The CW Picks Up Three Seasons of Jesus Christ Drama Series The Chosen

The CW has acquired The Chosen. While the series is available on streaming services like Peacock, Netflix, and Roku, this will be the first time The Chosen will be broadcast on U.S. television. The news follows Lionsgate TV picking up the U.S. distribution rights to The Chosen last month. The show set to premiere on The CW on Sunday, July 16, and all three seasons will run leading up to the third seasons’ finale, timed to air on Christmas Eve.

Created by Dallas Jenkins, The Chosen is the first multi-season series based on the story of Jesus Christ. The series stars Jonathan Roumie as Jesus of Nazareth and follows the King of Kings in the first century. Also starring are Shahar Isaac, Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Noah James, and George H. Xanthis.

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“The CW has always been bold and unique, which is perfect for us,” Jenkins says in a statement, per Deadline. “Plus, [The CW’s President of Entertainment] Brad Schwartz made it clear a while ago he loves and respects The Chosen, so we know it’ll be in great hands.”

Schwartz added, “The Chosen is based on the biggest IP of all time and is truly a one-of-a-kind series that tells this historically significant story in a captivating, dramatic and premium way. This show has already connected deeply with viewers around the world, and The CW will expand its audience even further.”

“As part of our global representation of this coveted property, we are pleased that The CW will become another great partner for The Chosen,” Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution, Jim Packer, also said. “This groundbreaking series already has a massive global following, and The CW platform will provide the perfect opportunity for the show to reach existing fans and inspire new ones.”

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The Chosen Heads to U.S. Television

The Chosen is planned as a seven-season series, and season 4 is currently in production. It has garnered a worldwide following over the previous three seasons. The series had gotten its start through crowdfunding, raising $40 million from viewers before earning additional revenue through streaming licenses. It has garnered more than 110 million viewers in 175 countries, and has earned an additional $35 million at the box office through special theatrical events.

Another depiction of Jesus may soon be forthcoming, as The Last Temptation of Christ helmer Martin Scorsese recently said he wants to make a new movie about the King of Kings following a meeting with the Pope. Meanwhile, Mel Gibson is also working on a sequel to the blockbuster hit The Passion of the Christ, which brings back Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ. That film, called The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, will serve as a direct sequel to the first movie, focusing on the resurrection of Jesus three days after his crucifixion.

Catch the U.S. broadcast television premiere of The Chosen when the series debuts on The CW on Sunday, July 16, 2023.

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