“The Chosen” stands out as the first of its kind, a multi-season series. Set in the oppressive times of first-century Israel, this seven-season series offers a unique and personal portrayal of Jesus’ transformative life and teachings, with its fourth season currently in production.
Originally a crowd-funded project on the Angel Studios app, it has since exploded into a worldwide phenomenon, attracting over 110 million viewers across 175 countries. Plans are in place to translate it into 600 languages. The series has not only amassed 6.5 million social media followers but has also raked in $35 million in special-event box office earnings. It has also led to the creation of a clothing line, top-selling books, DVDs, and soon, a series of graphic novels.
In this blog we’re compiling some of the best audience reviews of The Chosen, rightfully dubbed as Christian America’s Must-See TV Show!
“I fell in love with Christ all over again!” Sarah Brownsdon
I would definitely recommend The Chosen. To me, its strongest feature is how it succeeds in bringing the well known people in the New Testament to life. The Bible’s description can be on the flat side, not multidimensional; we have to guess at background stories and personality traits of, for example, the disciples or Mary Magdalene. This series takes a few interpretive risks, but after watching all episodes of the 1 Series, I think using some well researched “artistic license” has been worth it. I especially love The Chosen’s Jesus character portrayed as a man filled with not only divine love and compassion for a confused, immature, burdened humanity, but also possessing a terrific sense of humor and even fun. God must have a sense of humor as we are made in His image! I fell in love with Christ all over again imagining being at a wedding with Him or after he spoke to the woman at the well and was excited that His ministry was well and truly getting underway. Lots more I could say about the way the fishermen, such as Peter are portrayed in an imaginative, but at the same time probably realistic way, and dear Matthew, depicted as an autistic, meticulous tax, (which isn’t so far fetched because the fact that he might never have slotted in too well socially anyway, and could perhaps explain why he would take on a hated and much maligned, tax collector role in the first place) is a delight – when he finds the acceptance he craves with Jesus. The series fills in the colors of the bare outline given in the Biblical accounts, but more than that, more deeply explains the culture of the time, which many of us only have a sketchy understanding of at best. I am looking forward to Series 2 very much indeed 🙂
“I am so glad I stumbled upon this show, I know it was not an accident.” – Katrinaaa
Beautiful. All of it, beautiful. The casting, script, costumes, props, locations, cinematography. This show made me fall in love with Jesus again, and feel in my Spirit His abundant love. I enjoy the depth it provides to all the characters. I very much enjoy the touching moments that make you laugh or cry! Dallas Jenkins and team, you are doing a wonderful job.
– When Jesus tells Mary, “You are mine,” made my heart stop!
– When he performs his miracles, when reading the Bible at least for me, you never realize the magnitude of these miracles. Seeing them on camera…made me tear up and feel so joyous inside
– When he tells Simon that he will be a fishermen of men
– Playing with the children, letting them help him, watching him be happy when they were praying…that’s how he feels about us
– Eating Shabbat dinner with the “outcasts”
– His conversation with Nicodemes, so heartwarming
– Matthew, what a more wonderful person that I realized. Truly inspirational
I could keep going, but just watch for yourself. I will keep paying it forward and praying for them. I am so glad I stumbled upon this show, I know it was not an accident.
“God led me to this show. Every episode touches my heart and makes me cry or brings tears to my eyes”. – Eve
God led me to this show in August 2020 on YouTube. A day has not passed that I haven’t watched an episode, or the whole Season again. I also really enjoy watching all the Behind the Scenes videos. Every episode touches my heart and makes me cry or brings tears to my eyes.
The episodes that I find I like watching the most are:
Episode 1 – When Jesus tells Mary “You… are mine.” Wow! to fall into Jesus’ arms and know you’re healed, safe and protected for life.. Yeah! Liz, you’re a beautiful Mary, wonderfully talented.
Episode 4 – Simon repents for his lack of Faith and Jesus tells him “Lift up your head, fisherman.” There’s no condemnation…:o)
Episode 5 – The Wedding… turning water into wine. Oh my goodness! Jonathan Roumie is so perfect as Jesus. His eyes seem to pierce right through you and his voice, so soft spoken makes Jesus come to life.. Awesome job!
Episode 7- John 3:16… Erick Avari’ talent has been enjoyed for many years, but with The Chosen, I think this is his best work ever! When he expresses his heart to Jesus and says emotionally “I am standing on holy ground” the gesture of him covering his mouth with his hand, is so profound, so meaningful and full of reverence to Jesus… I cry inside too..:o)
Matthew…. Wow!! I feel deeply for Matthew. He’s really all alone, hated and shunned by every one except his dog. Paras, you are so very talented to portray Matthew and his syndrome. You do it so beautifully that my heart really hurts for him…
From the Director, the Actors, and all the Crew… The Chosen is as good as it is because of “ALL” of you. Talent is jumping off the screen because ALL of you are bringing your “A” game in every scene. I cannot wait for Season 2 and plan to contribute monthly as long as God blesses me to do so…
See you all soon…
My family and I binge-watched the entire first season in only two days. Anyone searching for unanswered questions about who Jesus was and why He came will not be left wanting. – Trudi Lahr
The Chosen is by far the single best production of the portrayal of Christ’s life, his ministry, and His chosen followers. Although I’m waiting for the remaining seasons, I predict it will surpass even The Passion. Creating it as a series is genius, enabling the full development of plot and characters.
The producers have taken the significant Biblical personas and entwined them into compelling conflict, drawing perfect suspense and drama, all the while, playing on the imaginations of its Biblically sound viewers by tying up those loose ends and possibly answering questions like, Whatever happened to Nicodemus, did the other disciples get along with Matthew, and why was Mary so desperate to involve Jesus at the Cana wedding?
The audience is kept in suspense—even if they know the time and storyline of the Gospels. My family and I binge-watched the entire first season in only two days.
The casting is remarkable. No bad acting debacles here! Jesus looks and plays his endearing role with all the grace and mercy you would expect. Those who know scripture, will quickly recognize Peter as the rough-around-the edges, impulsive, small town man’s man that we all know from the Gospels. But whoever imagined Matthew as a quirky brainiac stirring up all kinds of trouble for Peter?
Production, script, and costume design are spot on. Like most Christian-based films, I can imagine the funding and budget were limited, yet the cinematography matches some of the best in Hollywood.
Most of all, the producers have maintained the accuracy of the Gospel accounts. Viewers get a peek into the lives of the real men and women of Jesus’ day and discover how the events may have played out in real time. The message of the Gospel is clear, and anyone searching for unanswered questions about who Jesus was and why He came will not be left wanting. I can’t say enough about this film. Subsequent seasons cannot arrive soon enough!
Thank you for the beautiful way you show the heart of Jesus within the context of His human experience and relationships here on earth. – Lois S
An amazing depiction of people I’ve read about so many times in the Bible. The character development brings the disciples alive, each having such diverse personalities and life experiences, which makes them relatable all these centuries later. Each actor brings a richness to their role and character. Well done! I love that this is not Hollywood but has been in collaboration with a Christian Rabbi and other Christian denominations to align Jewish tradition with biblical history and teachings. The portrayal of Jesus is brilliant in both the script and the acting. Jonathan Roumie – thank you for the beautiful way you show the heart of Jesus within the context of His human experience and relationships here on earth.
I truly believe this project and those working on it are anointed, whether it feels like it in the moment for them or not. God needs people who will show up and do their best at sharing their gifts and talents and then He anoints it and makes it come alive to reach people deeper than imagined or hoped. Thank you to all involved in bringing this to the world. I look forward to Season 2. Blessings …
The series makes it clear that so many loved Jesus because he understood them. – Jinger Jarrett
When the Passion of the Christ came out, it became the definitive movie/series for me on the life of Christ. Jim Caviezel’s performance as Jesus was so moving, and the movie was so beautifully acted and directed, it should have been nominated for and won the Academy Award.
As emotional as the Passion of the Christ is, it doesn’t even come close to the emotions and humanity of Christ that the Chosen will evoke. Jonathan Roumie’s portrayal of Jesus, I believe, is probably the most accurate portrayal of Jesus as his life is presented in the Bible. It’s a very human and relatable Jesus, and the series makes it clear that so many loved Jesus because he understood them. Roumie really does a great job of demonstrating just how much Jesus loves us. His portrayal definitely deepened my love for Christ as well as my desire to be more like him.
I found acting excellent. These are real people, not what you normally find in Hollywood. They are incredibly beautiful and attractive people though. The difference is that they offer characterizations and acting skills that make the people they portray so easy to relate to.
One of the things I enjoyed the most in watching this series is the conflict among the disciples. Jesus had a huge job on his hands if even half of what is portrayed in the series about the disciples is true. I felt a real sense of what these people were really like as fellow human beings instead of just some remote figures who played a part in developing the church.
I’ll admit I cried quite a lot while watching this. If you’re a Christian looking for healing and therapeutic catharsis, this may just be what you’re looking for. If you want to deepen your relationship with Jesus and move past all the religion often heaped on us by the church, this is definitely for you. You will laugh. You will cry. Even if you’ve heard the story of Jesus a thousand times, you’ll love the journey with this series, and you’ll be mesmerized by the retelling of the life of Jesus and the disciples.
Best series I binge watched in 2021. Definitely worth your time.
Thank you for blessing us with this wonderfully amazing seasons of the most incredible story ever told. – Patricia Robinson
Absolutely wonderful show based on the life of Jesus and gives viewers a great insight of the possible brilliantly done back stories of the relationships of Jesus and his disciples. I only started to watch it in December 2021 and I was hooked after seeing Mary Magdalene’s deliverance, it left me speechless. I cannot wait for season 3! Thank you Dallas Jenkins and your team of outstanding writers Tyler Thompson and Ryan Swanson, you have one of the most amazing groups of actors to bring each character alive.
To me The Chosen is very spiritual – as the Holy Spirit isn’t governed by time, distance or space – the spirit in which The Chosen was created is present throughout the show as it encourages you to dive deeper into the bible to search the scriptures for authenticity and the credibility of the show. I love Dallas and his crew’s passion and love for Christ.
The Chosen is certainly impacting mine and my family’s life in outstanding ways. The Chosen was without a doubt made for such a time as this, especially going through a pandemic and lockdowns – people needed to hear and see good positive news and images on screen. So once again I say thank you for blessing us with this wonderfully amazing seasons of the most incredible story ever told – the story of Jesus – the Christ, our Lord the Messiah! God Bless Dallas Jenkins and his outstanding team and actors especially Jonathan Roumie. I love every episode and all the characters.
Makes me want to read the Bible more and learn more about the love He showed to everyone. – Lynnette Harris-Dancy
I just recently found out about this series, Memorial Day weekend. I can’t get enough of it! One reviewer said, “it made her fall in love with Jesus all over again”, I totally agree. My faith has been waning since this pandemic, but watching the shows and seeing the possible backstory to the incidents Jesus and the disciples dealt with, just makes me want to read the Bible more and learn more about the love He showed to everyone.
This is such a marvelous production. All of the actors are superb, but I have to say the guy who plays Jesus really makes me feel the enormous amount of compassion Jesus has for us all! Every time he is speaking to someone’s heart, I burst out in tears, because it’s like he’s talking to me. Jesus sees and knows all, He sees me! I purchased three of the Jesus Love the Little
Children books for my granddaughters, its absolutely beautiful. Thank you for letting God use you for His ministry. I pray you are able to film many more episodes. If you ever need any extra people to be a part of the show, i am a willing vessel. LOL God bless you all!!!
“My zeal for thirst for knowledge & learning has become stronger & stronger. Even more so when it comes to Our LORD GOD.” – John Panopoulos
I, like so many others, eagerly awaited this new series & from the very 1st episode I was taken aback at the originality & authenticity in the merging of the characters & the authentic way they portrayed their roles accordingly.
Everything has fallen into place & I couldn’t wait to get into it. Being a huge believer in our Lord God & Jesus, I have practically seen almost every movie or series to be had. But found myself totally unprepared as to what this series had to offer. With hungry anticipation I sat there & saw one episode after another from season 1, then season 2, back to back.
It felt as if I was offered a 3 course meal & was able to consume only the first, still having this ravenous appetite to complete the other two. My zeal for thirst for knowledge & learning has become stronger & stronger. Even more so when it comes to Our LORD GOD. You can never have enough of the teachings of his Grace, Wisdom, Love & Commitment to follow his words & spread his message to the world.
It offered me a different perspective into his life & to read more deeper in the actual words & their meaning as well as the acts that so many including myself had not thought of in such light.
I highly recommend everyone to watch this series. It will make you realize just how connected in common bonds can we all be here or there. And make you cry on quite several occasions when you get in touch with your own humility. I have seen it a 2nd time again & cannot wait when the 3rd season will eventually air.
Five stars aren’t enough as I do give it a TEN, but there are only five to indicate.
“This is the ***BEST*** Christ Narrative that I have ever seen…I laughed with the Savior. I wept with the Savior and I was, ‘in his presence’ with the Savior.” – Joe Blow
This series, is beyond my scope to convey to you, that it is the most excellent, and Humanistic rendering of the earthly Ministries of the Son of God…his First Born,
….in this series, you are drawn in immediately, in that the actors and actresses’, convey their characters, with such grit and humanity, with ALL their human flaws…no celestial halos…people…like and you and me. Christ called the 12 Disciples from everyday people…people with wives, with brothers, with mothers and fathers…with debts, with carrying on daily exercises that you would…working, feeding families, helping friends and neighbors, grieving at the loss of friends and families…and Jesus Christ… He is depicted in the ONLY series that I know, as a man…a human being, but with the fore-knowledge of his Celestial pre-existence sitting beside his Father, God Almighty, at His right hand.
He eats, he drinks, he sweats, he tires…he must exercise judgment and patience for His lambs…and this is the first ever taking in of the visuals of the Holy Scriptures…the New Testament, that I feel, I could sit at the feet of this ‘man’…and receive his parables, understand his message, and absolutely want to be nurtured in my soul by Him…and only realize, perhaps after He gave up His blood, for us all…that I was being saved…and that he wanted in return, that by my lips…by my actions, as one of the 12 Disciples, that I would save, in His name…
This is the ***BEST*** Christ Narrative that I have ever seen…I laughed with the Savior. I wept with the Savior and I was, ‘in his presence’ with the Savior, along with all the actors and historical characters they portrayed.
The actor who played the Christ, did a superb job, in that you not only knew he came, and was sent by God Almighty, but the REASON that God did it this way…to send the One, that cried with you, laughed with you, joked with you…on your level…never talking down to you….God sent his only begotten Son, to be amongst us…and this, called The Chosen….truly, truly makes you feel that you have opened a door to the Narrative, and slipped in….to be amongst them all, at the feet of the Savior….and for that, was being saved…
Amazing series, an amazing crisp production value…and did those behind The Chosen succeed? They certainly did, for this reviewer.
Watching the two seasons, I have never felt more close to my Christian (Catholic) Faith…as I have after watching all the superb actors and production staff, of The Chosen….bring my faith…to Life…
Thank you all, God Bless you all…and to the entire Production Staff, and to the Actors, each and every one….THANK YOU…thank you, and thank you…
