Why ‘The Chosen’ keeps climbing—15 factors behind its ongoing success

What’s Fueling the Unstoppable Rise of The Chosen

How did a faith-based show with no Hollywood backing become a global phenomenon? The Chosen continues to break records and draw millions with each new season, but it’s more than just good storytelling.

From surprising release strategies to deeply human characters, this series has tapped into something bigger. Here’s a look at the 15 powerful reasons why The Chosen just won’t slow down.

Accessibility Without Paywalls

The Chosen is available to watch for free on its official app and website, making it easy for anyone to access without paying subscription fees. This model removes barriers and draws in viewers who might not otherwise try religious-themed content.

Its free-to-watch approach even boosted revenue during the pandemic, as more viewers chose to donate. By staying accessible, the show continues to build a growing and loyal audience.

Crowdfunding Success Story

This series began as the most successful crowdfunded TV show ever, showing viewers they had real creative ownership. That early investment created deep connections with fans who feel personally responsible for its success.

It also set a precedent for quality faith-based storytelling outside of big studios. The result is a devoted audience that champions the show with enthusiasm.

High Production Value

From sweeping camera angles to detailed sets and costumes, The Chosen matches the look and feel of popular network dramas. Shooting on location in Texas, Utah, and now Italy gives the series authenticity and cinematic beauty.

Viewers expect quality, and the show delivers, meaning it feels important and not cheaply made. That visual excellence keeps people tuning in for each new season.

Relatable, Flawed Characters

The show portrays Jesus, his disciples, and others as real people with flaws like anger, doubt, envy, and neurodivergence. Characters like Matthew, struggling with autism, or Simon with gambling problems, make their journeys relatable and emotionally compelling.

This approach shows ancient figures coping with issues modern people recognize. It draws viewers in personally, inviting them to connect deeply with each character’s struggle and growth.

Modern, Conversational Dialogue

Instead of using archaic speech, the show’s dialogue is modern and accessible, boosting audience connection. Viewers hear natural conversations that feel real and engaging, unlike stiff period dialogue.

This choice makes the stories feel immediate and personal, not distant or dusty. The language helps viewers immerse emotionally and understand deeper character motivations.

Diverse and Authentic Casting

The show casts ethnically diverse actors appropriate to their roles, avoiding whitewashing, which was common in earlier biblical adaptations. Actors from Middle Eastern and other backgrounds bring cultural authenticity and representation.

Jonathan Roumie’s casting as Jesus adds depth and diversity, especially given his Irish-Arab-American heritage. Inclusive casting not only improves realism but also earns respect from viewers and critics alike.

Engaging Storytelling and Writing

The writers filled gaps in scripture with imaginative yet respectful backstories, creating strong arcs without distorting history. By introducing new characters and context, they deepen narrative appeal while remaining faithful to the biblical text.

The result: compelling drama that feels both fresh and rooted. This storytelling artistry keeps viewers tuning in to see what’s next.

Interactive Audience Engagement

The creators give fans behind-the-scenes access, host live streams, and invite participation in crowdfunding and pay-it-forward contributions. This openness turns viewers into partners, strengthening loyalty and advocacy.

The show also responds to feedback, helping shape future content and events. This community-focused model creates a sense of shared ownership and long-term engagement.

Strategic Multi‑Platform Releases

The Chosen uses a smart release model: free online streaming, selective theatrical premieres, streaming exclusivity, and later free app access. Season 5, for example, premiered in theaters and grossed over $140 million before streaming on Prime Video, then returning to free platforms.

This layered strategy maximizes revenue, exposure, and engagement across different audience segments. It also elevates the show’s brand, making it feel both cinematic and accessible.

Global Reach and Language Accessibility

The nonprofit Come and See Foundation is translating the series into hundreds of languages, aiming for 600 languages and 1 billion viewers. Currently, The Chosen is dubbed in about 50 languages and subtitled in even more.

This international focus helps spread its message across cultures and continents. The global availability builds massive viewership and international impact.

Massive Viewership Milestones

Since its debut in 2017, The Chosen has reached nearly 300 million viewers globally as of early 2025. It crossed from 100 million to 200 million in just over a year, showing acceleration in popularity.

The show ranks in the top 150 online shows and is #13 on Amazon as of July 7, 2025. These numbers prove its staying power and expanding cultural relevance.

Theatrical Events Drive Buzz

Releasing episodes as theatrical events, such as “Last Supper Part 1,” created excitement and communal viewing experiences. The first weekend gross of over $11.7 million shows audiences are eager to see it on the big screen.

The franchise has now made over $120 million in theaters across multiple seasons. Live events generate press and word-of-mouth, boosting each season’s momentum.

Cinematic Season 6 Location Shift

For Season 6, focused on the crucifixion, the production relocated to Matera, Italy, a site known for ancient architecture. This move adds authenticity and emotional resonance to pivotal scenes like Jesus’s walk to Golgotha.

Filming in immersive environments strengthens realism and audience immersion. It shows the team’s commitment to quality and deepening the viewer experience.

Human‑Centered Portrayal of Jesus

Showrunner Dallas Jenkins intentionally portrays Jesus as human, laughing, teaching, interacting, not distant or stoic. This fresh view shows his friendships, emotions, and struggles, making him relatable.

Actor Jonathan Roumie’s expressive performance draws viewers into Jesus’s humanity. This approach reshapes how viewers see biblical figures, building deeper empathy.

Adolescence was also loved by viewers. Adolescence duo on season 2 & global success talked about how the series became a phenomenon.

Cultural and Political Relevance

In a time of political divisiveness, The Chosen offers hope and faith-centered storytelling that resonates across beliefs. Critics note that it provides a comforting counterpoint to cynicism and negativity in media.

It appeals to both religious and secular audiences seeking uplifting content. As faith stories gain mainstream traction, The Chosen leads the charge.

In other news, ‘King The Land’ getting US remake after Netflix success.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.