Jesus Christ has always been a figure of enormous impact on the world. For some, He is an object of mockery; for others, an interesting historical or philosophical topic; and for believers, He is the most important person who has ever walked this earth. No one who seriously encounters the figure of Jesus remains indifferent. His words, His actions, and His claims inevitably force people to take a position. Throughout history, countless books, paintings, films, and series have attempted to portray His life and message, each from different perspectives and intentions.
The Chosen is not the first audiovisual production centered on Jesus. Over the years, many films and series have tried to capture His story, with varying degrees of faithfulness and artistic depth. In more recent times, another series available on Netflix titled “Messiah” also sparked conversation. That series presents a supposed messianic figure appearing in modern times, leaving viewers to question whether he is truly sent by God or merely a clever impostor. While Messiah plays with ambiguity and skepticism, The Chosen takes a very different approach.
The Chosen is a series that focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, rooted firmly in the Gospel accounts. However, what has captivated millions of viewers is not only the portrayal of Jesus Himself, but the way the series explores the lives of those who followed Him. Instead of presenting the disciples as distant or idealized figures, the show portrays them as real people—broken, flawed, fearful, hopeful, and deeply human.
By developing the personal stories of the disciples and other biblical characters, The Chosen invites viewers to see the Gospel narrative from a fresh angle. Characters like Peter, Matthew, Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and others are given emotional depth and background that help the audience understand their struggles and transformations. This approach allows viewers to relate more personally to the story, seeing themselves reflected in the doubts, failures, and growth of these characters.
Another element that has contributed to the series’ success is its careful balance between faithfulness to Scripture and creative storytelling. While the series includes imagined dialogue and scenes not explicitly detailed in the Bible, it consistently seeks to remain aligned with the biblical message and the character of Jesus as presented in the Gospels. This has earned the respect of many Christian viewers who appreciate a reverent and thoughtful portrayal of Christ.
Interestingly, The Chosen has not only resonated with Christian audiences. The creators and actors have pointed out that the series is also being followed by atheists, agnostics, and even gnostics. This broad appeal is unusual for a faith-based production. Many non-Christians have expressed that they are drawn to the series because of its historical atmosphere, strong character development, and human storytelling, which transports them back two thousand years into the world of first-century Judea.
For some non-Christian viewers, the appeal lies in curiosity. They are interested in understanding why Jesus has had such a profound influence on history and why billions of people continue to follow Him today. The Chosen offers them a narrative entry point that feels accessible rather than preachy. It presents Jesus not as an abstract theological concept, but as a living, breathing person who interacts compassionately and challengingly with those around Him.
This ability to cross religious and ideological boundaries is one of the most remarkable aspects of the series. In a highly polarized cultural climate, The Chosen has managed to create conversations among people with very different worldviews. While viewers may not agree on theological conclusions, many agree that the series portrays Jesus and His followers in a way that is compelling, respectful, and deeply human.
Another extraordinary aspect of The Chosen is the way it has been financed. The series holds the record for the largest crowdfunded media project in history. Instead of relying on traditional Hollywood studios, the creators turned directly to the audience. Approximately 16,000 investors contributed to raise around 11 million dollars to fund the production of the first season. This model not only made the series possible, but also created a strong sense of community ownership among viewers.
This crowdfunding approach reflects a deeper reality: The Chosen exists because people wanted it to exist. Viewers did not simply consume the content; they actively supported and participated in its creation. This has fostered a unique relationship between the creators and the audience, marked by transparency, gratitude, and shared purpose.
The success of the series has continued to grow with each new season. As production quality improves and the narrative deepens, more people are discovering The Chosen through word of mouth, social media, and streaming platforms. Its availability through a dedicated app has also made it accessible to audiences around the world, often free of charge, further expanding its reach.
At the heart of the series is its portrayal of Jesus. Actor Jonathan Roumie’s performance has been widely praised for its warmth, authority, compassion, and depth. His portrayal avoids extremes—neither overly sentimental nor distant—and presents Jesus as someone who is both fully divine and genuinely approachable. This balance has helped many viewers connect emotionally with the character of Christ in new ways.
For believers, The Chosen often serves as a devotional aid, prompting reflection on familiar biblical stories with renewed insight. It encourages viewers to return to the Scriptures, to read the Gospels more attentively, and to consider the personal implications of Jesus’ words and actions. For some, the series has even sparked spiritual renewal or deeper interest in faith.
For non-believers, the series can function as an invitation rather than a demand. It does not force conclusions, but presents a narrative that invites questions. Who was this Jesus? Why did people leave everything to follow Him? Why did His message provoke such strong reactions, both then and now? These questions have echoed throughout history, and The Chosen brings them into contemporary conversation.
In comparison to other portrayals of Jesus in modern media, The Chosen stands out for its intentional focus on relationship, context, and character development. While some productions emphasize spectacle or controversy, this series emphasizes connection and meaning. It seeks to show not only what Jesus did, but how His presence transformed ordinary lives.
Ultimately, the impact of The Chosen lies in its ability to remind the world that Jesus is not merely a figure of the past. Whether one views Him as Savior, prophet, teacher, or historical figure, His life continues to provoke thought, discussion, and transformation. The series does not claim to replace Scripture, but it points viewers back to the Gospel narrative with fresh eyes.
As the series continues to expand globally, it will be interesting to see how its influence develops in the years to come. Will it continue to bridge cultural and ideological gaps? Will it inspire new generations to engage with the story of Jesus? Only time will tell, but its current impact is undeniable.
Below you can watch the video related to The Chosen, which further explores the phenomenon surrounding this series and its growing influence: