Netflix has announced that by January 2020 it will be broadcasting its new series “Messiah”, a production that immediately sparked strong reactions and discussions even before its release. The series is expected to have around ten episodes and aims to explore one of the most sensitive and controversial questions in the religious and political world: what would happen if a figure appeared today claiming—or being perceived—as a messianic character?
Messiah is an original Netflix series created by Michael Petroni and stars Mehdi Dehbi and Michelle Monaghan. Petroni is a well-respected screenwriter, especially known for his work on films such as The Scream (2011) and other major productions. Notably, this series marks the first time Petroni has written an original script exclusively for Netflix, which raised expectations regarding the narrative depth and cinematic quality of the project.
From the beginning, Netflix made it clear that Messiah would not be a conventional religious series. Instead, it presents itself as a psychological thriller with political undertones. According to the official Netflix description, the story follows the investigation of a CIA officer who becomes involved in tracking a mysterious and charismatic figure known as Al-Masih. This individual begins to attract followers across different regions of the world, many of whom believe he can perform miracles and may be sent by God.
The central tension of the series revolves around a single question: is Al-Masih truly a divine messenger, or is he an extremely intelligent manipulator capable of deceiving masses of people? This ambiguity is intentional and serves as the backbone of the narrative. The series reportedly avoids giving immediate answers, choosing instead to develop doubt, tension, and controversy episode by episode.
One of the reasons Messiah generated so much attention before its release is because it touches directly on biblical imagery, prophetic expectations, and modern geopolitical conflicts. In a world already divided by religious beliefs and ideological tensions, a series that explores the possibility of a modern-day messiah figure inevitably invites strong reactions, particularly from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities.
It is important to clarify that Netflix has never explicitly stated that the character Al-Masih represents Jesus Christ of the Bible. However, the use of messianic language, miracles, followers, and global impact makes it impossible to ignore the parallels. This has led many believers to question whether the series respects biblical theology or simply uses religious concepts as a narrative tool for entertainment.
At this stage, we cannot say with certainty whether Messiah aligns with or contradicts the biblical portrayal of the Messiah. What we do know is that the series intentionally blurs the line between faith and skepticism. Viewers are placed in the same position as the characters: forced to observe, analyze, and question everything they see.
For Christians, this type of content invites discernment. The Bible warns that false christs and false prophets will arise, performing signs and wonders to deceive many (Matthew 24:24). While Messiah is a fictional series, its themes echo real biblical warnings and modern spiritual confusion, making it essential for viewers to approach it with biblical grounding and critical thinking.
Rather than rushing to conclusions, many prefer to wait until the official release to evaluate the message, context, and implications of the series. January 1st marks the date when the public will finally be able to judge for themselves whether Messiah is merely a dramatic thriller or a production that raises serious theological concerns.
Below you can watch the official trailer released by Netflix, which provides a first glimpse into the atmosphere, characters, and central mystery of the series: