The Chosen conquered audiences around the world, reaching an incredible 200 million viewers. The groundbreaking historical drama, now in its fifth season, portrays the life of Jesus Christ and those who knew him, combining powerful storytelling with a deeply human perspective.
Fox 13 Utah took viewers behind the scenes of this extraordinary success story, with interviews with the show’s stars to reveal the secrets of its rise to fame during the airing of the fourth season.
The director and co-writer of The Chosen, Dallas Jenkins never predicted the monumental success of the series when it launched through crowdfunding. “I didn’t have any expectations“ Jenkins admitted. “So the fact that the show has grown so much is beyond what I could have imagined. But I wouldn’t say I’m surprised either.
God can do anything.” Jenkins emphasized the balance between the divinity and humanity of Jesus. “In our show, Jesus still performs miracles and claims to be God. But by showing him brushing his teeth, washing his hands, and laughing with friends, it it exalts both his divinity and his humanity“.
The actor Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus, attributes the show’s resonance to the universal desire for spiritual truth. “People are desperate and hungry for God’s presence in their lives“Roumie said. “The human soul knows truth when it sees it“.
Where is The Chosen filmed?
The series is filmed in Texas and on a meticulously recreated set near Goshen, Utah, which authentically represents Old Jerusalem. Actress Elizabeth Tabish, who plays Mary Magdalene, highlighted the raw portrayal of flawed characters. “All of these characters are deeply flawed and have messy lives. The show shows how Jesus transforms them“, explained the actress.
Despite the success, The Chosen had to face challenges. A contract dispute with distributor Angel Studios delayed the release of the fourth season until June 2, 2024, ending their collaboration. Jenkins expressed gratitude towards Angel Studios, while acknowledging the need for the end of the contract for the future of the series.
For Jenkins and the entire team, The Chosen is a labor of love. “No matter how much the show grows, that must never change“, reflects Jenkins. He remains focused on the core mission: sharing the stories of Jesus in a way that resonates with viewers of all backgrounds.
As The Chosen continues to air on The CW, fans can expect more heartfelt storytelling and a deeper exploration of the lives transformed by Jesus. Jenkins, despite being exhausted, finds immense joy in the journey. “I just want people to focus on the stories of Jesus and think that maybe those people who met him and changed their lives are similar to me“, has shared.
