahoma City Sentinel}}

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

File:The Chosen - Jesus at wedding with kids.jpg

The show features many people of color as actors, which is not often the case in television and film based on the Bible. 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.

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".{{cite web |last=Brownell |first=Dan |date=July 16, 2019 |title=The Chosen Season 1: VidAngel Presents the Greatest Story Ever Told in a Groundbreaking New TV Show |url=https://todayschristianliving.org/the-chosen-vidangel-presents-the-greatest-story-ever-told-in-a-groundbreaking-new-tv-show/ |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=Today's Christian Living}} 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".

File:The Chosen - Nicodemus and Jesus.jpg

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.{{cite news|last=Mauch|first=Rick|date=October 3, 2019|title='The Chosen' TV series on Christ finds 'perfect' filming location in Weatherford area|work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/weatherford-star-telegram/article235655362.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505031510/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/weatherford-star-telegram/article235655362.html|archive-date=May 5, 2020|access-date=May 7, 2020}}

File:The Chosen - BTS Roman Authority.jpg

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.{{cite news|last=Toone|first=Trent|date=August 19, 2020|title=Creators of VidAngel's 'The Chosen' to film second season in Utah|work=Deseret News|url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/8/19/21324769/the-chosen-life-jesus-christ-faith-series-vidangel-dallas-jenkins-bible-jerusalem-set-goshen-utah/|access-date=April 18, 2024}} 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".{{cite news|last=Toone|first=Trent|date=October 28, 2020|title=Why cast and crew of 'The Chosen' love filming in Utah's version of the Holy Land|work=Deseret News|location=Salt Lake City, UT|url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2020/10/28/21515467/the-chosen-faith-utah-desert-film-jesus-lds-mormon-show-jesus-dallas-jenkins-covid-testing|access-date=January 2, 2021}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Sandberg |first=Bryn |date=February 10, 2021 |title=Crowdfunded TV Series 'The Chosen' to Film Scene With 2,000 Extras Amid Pandemic |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/crowdfunded-tv-series-the-chosen-to-film-scene-with-2000-extras-amid-pandemic-4130739/ |access-date=January 12, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} 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.{{cite news|last=Ortega-Law|first=Jeannie|date=February 13, 2021|title=Record-breaking 'The Chosen' series gathers 2,000 extras to film biblical reenactment amid COVID regulations|work=The Christian Post|url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-chosen-gathers-2000-extras-for-sermon-on-the-mount-scene.html|access-date=April 2, 2021}} 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. Jenkins indicated that the production experienced fewer than five positive cases during filming.

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. 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. 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.{{cite web |last=Downs |first=Willie |date=June 10, 2022 |title=Thousands of volunteers descend on North Texas for filming of 'The Chosen's' feeding of 5,000 |website=KLTV |url=https://www.kltv.com/2022/06/09/thousands-volunteers-descend-north-texas-filming-chosens-biblical-feeding-5000 |access-date=June 17, 2022}}

Season 4 production began in March 2023 in Midlothian.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Alexandra |date=2023-09-02 |title='The Chosen' Season 4: Release Date, Cast, Plot, and Everything We Know So Far |url=https://collider.com/the-chosen-season-4-cast-release-plot/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=Collider |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Warren |first=Steve | url=https://cmsedit.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2023/march/the-chosen-begins-filming-season-4-series-to-be-translated-into-600-languages | title='The Chosen' Begins Filming Season 4, Series to be Translated into 600 Languages |date=March 31, 2023 | access-date=April 18, 2024 }} 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.{{Cite magazine |last=Jacobs |first=Gideon |date=July 31, 2023 |title=Jesus Walks Into a Deli |magazine=The New Yorker |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/08/07/jesus-walks-into-a-deli |access-date=August 30, 2023 |issn=0028-792X}} The series was granted a waiver to continue filming on July 16, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=July 17, 2023 |title=Hallelujah! Faith Series 'The Chosen' Granted SAG Waiver To Continue Filming & Becomes First Known Series To Get Exemption During Strike |url=https://deadline.com/2023/07/chosen-series-jesus-sag-waiver-strike-jonathan-roumie-1235439455/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=Deadline}}{{Cite magazine |last=Stenzel |first=Wesley |date=July 17, 2023 |title='The Chosen' gets waiver to continue filming during SAG-AFTRA strike |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-chosen-gets-waiver-to-continue-filming-during-sag-aftra-strike/ |access-date=August 29, 2023 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} Under the terms of the waiver, the show's producers agreed to be bound to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement retroactively.{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Kathryn |date=July 20, 2023 |title='The Chosen' cast 'eager to finish' season 4 after strike threatens schedule |url=https://www.kentuckytoday.com/baptist_life/the-chosen-cast-eager-to-finish-season-4-after-strike-threatens-schedule/article_bd14b212-271b-11ee-8e94-6fa6c3559d29.html |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Kentucky Today}}

Filming of season 5 began on April 11, 2024, in Utah with production completing at the show's Midlothian, Texas, facility.{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=2024-03-25 |title='The Chosen' Season 5 Starts Production in April, as Season 4 Prepares to Hit Broadcast and Streaming After Theatrical Run (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-chosen-season-5-production-season-4-broadcast-streaming-release-plans-1235950462/ |access-date=2024-03-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

Filming of season 6 began on April 15, 2025.{{cite news |last1=Darby |first1=Margaret |title=‘It’s a big undertaking’: Filming has started for ‘The Chosen’ Season 6 |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2025/04/15/chosen-season-six-filming/ |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Deseret News |date=April 15, 2025 |language=en}} The sixth season will premiere in 2027, while the seventh and final season will premiere in 2028.{{cite news |last=Seariac |first=Hanna |title=There's more coming after 'The Chosen' — Dallas Jenkins announces new projects |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2024/09/20/dallas-jenkins-news/ |access-date=April 15, 2025 |work=Deseret News |date=September 20, 2024 |language=en}}

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".{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Warren Cole |date=April 3, 2022 |title=A conversation with Dan Haseltine, Matthew Nelson, and Tony Evans |url=https://wng.org/podcasts/a-conversation-with-dan-haseltine-matthew-nelson-and-tony-evans-s10-e1-1650601080 |access-date=December 14, 2022 |website=World}}

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

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. In The New York Times, Ruth Graham points out that themes within the storylines include "complex relationships, suspense, political intrigue, and charged emotional moments". Other themes, described by Chris DeVille in The Atlantic, include marital conflict and financial struggles. 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.

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.{{Cite web |last=Dowd |first=Cooper |date=December 21, 2022 |title=Joni Eareckson Tada Reacts to Season 3 of The Chosen: 'I Was In Tears' |url=https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/joni-eareckson-tada-reacts-to-season-3-of-the-chosen-i-was-in-tears.html |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Movieguide}}

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.{{Cite news|date=September 21, 2022 |title='I see you': How 'The Chosen' is spotlighting the key role of women in Jesus' ministry |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/9/20/23321678/the-chosen-women-jesus-texas |access-date=December 13, 2022 |work=Deseret News}}

The show has utilized a variety of different release and distribution models as viewership has grown. The first season was originally released on VidAngel's subscription service and also available for DVD purchase. Initially, viewership was sluggish. Then, during the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April 2020, the first season was made freely available through The Chosen app, at which time viewership spiked. Jenkins stated that revenue actually went up after they made it free to watch, attributing it to "God's impossible math".{{Cite web |last=Farrand |first=Tess |date=July 17, 2020 |title=Dallas Jenkins: 'God's Impossible Math' Funded 'The Chosen' |url=https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/dallas-jenkins-gods-impossible-math-funded-the-chosen.html |access-date=January 28, 2023 |website=Movieguide}} The producers have since made the free-to-watch model permanent, and generate revenue through a variety of channels including theatrical releases, streaming platform and television network deals, merchandise and media sales, and pay-it-forward viewer contributions.

Seasons 1-4 were primarily distributed via The Chosen's app and website before being released to other platforms. New episodes were typically premiered 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.{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2022 |title='The Chosen' has a new home and funding model |url=https://religionnews.com/2022/12/09/the-chosen-has-a-new-home-and-funding-model/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=Religion News Service}} Beginning with Season 5, new seasons will be initially exclusive to Amazon Prime Video before being made available for free.

By early 2021, the show was made available to view on Amazon Prime Video, Trinity Broadcasting Network, Peacock, and UPtv.{{Cite news |last=Law |first=Jeannie |date=February 9, 2021 |title='The Chosen': Record-breaking series about Jesus debuts on TBN |work=The Christian Post |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-chosen-record-breaking-series-about-jesus-debuts-on-tbn.html |access-date=March 4, 2021}}{{Cite news|last=Henson|first=Melissa|date=April 22, 2021|title=The era of complaining about Hollywood is over|work=The Washington Times|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/apr/22/the-era-of-complaining-about-hollywood-is-over/|access-date=May 21, 2021}} In 2022, season 1 was released on Netflix.

Season 2 was first released in 2021 on The Chosen app and the Angel Studios app and expanded to various other free and paid streaming platforms.

The producers partnered with Fathom Events for a Christmas special titled Christmas with The Chosen: The Messengers, which opened in 1,700 theaters on December 1, 2021.{{Cite news|last=Toone |first=Trent |date=December 10, 2021 |title=Special holiday episode 'Christmas With the Chosen' is seeing remarkable success in the box office |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2021/12/10/22828207/you-wont-believe-what-christmas-with-the-chosen-earned-at-the-box-office |access-date=January 9, 2023 |work=Deseret News}}{{cite news |last=Alexander |first=Bryan |date=December 1, 2021 |title='The Chosen' streaming faith series brings authentic Jesus into theaters with Christmas special |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/12/01/the-chosen-christmas-special-authentic-jesus-begins-birth/8803192002/ |access-date=December 3, 2021}} The special also featured performances from Contemporary Christian music artists including Phil Wickham, Maverick City Music, For King and Country, and Brandon Lake.{{cite news |last=Toone |first=Trent |title=What is the special bonus gift 'The Chosen' series is giving to fans this Christmas? |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2021/11/4/22763680/the-special-bonus-gift-the-chosen-series-is-giving-to-fans-this-christmas-jesus-christ-jerusalem |access-date=October 18, 2023 |work=Deseret News |date=November 4, 2021}} It grossed $13.5 million with one million tickets sold, exceeding previous records for Fathom Events.{{Cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |title=Box Office: 'Christmas With The Chosen' Passes $10 Million |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2021/12/08/box-office-christmas-with-the-chosen-passes-10-million/ |accessdate=April 5, 2022 |website=Forbes}} The effort was to satisfy demand from fans as well as an attempt to drive people back to movie theaters.

After the success in theaters of the Christmas special, the producers announced the first two episodes of Season 3 would be shown in theaters before being released for free on various platforms. 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.{{Cite news |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Stars of 'The Chosen' walk the 'teal' carpet, celebrate theatrical release of Season 3 |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/11/16/23452209/the-chosen-theatrical-release-season-3 |access-date=January 9, 2023 |work=Deseret News}}

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.{{Cite news|last=Toone |first=Trent |date=October 7, 2022 |title=Here's how — and when — 'The Chosen' will release the first two episodes of Season 3 |url=https://www.deseret.com/faith/2022/10/7/23321699/the-chosen-season-3-dallas-jenkins-theaters |access-date=January 9, 2023 |work=Deseret News}} When Jenkins announced ticket sales during a livestream, the resulting demand initially crashed the Fathom Events website.{{cite web|last=Wise |first=Talia |title='The Chosen' Creators' Big Season 3 Finale Announcement Crashes Website |url=https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2023/january/the-chosen-creators-announce-season-3-finale-to-premiere-in-theaters-nationwide-the-reaction-is-stunning |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=Christian Broadcasting Network |date=January 16, 2023}} The finale opened in theaters on February 2, 2023.

In June 2023, The CW acquired the first three seasons of The Chosen for linear broadcast in the United States.{{cite web |last=Rice |first=Lynette |date=June 9, 2023 |title='The Chosen': CW Picks Up First Three Seasons Of Drama About Jesus |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/the-chosen-cw-picks-up-three-seasons-jesus-drama-1235413044/ |access-date=June 9, 2023 |website=Deadline}} The CW premiere broadcast was watched by 520,000 viewers.{{cite web |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |url=https://tvline.com/ratings/tv-ratings-the-chosen-premiere-the-cw-jesus-drama-1235014645/ | title=Sunday Ratings: How Did Jesus Do? | date=July 17, 2023 |access-date=April 18, 2024}}

Another theatrical Christmas 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.{{cite news|last=Seariac |first=Hanna |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/10/16/23914876/the-chosen-christmas-special-release-date|title='The Chosen' is having a Christmas special this year|work=Deseret News|date=October 16, 2023|access-date=April 18, 2024}} The special also featured monologues by Dallas Jenkins's wife, Amanda Jenkins, and co-writer of The Chosen, Tyler Thompson.{{Cite web |last=Bond |first=Paul |date=December 7, 2023 |title="The Chosen" headed to movie theaters for a Christmas special |url=https://www.newsweek.com/chosen-headed-movie-theaters-christmas-special-1850619 |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=Newsweek}}

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.

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.{{Cite web |last=Bond |first=Paul |date=2024-03-13 |title=An epic feud between two giants in Christian entertainment comes to a head |url=https://www.newsweek.com/epic-feud-between-two-giants-christian-entertainment-comes-head-1878595 |access-date=2024-03-20 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} Jenkins later 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 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.{{Cite web |last=Post |first=Kathryn |date=2024-05-29 |title='The Chosen' announces release of Season Four, parts ways with Angel Studios |url=https://religionnews.com/2024/05/29/the-chosen-announces-streaming-release-of-season-four-parts-ways-with-angel-studios/ |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=Religion News Service |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Hibberd |first=James |date=2024-05-29 |title='The Chosen' Reveals Official Season 4 Streaming Date: "The Wait Is Finally Over" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-chosen-season-4-date-1235910704/ |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Season 4 episodes were later released to other platforms.

In June 2024, The CW picked up the show for its fourth season.{{cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=June 3, 2024 |title='The Chosen' Season 4 Picked Up By The CW |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/the-chosen-season-4-the-cw-1235957781/ |access-date=June 18, 2024 |website=Deadline}}

In February 2025, Jenkins announced a deal with Amazon MGM Studios to distribute theatrical releases of season 5, branded The Chosen: Last Supper, beginning in March 2025. As part of the deal, Amazon acquired exclusive rights to stream season 5 on Amazon Prime Video for 90 days, after which the show will be made available for free.[https://deadline.com/2025/02/amazon-mgm-studios-dallas-jenkins-the-chosen-1236292188/ Amazon MGM Studios Inks Deal With Dallas Jenkins' 5&2 Studios; Lands U.S. Streaming Rights To 'The Chosen'] The Chosen: Last Supper generated over $11 million across its first three days of release.{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/the-chosen-pulls-off-major-surprise-in-debut-box-office-weekend-pushing-franchise-toward-100-million/ar-AA1BYBsa |access-date=2025-03-31 |website=www.msn.com}}

The Season 5 trailer soared to No. 1 on YouTube's trending list and amassed more than 1 million views in less than 24 hours.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Michael |title='The Chosen' Soars to YouTube's No. 1 Spot as Season 5 Trailer Captivates Fans |url=https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/television/the-chosen-soars-to-youtubes-no-1-spot-as-season-5-trailer-captivates-fans.html |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Crosswalk.com |language=en}} The film grossed $11.49M on its opening weekend, giving the franchise its biggest opening since the third season's theatrical release, where it grossed $8.77M during its opening weekend in November 2022.{{cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=Jason Statham's 'Working Man' With $15M+ Opening Puts 'Snow White' To Sleep & Sends Jenna Ortega's 'Unicorn' Out To Pasture – Sunday Box Office Update |url=https://deadline.com/2025/03/box-office-snow-white-princess-mononoke-jenna-ortega-death-of-a-unicorn-1236353369/ |access-date=March 30, 2025 |work=Deadline |date=March 30, 2025}}{{cite news |last=Klein |first=Brennan |title=The Chosen Season 5 Sets A Box Office Record For The Faith-Based Franchise As TV Show Continues Theatrical Success |url=https://screenrant.com/chosen-season-5-theater-release-box-office-milestone/ |access-date=March 31, 2025 |work=ScreenRant |date=March 30, 2025 |language=en}} After the release of Part 3 of the fifth season, the entire theatrical run of The Chosen series grossed over $120 million.{{cite news |last=Malhotra |first=Rahul |title=‘The Chosen’ Eyes Epic Easter Box Office Haul After Passing the $100 Million Milestone |url=https://collider.com/the-chosen-global-box-office-105-million/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |work=Collider |date=April 13, 2025 |language=en}} The three parts of Last Supper became the highest-grossing film released by Fathom Events,{{cite news |last1=Masunaga |first1=Samantha |title=This TV series about Jesus is making millions — at the box office |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-04-19/despite-being-a-series-the-chosen-bet-big-on-theatrical-heres-why |access-date=April 21, 2025 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=April 19, 2025}} with the first part alone grossing nearly $20.2 million domestically.

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.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Jeannie |date=December 13, 2019 |title='The Chosen': Record-breaking TV series about Jesus debuts worldwide |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-chosen-record-breaking-tv-series-about-jesus-debuts-worldwide.html |access-date=January 4, 2021 |website=The Christian Post}} 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. The foundation's goal is dubbing the show in 100 languages and subtitling it in 600 languages.{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Michael |date=December 7, 2022 |title=The Chosen to Be Translated into 600 Languages under New Partnership |url=https://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/michael-foust/the-chosen-to-be-translated-into-600-languages-under-new-partnership.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=Crosswalk.com}}{{Cite web |last=Faust |first=Michael |date=February 16, 2024 |title=Come and See Foundation CEO Stan Jantz on Translating The Chosen into 600 Languages |url=https://www.crosswalk.com/video/come-and-see-foundation-ceo-stan-janta-on-translating-the-chosen-into-languages.html |access-date=2024-04-17 |website=Crosswalk.com |language=en}} As of January 2024, the series has been dubbed in nearly 50 languages.

In May 2023, Lionsgate Television acquired worldwide distribution rights to the series under a sub-license. Under the agreement, the series remained an Angel Studios original and Angel retains exclusive launch windows and licensing rights to the show.{{cite web |last=Goldbart |first=Max |date=May 22, 2023 |title='The Chosen': Lionsgate Takes Worldwide Rights To Hit Jesus Drama |url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/lionsgate-takes-worldwide-rights-the-chosen-jesus-drama-dallas-jenkins-1235375317/ |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=Deadline}}{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2023-05-22 |title='The Chosen' Worldwide Distribution Rights Acquired by Lionsgate |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-chosen-acquired-lionsgate-worldwide-distribution-1235621484/ |access-date=2024-04-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

The series has expanded to international platforms, such as Canal+ in France.{{Cite web |last=Dowd |first=Cooper |date=December 27, 2021 |title=The Chosen Lands Spot on French Media Platform as Global Reach Grows |url=https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/the-chosen-lands-spot-on-french-media-platform-as-global-reach-grows.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Movieguide}} First season of the show was broadcast on the Croatian Radio Television during the last week of Advent in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://hrtprikazuje.hrt.hr/hrt1/the-chosen-10498907|title=Izabrani|trans-title=The Chosen|language=hr|website=hrtprikazuje.hrt.hr|publisher=Croatian Radio Television (HRT)|date=12 December 2022}} As of 2023, the series had also launched into the Netherlands on NPO, Spain on Movistar, and Poland on TVP.{{Cite web |last=Vlessing |first=Etan |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Lionsgate Nabs World Rights to Crowdfunded Series 'The Chosen' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/the-chosen-lionsgate-crowdfunded-jesus-series-1235497604/ |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} In the summer of 2023, the show became the first television show to be translated into Malagasy.{{Cite web |last=Seariac |first=Hanna |date=October 26, 2023 |title=How 'The Chosen' made history in Madagascar |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/10/26/23934037/how-to-watch-the-chosen/ |access-date=April 18, 2024 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}

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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, yet it was still able to achieve more than 312 million streaming views in that time. 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. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the show had 200 million viewers and 770 million episode views as of January 2024. As of 2025, producers estimated it has been seen by 280 million people worldwide, a third of whom are not religious.

The show has received positive reviews for its acting, direction, and speculative storytelling beyond typical Bible stories,{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Alan |date=April 11, 2020 |title=The Chosen [review] |url=https://filmthreat.com/reviews/the-chosen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415065723/https://filmthreat.com/reviews/the-chosen/ |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=Film Threat}} as well as for its authenticity.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Aja |date=August 2, 2023 |title=The Chosen, the Christian megahit about Jesus, explained |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/23807450/what-is-the-chosen-series-why-so-popular-controversy |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Vox}} 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".{{Cite news |last=Holbrook |first=Patricia |date=January 26, 2024 |title=Season 4 of "The Chosen" does not disappoint |url=https://www.ajc.com/life/the-chosen-series-season-4-does-not-disappoint/BVWW233E5ZAHXDZUY6OHKIBXTE/ |access-date=2024-04-20 |work=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |language=English |issn=1539-7459}} Other Christian commentators have also praised the series for its production value, noting that it raises the bar for other faith-based productions. 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". However, Texas Monthly suggested that the show has the most mainstream crossover potential since Touched by an Angel.{{Cite web |last=O'Neal |first=Sean |date=February 2022 |title='The Chosen' Is Christian TV That Even Heretics Can Get Behind |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/the-chosen-is-christian-tv-that-even-heretics-can-get-behind/ |access-date=April 17, 2024 |website=Texas Monthly}}

Not all reception has been positive. The creators have received an array of criticisms, including the production's association with the LDS Church{{Cite web |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=April 29, 2022 |title=The rumor involving Latter-day Saints that producers of 'The Chosen' want to squash |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2022/4/29/23048558/the-rumor-involving-latter-day-saints-that-producers-of-the-chosen-want-to-squash-mormons-social |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=Deseret News}} and accusations of injecting Mormon theology into the scripts.{{Cite web |last=Noyce |first=David |date=October 27, 2022 |title=Latest from Mormon Land: Big money LDS superstar delivers big hit; 'The Chosen' gets some pushback |url=https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2022/10/27/latest-mormon-land-big-money-lds/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}} 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".{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Michael |title=Dallas Jenkins Talks Mormon, LGBT Controversies: The Chosen 'Is Conservative Evangelical' |url=https://kkla.com/articles/headlines/dallas-jenkins-talks-mormon-lgbt-controversies-the-chosen-conservative-evangelical |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=KKLA-FM |language=en}} 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,{{Cite web |last=Duin |first=Julia |date=April 15, 2022 |title=How Pop Culture and Makers of "The Chosen" Help Define Jesus' Life |url=https://www.newsweek.com/who-jesus-how-pop-culture-makers-chosen-help-define-his-life-amid-few-biographical-details-1696690 |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=Newsweek |quote=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.}}{{Cite news |date=February 8, 2023 |title=A television show about Jesus Christ has become an unlikely hit |url=https://www.economist.com/culture/2023/02/08/a-television-show-about-jesus-christ-has-become-an-unlikely-hit |url-access=limited |access-date=August 29, 2023 |newspaper=The Economist |issn=0013-0613}} as well as those who say the show violates the second of the Ten Commandments about creating images of God.{{cite web |title=Author, preacher Voddie Baucham says he won't watch 'The Chosen,' cites Second Commandment |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/voddie-baucham-says-he-wont-watch-the-chosen.html |website=The Christian Post |language=en |date=12 August 2023 |access-date=April 18, 2024}}

Jenkins and VidAngel initially focused on social media to promote their idea for the show by releasing the short film The Shepherd on Facebook. 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.

Promotional trailers are also developed to appeal to specific denominations.

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.{{Cite news |last=Toone |first=Trent |date=April 14, 2022 |title='Defaced' billboards part of strategic ad campaign by 'The Chosen' to grow audience |url=https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2022/4/14/23025270/defaced-billboards-part-of-strategic-ad-campaign-by-the-chosen-to-grow-audience |work=Deseret News |access-date=April 18, 2024}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Chosen Church Campaign Kit |url=https://shop.davidccook.org/pages/chosen-church-campaign-kit |access-date=January 3, 2023 |website=David C. Cook}}{{Cite web |title=Dallas Jenkins |url=https://broadstreetpublishing.com/authors/dallas-jenkins/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=BroadStreet Publishing}} The show is also being adapted into a series of graphic novels by Corvus Comics.{{Cite web |last=Wenner |first=Emma |date=June 22, 2022 |title=David C Cook Turns to Comics for Expansion |url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/religion/article/89671-david-c-cook-turns-to-comics-for-expansion.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Publishers Weekly}}

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.

To complement the show's content, Dallas Jenkins, his wife Amanda, and Douglas Huffman have released companion Bible studies that follow the show.{{Cite web |date=November 9, 2020 |title="The Chosen," Season 1 Bible Study from Dallas and Amanda Jenkins releases from David C Cook on Jan. 21, 2021 |url=https://rushtopress.org/7704-2/ |access-date=January 7, 2023 |website=Rush To Press}} Huffman, a professor of New Testament at Biola University, also serves as a consultant to the show.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Chris |date=December 10, 2022 |title=Authenticity of Scripture Paramount to 'The Chosen's' Success |url=https://www2.cbn.com/article/jesus/authenticity-scripture-paramount-chosens-success |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=Christian Broadcasting Network |language=en}} The first study, from David C. Cook publishers, was released January 21, 2021. In addition to a book, the study includes digital resources, video clips, teacher guides, and promotional materials.

Dallas Jenkins's father, Left Behind author Jerry B. Jenkins, has contributed a novelization of each of the show's first two seasons.{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Jeannie Ortega |date=June 20, 2021 |title='Left Behind' author Jerry Jenkins talks new book, fatherhood and why he believes we're in the End Times |url=https://www.christianpost.com/books/left-behind-author-jerry-jenkins-talks-new-book-end-times.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The Christian Post}}{{Cite web |last=Dowd |first=Cooper |date=August 17, 2022 |title='Come and See': Award-Winning Author Jerry Jenkins Releases Novel Based on Season 2 of The Chosen |url=https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/come-and-see-award-winning-author-jerry-jenkins-releases-novel-based-on-season-2-of-the-chosen.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Movieguide}} An additional third novel is planned.{{Cite web |last=Gryboski |first=Michael |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Jerry B. Jenkins: 'The Chosen' series not a 'substitute' for reading the Bible, going to church |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/jerry-b-jenkins-chosen-series-not-a-substitute-for-church.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The Christian Post}} 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.

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". He notes that the biggest challenge in this approach is adding detail to the story that is not part of the Biblical account.

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,{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=2024-09-20 |title=The Chosen Plans Biblical Universe: Moses and Joseph Shows, Plus Animated and Unscripted Spinoffs |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-chosen-biblical-universe-moses-joseph-animated-unscripted-spinoffs-1236151934/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} with Jenkins and company currently working on the project. Voice cast includes cast members from The Chosen, including Jonathan Roumie as Jesus.{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2024-09-20 |title='The Chosen' Creator Unveils Animated & Unscripted Series Spinoffs, Moses & Joseph Shows |url=https://deadline.com/2024/09/the-chosen-bibical-series-spinoffs-moses-joseph-1236096060/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}

Another companion series in development will feature adventurer Bear Grylls in six unscripted episodes taking The Chosen cast members on physical journeys through the wilderness as they share their personal stories.[https://collider.com/the-chosen-bear-grylls-crossover/ 'The Chosen' Is Collaborating With Bear Grylls For the Strangest Crossover Imaginable]

Series based on the Acts of the Apostles and the lives of Joseph and Moses are also in development.

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|The Chosen (TV series)}}

• {{Official website|https://thechosen.tv}}
• {{YouTube|channel=UCBXOFnNTULFaAnj24PAeblg|title=The Chosen}}
• {{IMDb title|9471404}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes TV|the_chosen}}

{{Dallas Jenkins}}

{{Angel Studios}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chosen, The (Tv series)}}

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