The Groundbreaking TV Show You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

The Chosen—a historical drama about the life of Jesus, told through the eyes of those who knew Him best—has been viewed by more than 280 million people worldwide, with more than 770 million episode views across five seasons.

To put that in perspective against a few HBO heavyweights:

• The White Lotus: ~20 million viewers over 3 seasons

• Sex and the City: ~350 million total episode views over 6 seasons

• Game of Thrones: ~300–400 million viewers across 8 seasons

Okay, maybe comparing the life of Jesus to murder resorts, gossipy brunches, and dragons vs. zombies isn’t exactly apples-to-apples. But the high production value, stellar writing and acting, and global reach are very real.

The Chosen has been translated into over 600 languages and streams in 175+ countries, with a devoted fan base and more than 13 million social media followers. It’s going global in a way no other faith-based project ever has.

And it’s not just a show for the church crowd. Around 30% of viewers identify as non-religious or spiritually curious—so it’s resonating with skeptics, seekers, and anyone who simply loves an epic story that lifts you up.

Funding Jesus: A Holy Kickstarter

The Chosen didn’t come from a major studio or streaming platform. It was crowdfunded by over 16,000 people, raising more than $10 million to produce Season 1. It's the largest crowdfunded media project ever, which allowed the writers to bypass the Hollywood gatekeepers and tell the story on their own terms.

Jesus & His Disciples: They’re Just Like Us!

Well… sort of.

Jesus was fully divine and fully human—so, not exactly your average guy. But His disciples? Very human and deeply flawed. A ragtag crew that included fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and other assorted outcasts. And yet, through them, the world was turned upside down—or, some might say, right side up.

First-Century Israelites Didn’t Shoot Documentaries on iPhones (So there’s some creative license)

Aside from their (literal) walk with Jesus, we know little about the disciples’ personal lives during those years. So the creators have taken thoughtful liberties, imagining and bringing to life their relationships, struggles, and emotions in relatable ways.

Take Matthew, for example. His Gospel captures every meticulous detail of Jesus’ movements, and seemingly everything He said, word for word. (I have no idea how he managed to capture the entire Sermon on the Mount without a voice memo app.) In the show, he’s portrayed as neurodivergent, possibly on the autism spectrum: literal, precise, socially awkward, and numbers-obsessed. It’s not in Scripture, but the portrayal resonates with many viewers.

Mary Magdalene’s reputation as a prostitute? Fake news. Luke 8:2 only says she had seven demons cast out—and the show stays true to that. She’s the first disciple to be introduced in the show, hauntingly and intensely posessed. She’s the first person Jesus heals on screen—anchoring the emotional heart of the show.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is portrayed as a warm, earthy matriarch with a nomadic spirit—which fits, considering her real-life journeys under pretty intense circumstances (Nazareth → Bethlehem → Egypt → and back again). She’s resilient, grounded, and unconditionally supportive of her son’s mission, even when she doesn’t fully understand it. Yet she’s still his mother, doing mom things, like it’s perfectly normal to parent the Messiah.

Gaius, a fictional Roman centurion, becomes an unlikely ally after Jesus heals his gravely ill servant—later revealed to be his son. His storyline is inspired by a similar account in the Gospels, and powerfully explores the grace Jesus extended to outsiders.

The show introduces two fictional female characters who drop everything to follow Jesus. Ramah is betrothed to the disciple Thomas. In another fun twist, they are part of the catering crew at the Wedding at Cana where Jesus turns water into wine. Tamar, an Ethiopian woman, mirrors the well-known story from the Gospels where a group of friends tore through a roof and lowered their paralyzed buddy down to be healed by Jesus. Her presence underscores Jesus’ reach across cultures and social boundaries.

And While We’re on the Topic: A Word About Jesus and Women

Jesus honored, valued, and elevated women in ways that were radically countercultural at the time. He broke societal and religious norms, teaching them, speaking to them directly, and including them in His ministry. The show reflects this beautifully—not as a stretch, but as a deeply Biblical undercurrent brought to the surface.

Popcorn Feels Wrong When Judas Is in the Room

This week, I saw the third and final theatrical installment of Season 5 (brilliantly timed with Holy Week) . Each season is released in cinemas before streaming—no way was I waiting until June to see it on Amazon Prime.

Over the past three weeks, I watched all 8 episodes on the big screen. For the first two, I skipped the popcorn. Watching Jesus edge toward the cross while stuffing my face just felt wrong.

But when I went to see the final 3-hour screening around dinnertime, I caved.

By the time Judas leaned in for the kiss, I was so emotionally wrecked I somehow created the biggest popcorn disaster of my moviegoing life. When the lights came up, I was covered in it, as was the seat and the floor around me. I’m pretty sure the theater staff felt betrayed when they came in for clean up.

The Journey’s Not Over

Season 6, set for release in 2027, will focus on the Crucifixion. Season 7, expected in 2028, will take us through the Resurrection.

I’ll never be ready or excited for an entire season centered on the Crucifixion. But to get to the glory, you have to walk through the suffering and sacrifice—that’s the deal that keeps hope alive.

How to Binge Jesus

You can stream the first five seasons of The Chosen on Amazon Prime Video or The Chosen app, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and more—no subscription required. The app also features behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew, as well as thoughtful discussions with the show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, and a diverse panel of religious leaders.