A take on the birth of Jesus Christ through the eyes of some local shepherds: simple working men. But these simple men, particularly a devout young cripple, had a world-shaking visit--which began to change this world forever.
These videos go deeper into the story behind The Chosen and the life-altering moments you can experience with us.
We did regular updates from the set, taking you through the process of making The Chosen.
Check out the deep insights we gleaned from our research trip to Israel.
Here’s a grab bag of whatnots if you’ve ever been curious about the production of a show like this.
For King & Country, Zach Williams, Mandisa, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, Joshua Aaron, The Bonner Family, The Piano Guys, Stephen McWhirter/Jason Clayborn, Phil Wickham, Matt Maher...how's that for a lineup of music artists celebrating Christmas with The Chosen? To honor the birth of Christ, and to commemorate the humble yet history-altering beginnings of The Greatest Story Ever Told, these musicians all performed their favorite Christmas songs, some on the incredible Jerusalem set of Season 2 of The Chosen
The story of the birth of Jesus as told through the eyes of Mary and Joseph.
A young mother labeled impure. A shepherd boy considered "unclean". A never-before-seen performance from Andrea Bocelli highlights seven music performances and two beautiful new monologues.
A Catholic, a Jew, and an Evangelical walk into a bar... Maybe not really, but we had The Chosen's three biblical consultants come together to discuss each episode, including this discussion of Episode One of the series. We don't necessarily agree on everything, but it was important to hear from each of these faith traditions as the scripts were being written and again after the episodes were finished.
A conversation with Bible experts about season 1, episode 2.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 1, Episode 3.
A conversation with Bible experts about season 1, episode 4.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 1, Episode 5.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 1, Episode 6.
A conversation with Bible experts on Season 1, Episode 7.
A conversation with Bible experts on Season 1, Episode 8.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 2, Episode 1.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 2, Episode 2.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 2, Episode 3.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 2, Episode 4.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 2, Episode 5.
A conversation with Bible experts about Season 2, Episode 6.
A conversation with Bible experts on Season 2, Episode 7.
A conversation with Bible experts on Season 2, Episode 8.
Our biblical consultants from three different traditions - Jewish, Catholic and Evangelical - come together again to address a wide range of questions raised by this episode. Was the Sermon on the Mount just a single sermon or more of a big hit? And what's so revolutionary about it anyway? Would Matthew's family really have rejected him because he's a tax collector? And could the same thing happen to Thomas and Rama because they took the first steps towards marriage without a formal arrangement from her father? All of this and more in this episode.
Our Bible consultants dig into what seems like an odd scriptural passage, but turns out to be a real treasure once it's tapped into. Enjoy their commentary on Jesus sending the disciples 2x2, then stick around to hear what they think about one of our most impactful yet controversial scenes - Little James not being healed.
What made Jesus' childhood friends and neighbors go from loving him one minute to trying to kill him the next? Our Bible consultants delve into the controversy and help explain the historical and religious reasons why Jesus' hometown would turn against him. But the controversy doesn't stop there. We delve into other hotly debated topics, like did Jesus have biological siblings and is he really "the law of Moses"?
Our Bible consultants provide color commentary on our first black-and-white scene - the disciples preaching and performing miracles 2x2. Plus, they discuss messy relationships, contaminated tanks, and ritual impurity in Season 3, Episode 4.
What do Eden's loss and Veronica's condition have in common? Moreover, how is her condition connected to the death of Jairus' daughter? And why does Jesus heal one of them openly, then resurrect the other in secret? Our Bible consultants uncover connections - and differences - between these stories that may surprise you.
A twenty-year-old Pilate, disciples with swords, and a doubting John the Baptist? This episode was full of surprises, and our Bible consultants will help you navigate the twists and turns.
A melting pot becomes a powder keg in Episode 7. Andrew and Philip’s preaching spills outside the borders of Israel into the ethnically diverse region of the Decapolis—upsetting a delicate balance there. Our Bible consultants give you a better understanding of the history and culture at play here. But this leads them to a much bigger question: when and how did Jewish Yeshua Become Gentile Jesus?
Our big ending takes you back to the beginning—of everything. You’ll be amazed by just how much the Season 3 finale ties into the first books of the Bible. Our consultants explain how walking on water connects to creation and how Jesus finishes what Moses started. You might want to keep a finger on the pause button for this one—there’s a lot to absorb!
A rabbi, a priest, and an evangelical visit a Bible museum. No joke, our scriptural consultants are back for another season of Bible Roundtable discussions—this time, at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. From birth to marriage to death, this initial conversation covers all the major events of life, focusing on the first and last days of John the Baptist. Along the way, the guys also dig into a few seemingly minor plot points, like olive oil and laundry, that are actually loaded with meaning.
One of the main reasons we have Bible Roundtable discussions is to delve into the differing interpretations and perspectives among faith traditions. There are few chosen episodes that highlight these differences more than Season 4, Episode 2, specifically Jesus’ speech at the Gates of Hell. What — or who — is the “rock” upon which Jesus will build His church? Is it Peter or his statement of faith? And while he was clearly the leader of the 12 apostles, was he also the first pope? Dallas and our scholars seek solid answers and common ground. Having examined the questions that divide the church, it is also fitting to conclude with a discussion of the need for 70x7 forgiveness and reconciliation among Jesus’ followers.
Like salt in a wound, Jesus not only lets Rama die, but he also refuses Thomas' request to resurrect her. Is it a shocking and tragic turn of events, but does it distort the truth of Scripture and the character of Jesus? Our Bible consultants have a lot to say about the most controversial episode of The Chosen yet. Before we can face the ending, however, there's a problem at the beginning - a blind man is healed, but in the wrong place and time.
We have disciples trying to become leaders and a leader becoming a disciple. This episode really takes our Bible consultants from one extreme to the other. It will help us think about why James and John were jostling for position while Gaius humbly knelt. But before that, there are some early questions that need to be answered - most notably, how many disciples did Jesus actually have? Was it 12? 72? Or even hundreds? Our scholars have the information for you.
Are you a Sadducee or a Pharisee? Are you Team Martha or Team Mary? Do you suspect Judas was a double agent from the beginning or someone who went astray over time? Do you think Jesus is more human or more divine? Dallas and our Bible consultants tackle these trivial little matters (wink, wink) in the Episode 5 Bible Roundtable discussion.
First the death of Ramah, and now a stoning in the Temple—was the chosen one violent? To answer this question, our Bible consultants turn to John chapter 10, the passage that recounts this near-fatal conflict during the Hanukkah festival. Their discussion will help us understand why a sermon escalated into a stoning.
“Jesus wept.” - John 11:35 Dallas and our consultants have a long talk about this shortest Bible verse—only to discover it’s not the shortest verse after all! Dr. Huffman explains. And speaking of scriptural misconceptions, did Mary Magdalene write a Gospel? And do we portray it in Episode 7? We’ll talk about her writings and a whole lot more in this Bible Roundtable.
From having His feet anointed as the true Passover lamb to riding into Jerusalem just like the prophet Zechariah foretold, Jesus fulfills one after another scriptural prophecy and pattern in our Season 4 Finale. Dallas and our scholars have so much to unpack—and you’ll have so much to take away.
The Heart of The Chosen
“Wow! Wow! Wow! A wonderful documentary!” Tom S. “The Chosen meant so much to me before this video, but after seeing all the work you put into the show, it means even more.” Angie C. We showed this on a recent livestream, and the response led us to release it here on its own. This personal and emotional inside look into Season 2 is one of the more meaningful videos we’ve done.
From the Sermon on the Mount to the Feeding of 5,000, the story of Jesus and his disciples didn't grow in Season 3- it multiplied. As everything escalated, our cast and crew rose to the occasion with a little help from our friends - more than 10,000 of them. In this documentary, you'll see how so many people brought their loaves and fishes to make this a miraculous season.
Season 4 marks the midpoint of the most famous and influential story in human history. It’s joyful and painful. Light and dark. Bitter and sweet. It’s also our best yet. From the death of John the Baptist to the raising of Lazarus, we take you behind the scenes—and right to the heart—of this life-and-death season.
From triumph at the start to betrayal at the end, we take you into the making of our most consequential season yet. Hear from The Chosen cast, writers, and director what it was like to bring Holy Week to the screen and how the story they were telling impacted them personally.
In this half-hour Walking on Water documentary, our the actors, writers, and visual effects team tell you how we pulled off our biggest scene ever-from idea to execution. But what's even more surprising than performing a special effects miracle is the impact it had on everyone involved.
We’ve referred to Season 5 as the “Last Supper,” but maybe we should have called it the “Passover Seder,” instead. Because that’s what it is, and understanding that annual celebration of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt is the only way to really digest what Jesus was saying and doing in that most remembered meal. Here to help give us the Passover perspective are Dr. Tom Blake and Sam VanBuskirk from the Grafted YouTube channel—plus a friend they brought to dinner, Matt Rudolph, a Jewish believer in Jesus and head of the Greenhouse school. It’s a rich conversation. Hope you came hungry!
Did you know Jonathan Roumie started playing Jesus for Dallas almost ten years ago? In fact, the very first scene they did together was Jesus on the cross. They filmed it in a rock quarry in Chicago for a low-budget Good Friday short film for Dallas's church. Now that The Chosen has become one of the most-watched shows around the world, Dallas and Jonathan sat down for a breather to reflect on the craziness. As Jonathan puts it in their conversation, "What just happened?" In this exclusive 1 on 1, available only in "The Chosen" app, they discuss everything from portraying the most important figure in history to the immense pressure of dealing with the growth of the show. And how did they actually pull off the walking on water, especially when Dallas didn't want to do it?"
Nine strangers. One generation. What does Gen Z think about Jesus?
First public conversation with the actor who portrays Jesus.
We got high with a little help from our friends at Sky Candy Studios. Literally. They helped us make this epic drone flythrough of The Chosen’s entire Texas film campus. Fasten your seat belt, and enjoy the ride. P.S. You can check out more of their work at https://skycandystudios.com. Dallas’ favorite is their aerial tour of Wrigley Field.
Creating the soundtrack of The Chosen.
Together we can share the story of Jesus with the world, one episode at a time. Check out how The Chosen is turning the world teal.
India and the Philippines made us feel right at home. Join us on the ground and behind the scenes at special theatrical events in both countries.
Find out what happens when our cast samples the food their characters would have eaten in the 1st Century—and see whether they've had enough or are hungry for more.
When it comes to a competition, Noah James (Andrew) is always game. First, he invites Jalein to hit him with rapid-fire questions, and then, he issues a little challenge to Ivan Jasso (Yussif).
Who knows (nose?) if Joey really managed to trick his cast mates or if they just played along. Either way, it was fun to see, er, smell.
Romeo’s words fall short when Juliet is 100 yards away. Also, the casting for Juliet is a bit sketchy.
Though his scene partner was a bit stiff, George (John) managed to deliver a sweeping performance.
Gary and Deena Pate have been sharing the life of Jesus in the little surf community of Montañita, Ecuador, for many years. For them, The Chosen’s been like catching a fresh wave that’s helped carry the story to new people.
Never before had an American-made TV show gone to all of Madagascar and in their own language of Malagasy…let alone a TV show about Jesus.
Suffering from late-stage Alzheimer's disease, Mary still hears Jesus call her name.
Daniel joined a gang to stay safe in prison, but found real security and belonging in a completely different way.
Anand’s religion was science—but it couldn’t answer his deepest questions about a terminal diagnosis. That’s when a friend recommended The Chosen.
Suffering persecution and abuse, Lana stopped believing in God and expressed her pain through painting. Wandering into a church one day, she prayed for God to give her some sign if He was real—and the answer came in the form of an ad.
Seeing the humanity of Jesus and the reality of God with us has helped many men incarcerated at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility to find their true identity in Christ.
As a little kid, Nickkole loved Jesus. He was her best friend. But as an adult, she lost her innocence and faith. Overwhelmed with shame over choices she'd made, Nickkole considered ending her life…until The Chosen helped her reconnect with her childhood Best Friend.
Fifth graders from Anderson, Indiana, read you their own Chosen fan mail.
In this new series, we’re calling our cast and crew to catch up with them between seasons—and we’re hitting the record button for you. These regular check-ins will keep you updated on what’s happening with the folks you know and love from the show. For this first call, Chris and Jalein had a great talk—and LOTS of laughs—with Noah James (Andrew). The conversation ranged from onset jokes to his off-set creative pursuits making music. And since Noah loves a good competition, we played some games. You can decide the winner.
In Episode 2, we catch you up with Jordan Walker Ross (Little James)—beginning with his love for cringey internet videos and collection of more than 1,700 Blu-rays. Next, we talk family life, work/life balance, and the book Jordan and his grandad, actor Barry Corbin, are adapting for film. Along with screenwriting, Jordan’s been busy recording a new slate of interviews for his “What’s Your Limp?” podcast. (Jalein may or may not have fan-girled over some of his upcoming guests.) Finally, we hear about Jordan’s recent trip to an ancient place. Enjoy!
In this call, we connect with Mitch Hudson, our 2nd 2nd Assistant Director (a confusing title, yes, but Mitch’ll tell you exactly what it means). Then he’ll catch you up on all the things—from his home life now to his teenage years in Bahrain and, finally, to his journey toward The Promised Land. That’s his new TV series; think of it as The Office meets the Exodus.
Did you know that A.D. is A.D. for an A.D. historical drama? Sounds funny, but it’s true. Adam Drake is Assistant Director for our series about Anno Domini (the year, er, years of our Lord). It’s almost like he was born for the job. In today’s call, we caught up with Adam between seasons and heard about his most important job: not AD, but DAD. He also told us about lots of other work he’s doing and has done…including his brief stint as a male model for Febreze. Enjoy!
Grasshoppers and scorpions. Spiders and snakes. Liz Tabish (Mary Magdalene) knows how to keep her cool around creepy crawly critters. That’s where this call begins, but just like bugs and snakes, we cover a lot of ground. From Liz’s love of writing and directing authentic women’s stories to her hankering for a comedic role or two, you’ll get to know the real woman behind a beloved character.
Though Ramah rests in peace, Yasmine Al-Bustami is wide awake, fully caffeinated, and ready for a lively call. We get to hear what she’s been up to since Season 4—which runs the gamut from spontaneous road trips to straightlaced financial work. That’s right: she acts and also does accounting…come to think of it, maybe that’s why Ramah was so good with numbers.
This week, you get to hear the MARVELous way Dani Taylor became our Additional Assistant Director—and what in the world that job even is. Among other things, Dani will also tell you (1) why she wants to visit Finland and (2) who on our crew should never, ever be allowed to even sip an energy drink. Enjoy!
Use the ̶F̶o̶r̶c̶e̶ phone, Luke! In this week’s call, we chat with our favorite Luke (Dimyan, not Skywalker)...although he does own several lightsabers and knows how to use them. We talk about his love of all things nerdy, his creative writing, and an oddity when it comes to his brain and language: he can affect any accent, but can’t remember his family’s native Egyptian Arabic. Enjoy!
Chad Gundersen has worked his entire professional life as a film and TV producer, and he’s been with The Chosen since the very first season—but if you’d have told any of that to his younger self, he would’ve never believed you. In this call, Chad tells us about the very different career plans he had for himself and how he and his family gave those up to take a pretty wild ride on the path God had for them instead. Plus, he tells how he missed one of the biggest days in Chosen history—even though he was instrumental in pulling it off.
Did you know that George can read his character’s Gospel in its original Greek? That’s just one of the cool things you’ll learn about the actor who plays our thunderous and beloved John. He catches you up on how he’s not catching up on sleep (b/c of a newborn) and how he keeps up with Abe who plays his bro on the show. Just like a real little brother, George also loves to give Abe a hard time. Hear all about it on this week’s call.
This week, we catch up with long-time crew member—and one of the most encouraging guys you’ll ever meet—Jeremy Gauna, aka, “JP.” He’s worked in Locations here on The Chosen since the end of Season 1, but we got to hear about some exciting acting work he’s been doing on the Yellowstone prequel, 1923. And yes, he knows Harrison Ford. Enjoy.
This week, we had a walk-and-talk with Abe (Big James) as he hiked through woods in a remote, undisclosed location (we’re pretty sure it was just Southern California). Anyhow, Abe responded to a few messages from previous callers, then told us all about his experience as a first-time dad, the 1840s period film he’s making, and his deep roots in the Southwest. On that note, did you know he knows how to build an adobe-style home? Hear all about it in this week’s call.
Lights, camera, Akis!...Okay, maybe that's not the exact expression, but there's no "Action!" without our Director of Photography, Akis Konstantakopoulos. We gave him a call to catch up and ask about life outside The Chosen, but we ended up talking shop, too—like how tricky it is to light a scene with candles. It was also cool to hear about Akis' long-time friendship and collaboration with Phedon Papamichael, a fellow DP whose work you've almost certainly seen, even if you don't know it.
When she’s not playing Tamar on The Chosen, you might find Amber Shana Williams filming a Spanish spy thriller, singing, swordfighting, or maybe even just watching cartoons. We caught up with her in Spain to hear what she and her fam have been up to…and Chris just might have convinced her to help train him for a lightsaber rematch with Luke Dimyan. We’ll see.
Instead of picking up the phone this week, we pulled up a chair for a delightfully honest sit-down convo with Dallas’ better half, Amanda. We touched on lots of different topics, including how much she loves acting on camera (not at all); how much extra sleep she and Dallas are getting (not much); and how easy she is for God to parent (not easy at all, she claims)...but then, who is? Enjoy this refreshingly candid convo.
What do you call someone who was raised without TV, but grew up to be on TV? Or a professional ballerina who’s also a sci-fi nerd? Or a Texan who’s also a British citizen? Or an actor who’s played a dangerous, deranged medieval queen, but also a beloved follower of Jesus? We call her Amy Bailey, and she calls herself a “professional weirdo.” But really she’s so much more: a wife and mom, educator, classical dance instructor, and just a wonderfully honest and nuanced thinker. Get ready for a good (and yes, weird) talk.
This is your last call—for now. With Season 6 filming underway, it’s time to press pause on these recordings, but don’t worry: we plan to continue our between-season talks in the future. For now, enjoy a great convo with Paras Patel—part serious, part silly, and surprisingly “fiery” as we discuss burnout, fire ants, and Xxtra Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Noah (Andrew), Luke (Judas), and David (John the Baptizer) discuss the impact of Jesus' sermon.
The scene is emotionally powerful, but is it theologically sound? Dallas and Jordan (Little James) discuss his character's moving encounter with Jesus about his malady. Paras (Matthew) and Brandon (Quints) also give us the sharp contrast between what's happening with their characters. Even as Matthew is finding what he's lost as he follows Jesus, Quintus is in danger of losing everything—maybe even his head.
You have to wonder how Jesus' family and lifelong friends felt when he came out as the Messiah—and was rejected by his own hometown. Episode 3 gave us that scenario, and in this Aftershow, Jonathan Roumie (Jesus), Vanessa Benavente (Mother Mary), and Demetrios Troy (Lazarus) discuss what it was like portraying it. Dallas and Rabbi Jason Sobel also join us to tackle a couple of controversies in this episode: Did Jesus have biological brothers, and is he "the law of Moses"?
Warning: we talk about feelings a lot in this Aftershow—but if you've watched Episode 4, you understand why. Actors Giavanni Cairo (Thaddeus) and Ivan Jasso (Yussif), and writers Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson join us to discuss all the interpersonal shakeups happening among Jesus' followers. Even as new friendships and unlikely alliances are forming, long-term family bonds are being strained.
In Episode Five, we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Zhaleh Vossough (Veronica, aka, "the woman with the issue of blood") shares the joy of seeing her character not only healed of a chronic disease, but accepted by Jesus and restored to a loving community. Then our writers, Ryan and Tyler, bring the hurt—explaining the all-too-familiar pain that Eden and Simon are experiencing, and why Jesus won't just wave his hand and make it go away.
Question: What do Mary Magdalene, Simon Z, and Barnaby have in common? Answer: Each found new freedom from their past in Episode Six. Actors Liz Tabish (Mary), Alaa Safi (Simon Z), and Aalok Mehta (Barnaby) talk with us about how their characters can now look ahead with greater confidence. Then Dallas joins us to answer questions about the snake dream, a young (and likeable?) Pilate, the disciples taking up arms, and a lot more.
Paras Patel (Matthew) joins us to talk about that crucial moment from his backstory—where he met a man who was everything he wasn't, but should be. Then writers, Ryan and Tyler, explain why Simon's rocky time now is necessary for making him rock solid later.
Jesus' most "beloved" friend and his most relentless enemy (or at least, the actors who play them) come to the table to discuss this intense season finale. George Xanthis (John) and Shaan Sharma (Shmuel) get the conversation started, then Dallas and our executive producers wrap it up by telling you all about that final scene that left you saying, "Wow!"
To wed or not to wed? That's the question for Thomas and Ramah. Between the demands of discipleship, lack of financial security, and opposition from her father, their road to the altar is full of obstacles—but they're not going to give up without a fight. You'll see the next chapter of their story in theaters starting February 1. Find your showtime at https://www.thechosenriseup.com/
Our cast has some choice four-letter words to describe this season—but probably not what you’re thinking. Listen as they try to condense more than eight hours into just four letters. And if you’re not satisfied with their short descriptions, that’s okay. You can see full episodes right now. Find your showtime at https://www.thechosenriseup.com/
We can promise you two things about Season 4: (1) It won’t be easy. (2) It will be worth it. Get ready for our most challenging, but rewarding season yet. (And also get your tickets at https://www.thechosenriseup.com/)
We say “goodbye” to John the Baptist, but “hello” to the actor who plays him. Join David Amito and fellow castmates, Noah James (Andrew) and Amy Bailey (Joanna), for a heartfelt discussion...and a little gallows humor, too. Then step into the writers’ room with Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson for a deep dive into the story—including the surprising load of meaning in a load of laundry.
Simon got a new name, but the other disciples aren’t sure he deserves it. Paras Patel (Matthew) and George H. Xanthis (John) join us to discuss the true-to-life relationships between Jesus’ followers—both competition and cooperation. Then we step back into the writers’ room with Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson to talk about how this episode went to hell…literally.
Do we really owe you an answer for the end of Episode Three? Dallas thinks so, yes. When an episode is so spiritually and emotionally weighty—and when it involves an extra-biblical story that affects real biblical people—we absolutely feel an obligation to explain ourselves. That’s why we’re taking some extra time in this Aftershow. First, you’ll hear from Joey Vahedi (Thomas) and Brandon Potter (Quintus) about what each of their characters loses in this episode. Then Dallas and Yasmine Al-Bustami (Ramah) reflect on how the most painful scene we’ve ever done was a long time in the making. Finally, Dallas takes the stand all by himself to be “cross-examined” by Chris and Jalein.
This episode is at the heart of the series—the exact midpoint—and it hits us right in the heart. Join Jonathan Roumie (Jesus) and Kirk B.R. Woller (Gaius) to discuss some of the sweetest and bitterest moments we’ve seen, along with some serious paradoxes. (Jesus leading a funeral procession? A Roman ruler bowing to the Jewish Messiah?) Then, writers Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson talk about the disciples' persistent misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. They just don't get it—and won't until He goes to the cross.
To discuss “Sitting, Serving, Scheming,” we’re joined by the actors who play the sitter, server, and schemer—Catherine Lidstone (Mary), Sophia Blum (Martha), and Luke Dimyan (Judas). Next, Shaan Sharma (Shmuel) and Ivan Jasso (Yussif) offer a little commentary on religion and politics in the Sanhedrin. Finally, writers Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson examine how bookkeeping in God’s kingdom just doesn’t compute for Judas.
From lines rehearsed in the moment to songs that came together last minute, there was a good deal of improvisation in “Dedication”—and the cast loved every minute of it. Jordan Walker Ross (Little James), Abe Bueno-Jallad (Big James), and Austin Reed Alleman (Nathanael) look back on all the fun moments in Episode Six…and also the not-so-fun stoning scene. Then writers Ryan and Tyler talk with us about the gift exchange between Gospel writers, Judas’ hearing problem, and what made Jesus’ claims about Himself so revolutionary.
Raising Lazarus from the dead was the high mark and greatest sign of Jesus’ public ministry—so why are Jesus and Thomas both weeping at the tomb? Jonathan Roumie (Jesus), Demetrios Troy (Lazarus), and Joey Vahedi (Thomas) join us to discuss. Next, Paras Patel (Matthew) and Liz Tabish (Mary Magdalene) explore their cave scene, a picture of the dark time faced by the apostles. Finally, writers Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson give us a brief history of the disciples’ future; compare the opposite reactions but similar mindsets of Thomas and Judas; and reflect on how hindsight isn’t really 20/20. We “see through a glass darkly” until the Resurrection.
Shmuel takes Jesus’ side until Mary worships at His feet. Jonathan Roumie (Jesus), Shaan Sharma (Shmuel), and Catherine Lidstone (Mary B.) discuss why the anointing at Bethany was so divisive. Next, it’s a family reunion of sorts when King David and the “Son of David” (or, at least, the actors who play them) meet for the first time. You’re gonna love this special segment with Jonathan and Jorge Franco IV. Finally, Dallas joins us, but just yaks about animals—a horse and donkey, sheep and goats, and one very special anointed Lamb.
“We didn’t really have to act very much,” says Liz Tabish (Mary Magdalene). Welcomed with hosannas and palm branches by 600 background actors, The Chosen cast felt like they were truly experiencing Jesus’ Triumphal Entry. Liz, Abe Bueno-Jallad (Big James), and Ivan Jasso (Yussif) give us the disciples’ perspective on this amazing start to Holy Week—and on the “thunder” that soon follows. The writers, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson, talk to us about two reversals: the choice to open each episode with the Last Supper, but in reverse chronological order, and the inversion of the Triumphal Entry—the tragic destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
Overturning the Temple market was as unsettling as it was necessary. Joining us to discuss Jesus’ actions and the disciples’ reactions are Jonathan Roumie (Jesus), Shahar Isaac (Peter), and Noah James (Andrew). They also observe the stark contrast between “the Rock” standing up to preach and “House of Cards” getting knocked down.
Whoa! Jesus just woe’d the scribes and Pharisees in Episode 3—publicly shaming them as hypocrites. Here to respond are three of the Pharisee actors: Shaan Sharma (Shmuel), Ivan Jasso (Yussif), and Brad Culver (Zebadiah)...although one of them is secretly a disciple. Then, assistant directors, Adam Drake and Mitch Hudson, pull back the curtain on making The Chosen’s longest scene ever, directing hundreds of people, and even herding some sheep.
There are two sides to every coin—and every story. Episode 4 gave us both: John the beloved and Judas the betrayer. Joining us to talk about their distinct differences and surprising similarities are George H. Xanthis (John) and Luke Dimyan (Judas). Then writers, Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson, explain why they included the ninth-century Dayenu in the first-century Last Supper—and they give us a Dayenu of their own.
There’s no Pax Romana in Episode 5. Pilate can’t keep the peace among his subjects or in his household, so Atticus takes things—and even the governor—into his own hands. Here to discuss the disorder and shifting power dynamics are Andrew James Allen (Pilate) and Elijah Alexander (Atticus).
In Episode 6, we saw the joining of forces. Some good and some bad. Some trying to save Jesus and some trying to kill Him. Here to represent the various alliances are Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), Hassan Nazari-Robati (Kafni), and Richard Fancy (Caiaphas). Then Chosen creator, Dallas Jenkins, reveals his favorite scene of the whole season and shares how this episode, perhaps more than any other, plays out the vision he originally had for the series.
The first 45 seconds of this Aftershow will make you laugh, but the rest might make you cry as we talk about footwashing, a special Passover guest, and some deeply emotional flashbacks with Jordan Walker Ross (Little James), Alaa Safi (Simon Z), and David Amito (John the Baptist). And now that you’ve visited the Upper Room in every episode, you might be curious how The Chosen went about recreating this iconic space. Production Designer, James Cunningham, and Art Department Coordinator, B.J. Foreman, are here to answer that question.
In Episode 8, we saw one disciple meet Jesus for the first time and another kiss Him goodbye. But none of the twelve were there when He needed them most. Jesus was completely alone…or was He? Joining us to discuss the calling of Thaddeus, betrayal of Judas, isolation of Jesus—and those supernatural visitations—are Giavani Cairo, Luke Dimyan, and Jonathan Roumie. Then creator, Dallas Jenkins, and writer, Tyler Thompson, explain how the story that began a long time ago in a garden far, far away is finally coming to fruition in Gethsemane.
Alice shares how the Scriptures have come off the page for her in The Chosen.
Whether at ChosenCon or on set, Shandi loves being where The Chosen is—and the feeling’s mutual. In this video, she tells us a little more about why she and her daughter connect with the series.
Going through a difficult time with lots of uncertainty, Robert really connected with the Season 3 finale.
Rachel loves lots of things about The Chosen, but especially how we see Jesus' heart for kids.
Ethan shares how our Christmas special impacted his spiritual life, but also how the overall series is drawing in lots of fishermen who live in his community of Rockport, Texas.
Hear why Garrett made a trip to spend a week filming with us—and the The Chosen scene he finds most reassuring. Can you relate?
We're back with some more personal stories from the fans who joined us in Utah to film Holy Week. There's a common thread here about how The Chosen isn't bringing the Scripture to life—it's simply showing how real it's always been.
We had a multitude of Chosen fans on set for 5&2 Day (May 2nd) this year. While there, they sent you their greetings, shared some stories, and cracked a few jokes, too.
From the moment they heard, "You are mine," in Episode One, Audrey and Gail were all in. They see themselves in the show...in more ways than one.
Hear why Kevin was excited to wake up before dawn and join us for Holy Week filming.
Chosen Insider, Chris, speaks with a Jewish woman who knew her Old Testament scriptures, but wasn’t familiar with the New Testament at all—until she came across The Chosen.
If these girls and their dance don’t warm your heart, seek medical attention immediately.
Before he joined us for Holy Week filming in Season 5, Tristian was part of our Feeding of the 5,000 scene in Season 3—but for him, it was a lot more than a scene.
As Passover pilgrims flood into Jerusalem, Andrew, Philip, and Tamar run into a few friends from the Feeding of the 5000. See if you can pick out who they are.
The cast and crew welcome one another back to set with a round of hugs, and Jonathan Roumie is ready to go the extra mile with his Chosen-inspired sneakers.
Dallas receives a friendly hello as he steps into a freshly-dressed Season 5 set. (Bonus points if you can count just how many individual background props our team has carefully assembled on set.)
When you’re portraying Judas Iscariot, all mischief on set counts as “getting into character.” (Noah, if you’re watching this, pay closer attention to your costume.)
Dallas congratulates Shahar Isaac (Simon Peter) on his recent creative venture, "The Road Begins in Capernaum." As an avid photographer, Shahar has captured his Chosen journey in some stunning images. And he’s compiled them into a unique photo book that shows our set side by side with the real locations we’re depicting. You can learn more at Shahar’s book site: https://theroadbeginsincapernaum.com/
Here’s Alaa (Simon Z) stepping into his very first scene of the season. Anytime Zee is off on his own, you’ve gotta wonder what sort of covert activity he’s up to.
Two questions we’re all asking: 1. What’s happening here? 2. How many takes were required?
Amy Bailey (Joanna) finished her first walk-and-talk scene for Season 5. Because these scenes are physically challenging, completing one is kind of a rite of passage—and of course, no rite of passage is complete without a little razzing.
The clothes make the…Matthew?
Dallas makes the rounds, hugging the guys goodnight as they wrap for the evening, but don’t expect him to read a bedtime story. ;)
Don’t worry, we’re still using our regular cameras, but our cinematographer, Akis, will often use his phone when he’s initially framing up a scene during a practice run like this. It’s especially quick and handy when everyone’s having to hussle because of an oncoming storm.
Joey Vahedi turns his (imaginary) camera on our behind-the-scenes crew and does a slow dolly shot all the way to an extreme close-up.
If you guessed our stealthiest disciple, you were right. ;)
Grab your coffee and enjoy this look behind the scenes of a late-night shoot.
Dallas shows Liz Tabish (Mary Mags) a new scene with Jonathan Roumie captured in one take. Based on her reaction, we're assuming it's not too shabby.
The disciples are headed somewhere in a hurry. Any guesses? Leave 'em in the comments.
Actually, it's pregame time here, but a little later this summer, you'll be able to watch the actual football match—cast vs. crew—right here in The Chosen app.
It’s a sober reality in Season 5: The crowd begins to turn on Jesus.
Why are the disciples “stoning” one of their own in Season 5? Leave your theory in the comments.
Noah has a “bunch” of wisdom to share. Today’s lesson: pay attention to what they put in your smoothie.
Here's another little pregrame teaser for you from the cast vs. crew football game. You'll get to see the match itself this summer right here in the app—and we'll see if these acrobatic skills pay off.
Something (or someone) perilous comes knocking in Season 5.
When a gopher snake decided to make a guest appearance in Season 5, Production Assistant Gwendolyn, sprang into action. We think her impressive snake-handling skills ought to earn her a new nickname amongst the crew. What do you think? Snake charmer? Whisperer? Let us know in the comments.
A little standup comedy turns to lyrical parody as Luke gives his own spin to a pop classic.
Don’t like their singing? The Pharisees don’t care. They come with their own fans.
The religious leaders are usually up for an argument, but they might regret starting one with Barnaby.
Austin (Nathanael) asks Dallas to clarify some stage direction in the script, then executes an eyebrow arch that would make his character proud.
There's always more to a scene than the words on the page. Watch as Dallas and Joey think through Thomas' mindset and behavior—and what makes his character so interesting.
Jesus and John are in this scene, but the 10 commandments are apparently nowhere to be found.
Jonathan is so graceful.
In the middle of serious work, the team always finds ways to play.
A discussion about how to deliver lines takes an unexpected musical turn.
Shaan (Shmuel) has some fun with Dallas’ stage direction.
While practicing a walk-and-talk scene, Alaa jokes with Dallas about a previous misstep (or kick).
George (John) spies and gets surprised...
Catherine said her goodbyes to Dallas and the crew as she wrapped her shoot this season.
There are often minor day-to-day script revisions as scenes are filmed. Here, Dallas and Shahar sync up on few edits.
We have to keep what's happening here hidden, but that doesn't stop you from guessing.
Every last speck of leaven must be cleaned out of a house before Passover—even if those specks are on your friend’s feet. ;)
Mitch Hudson doesn't just direct our background extras. He entertains them—and us.
Yes, Alaa is kidding. But this is no joke: he speaks 7 languages. So if we needed an on-set translator, he'd be our go-to guy.
The ladies literally had dolly over for a meal. (In case you didn't know, a dolly shot is when the camera is mounted on a wheeled cart and then rolled through the scene.)
Elijah (Atticus) got a big reaction from Andrew (Pilate). Maybe it’s because he’s only ever eaten food, not offered it to others. ;)
We filmed the outside and inside shots of this scene at two very different times and places. Will you be able to tell once the episode is finished?
Most of what Little James is saying this season isn't coming out of his mouth—it's his expressions and body language that really speak. ;)
The guys update you on their preferred working hours, weird smells on set, and their “unique” vocal skills.
Giavani gives a shoutout for the silent stars of Season 5, then he’s gotta run—literally.
Abe and Jordan, aka Big and Little James, send you greetings from Utah on their last day of shooting (as long as the weather behaves).
Catherine Lidstone (Mary of Bethany) tells you a little about the first day of filming in Texas. She had us at “brisket.”
He may play a high-strung Pharisee, but Brad hangs loose in real life. He’s excited for you to see what he’s filming right now…but maybe a little less excited about the Texas heat.
Abe's doing a scene where Big James is hot and bothered, so for once, the Texas heat is helping him get into character.
Giavani sends you a midweek greeting while on break from a scene we started in Utah, but are finishing here in Texas.
Okay, okay, there's no cast in this video. They were focused on a scene, so Chris and Jalein checked in on their behalf.
Wasim No'mani plays a meanie, but don’t worry, he’s actually very friendly and wants you to know about some of the drama you’ll see ramping up in Season 5.
Noah sends his greetings in the middle of a long week of shooting. Let's hope he got a nap in afterwards.
Dallas would love your prayers for a couple of key things.
Don’t pray for rain—at least, not in Goshen, UT. We could use fair weather and good health for the 600+ extras with us. Your prayers are much appreciated.
As we finish up in Utah and head to Texas, we’d deeply appreciate your prayers for favorable weather, travel safety, and a smooth transition between locations.
Your prayers are being answered. Please keep ‘em coming.
THANK YOU for keeping us in your prayers. Here are some answers to previous requests and a few new ones for this week.
Jalein was out sick (don’t worry, nothing serious), so Chris is bringing you this week’s answered prayers and requests. Thanks again for remembering us in your prayers!
Day after day, we’re seeing your prayers answered. Thank you for continuing to lift up our cast, crew, and the overall production as we work some long hours and on some intensely emotional scenes this week.
Here's your latest prayer update from Chris and Jalein. We've had LOTS of answered requests, so thank you for continuing to remember us in your prayers.
Now that we’re down to our last two weeks of filming, please join us in praying that we wrap up everything on time, with excellence…and without any more photobombing or throwing food at Chris.
Our cast and crew are back in the saddle (or sandals) again. We caught up with them during their first two days shooting Season 5 to see if everything was off to a smooth start. Check out what they had to say.
Come along with The Chosen crew as we scout out all the Utah filming locations before cameras start rolling. And see if you can guess what we’re filming where.
More than 600 fans of The Chosen joined us to recreate one of the most significant moments in history—Jesus’ arrival to Jerusalem on the first day of Holy Week, aka “Palm Sunday.” Step into this epic scene with us and hear our cast and crew share what an emotional experience it was for them—and is going to be for you in Season 5. P.S. Also, let us know in the comments which you prefer: the real donkey or mechanical monstrosity.
If you haven’t already, meet Mitch Hudson, our 2nd 2nd Assistant Director (yes, film crew titles can get confusing). In his role, Mitch directs our background extras, which means he’s been leading more than 600 of your fellow fans (maybe even you) as we film Holy Week. Enjoy this look into Mitch’s work to create a believable background environment where our story can unfold…and let us know if you’d like a video specifically on Mitch’s dance moves. ;)
Here’s what we’ve got for you in this week’s Season 5 filming recap: - Things get geeky as the Greeks and disciples face off in a little academic competition - Two of our actors invite you into their trailers and their personal “struggles” - Cast, crew, and 600 extras run for cover from a freak storm - And, oh yeah! We actually get some work done, too.
Like the drummer in a band or the master scheduler in a factory, our Assistant Director, Adam Drake, is the timekeeper for production. Follow along as he keeps everyone in step and on beat.
This week, we’re taking you behind the scenes into the longest and one of the most complex scenes we’ve ever filmed. We’ve got more than 16 pages of script to cover, over 600 people involved, and even a show within the show as the disciples act out a parable.
The Chosen has the privilege of filming on a remarkably accurate partial reconstruction of the Jewish Second Temple complex. Join our Production Designer, James Cunningham, as we tour the Utah set and learn how it compares and contrasts with the real location in Jesus’ day.
Simon Peter goes down in history as a powerful preacher, but he’s off to a rocky start this week. Meanwhile, the religious leaders are shouting some words of their own at Jesus, and things get really heated.
This week, we introduce you to Dani Taylor, our Additional 2nd 2nd Assistant Director. If you think her title is long, you should see her daily to-do list—all done to take good care of our cast. You’re gonna love getting to know Dani a little better and hearing the “marvelous” way she became part of The Chosen team.
We had a whirlwind of a final week filming in Utah—racing against the clock and a huge dust storm. In this recap, we take you into the action on set, then we take shelter in the cast trailers to ride out the storm. Finally, as the storm and filming wrap up, we'll hear what the team will remember most from their time in Utah this season.
The world's foremost sports competition is finally here—nope, not the Olympics. It's The Chosen's cast vs. crew football match. Brace yourself for an epic rivalry and unbelievable display of raw athletic prowess...
After finishing phase one of filming in Utah, we headed home to Texas—but nothing looked the way we left it. Major construction and remodeling had transformed our film campus into first-century Jerusalem. Our cast and crew welcome you into these new (old) sets and give you a sneak peek of the first scenes filmed there.
Chris and Jalein take you on a tour of the new sets in Texas and challenge you to figure which scenes are being filmed where.
In this week’s Season 5 filming recap, we’re bringing you a showdown in the Sanhedrin and a little friendly competition between the cast.
You can’t see Mark LeBlanc’s work, but you sure can hear it. He’s our production sound mixer—responsible for leading the team who captures all audio during filming. In this bonus recap, you’ll get to know Mark, his department, and their work a bit better.
This week, we start with a fight—a 12-way debate between the disciples—but we end on a more affectionate note as our leading ladies wrap their Season 5 filming.
This week, you get two tours for the price of…free. Follow along as our Set Designer, James Cunningham, shows us what’s in, around, and even underneath our Capernaum synagogue and Jerusalem Sanhedrin.
From raiding a hideout to getting physical with one another, there’s no Pax Romana in this week’s recap. Watch as Atticus stops spying and starts taking action—even if that means threatening Pontius Pilate. As you’ll see, there are some very rough times ahead for the Romans in this next season of The Chosen.
This week, we introduce you to Leila Heise, whose work is literally woven into every scene. As our Costume Designer and head of the Wardrobe department, she handles thousands of clothing needs for our cast, our extras…and maybe even our Chosen Insiders.
It’s a power struggle between church and state when the Jewish high priest and Roman governor come into conflict. Watch as we capture some of the very real historical tension between Joseph Ben Caiaphas and Pontius Pilate—and their mutual misunderstanding of Jesus.
Meet longtime Chosen crew member, Jeremy Guana, aka, “JP.” As part of our Locations team, he’s often first in and last out on set—securing sites in advance and making sure everything’s squared away afterwards. As we follow along with JP, you’ll learn a bit more about his role with The Chosen—plus, his acting roles on some different projects.
This week, you meet Mandy Benton, our Make-Up Department Head—and truly a master of her art. Follow along for a look at all the hands-on, everyday work she and her team bring to the show.
We saved the best for last—filming the Last Supper (plus Herod’s lunch?) during our final week of Season 5 production. We’ll give you just a small taste of that historic meal (no spoilers) and let you hear from the cast as they wrap and reflect back on the making of Holy Week.
Production Designer, James Cunningham, takes us on a tour of one of the most elaborate and expansive Season 5 sets—the home of High Priest, Joseph ben Caiaphas. From this base of operations, he will set many people and plans in motion during Holy Week.
What God told me about my failure that led to The Chosen
The Chosen's stance on faith, scripture, and writing.
Do we believe Jesus rejects worship, acts like a rock star, isn't fully God, and that there are things he can't do? And do we really think the greatest prophet ever is "creepy" or disrespectful? If you've heard any of these from a friend, or been concerned yourself, we have the answers.
Making The Chosen has been among the most challenging experiences of our lives. But clearly for a purpose. Come and see the three miracles that changed the landscape of Season 2 and created a new phrase we've embraced. When we debuted this video in a recent livestream, tens of thousands of people laughed and cried with us.
Do we believe we're as important as the Bible? Is The Chosen a replacement for scripture? Dallas's wife Amanda sums up our thoughts on the matter in two words:
Finally! "Soon" is now. We not only have some great news for you about Season 4, but we also have some great and important news about our future. Thank you for your patience as we've had to navigate through this challenging legal situation. We've hated that you've had to wait, especially after the incredible response from those who saw Season 4 in theaters. Here Dallas gives you the WHEN and, most important, the HOW to watch these upcoming episodes. He also takes you through the truth of how we got here and why this delay was essential to our future. This is our most intense and impactful season yet, and we're so excited to bring it to you free and easy.
Okay, let’s talk. I won’t sugarcoat it — I do have some unfortunate news about the Season 4 release. But I do ask for a little patience and some grace as I talk you through it, and I ask that you consider watching the whole video before you respond.
If you guessed our stealthiest disciple, you were right. ;)
In Making History, we introduce you to the extraordinary artists whose primary mission is to transport you to the First-Century world of The Chosen. In this episode, you hear what matters most to our writers: authenticity. That means having both historical accuracy and believable human characters—no floating in the clouds or stained-glass caricatures allowed. Support The Chosen by donating to the Come and See Foundation: https://www.comeandsee.net/donate
In Making History, we introduce you to the extraordinary artists whose primary mission is to transport you to the First-Century world of The Chosen. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes—quite literally—to see how we create the sets where our story plays out. From concept sketches to final construction, you get a crash course on what it takes to build a world and recreate some of the most famous historical locations like the Upper Room and Garden of Gethsemane in ancient Jerusalem.
Watch Making History right here on YouTube. #TheChosen
When he first set out to make The Chosen, Dallas visited Israel to get a deeper understanding of the story in its original setting. What he discovered about the Garden of Gethsemane—the place where Jesus agonized right before His arrest—made a huge impact and gave new meaning to that story. And now, years later, you can see how that discovery affected the making of Gethsemane in Season 5.
If you’ve ever wondered which Chosen scenes are the Chosen-est according to our director, Dallas, then here’s your answer. He gives you his top 10 favorites from Seasons 1-4, plus some honorable mentions. What do you think? How’s his list compare to yours?
Rome knew the key to ruling the whole nation of Israel was to control the one man who represented them all. In this first episode of More To The Story—a new companion series to The Chosen—Amber Shana Williams (Tamar) helps us better understand the historical context of Season 5, Episode 1 and how the Roman governor, Pilate, kept the High Priest’s power under lock and key.
There’s only one time and place in all four Gospels where we see Jesus use physical force. He never attacked a Roman fort or burned down a pagan shrine, but He did strike a hard blow against the corruption at His people’s own Temple. And He did it during one of their most sacred holidays. In this episode of More to the Story, Amber Shana Williams (Tamar) walks us through the historical situation in Season 5, Episode 2—and why Jesus couldn’t stand what His Father’s house had become.
Under Roman rule, the Great Sanhedrin was the supreme legislative and judicial body in First-Century Israel. With authority in all matters religious, social, and political, they didn’t take kindly to the Rabbi from Nazareth who openly broke their rules and publicly judged them. In this episode of More To The Story, Amber Shana Williams (Tamar) takes us into the power struggle between Jesus and the authorities in Season 5, Episode 3—and how His movement threatened to unseat them.
To preserve their faith and identity while living in the Mediterranean melting pot, the Jewish people of Jesus’ day often walled themselves off (figuratively and literally) from their Gentile neighbors…but the Carpenter from Nazareth preferred building bridges. You can see these cultural tensions—and hopes—in Episode 4 and throughout Season 5 of The Chosen, now streaming on Prime Video.
With their belief in just one God, Messianic hopes, and fierce national identity, the Jewish people were notoriously difficult for Rome to rule. Only the threat and show of force kept the people in line…and only for a time. You can see a vivid example of Romans keeping the “peace” through violence in Season 5, Episode 5, now streaming on Prime Video.
Wine was always flowing in the First Century—and once, Jesus even made it flow (see John 2 or Season 1, Episode 5.) While we know vino was a staple of the Mediterranean world, have you ever wondered why? And what it was actually like? This episode of More To The Story takes us on a First Century wine tasting and helps us understand the drink that was so central to the Last Supper meal.
To understand the Last Supper, you’ve first got to understand the Passover—the Jewish holiday and meal that Jesus and his disciples were observing. This episode of More To The Story gives you a historical crash course on Passover and how Jesus was bringing new meaning to a very old tradition.
What Judas did is well known. Why he did it, that’s the million-dollar question…or the 30-pieces- of-silver question. This episode of More To The Story explores the plausible motives behind the most infamous betrayal in history.
If you’ve watched The Chosen, you know the disciples are kinda like balloons. They’re under pressure, sometimes full of hot air, and occasionally, they blow up. Did those similarities inspire this showdown? We have no idea, but it was fun to watch. The only thing we’d add: a little helium next time. ;)
The Chosen cast has left the Last Supper table to gather at the ping pong table instead—and there’s no friendly communion here. Watch as Liz (Mary Magdalene) & Giavani (Thaddeus) paddle it out against Alaa (Simon Z) & Amber (Tamar) in this latest Showdown, then catch our Last Supper season when it hits Prime Video starting June 15.
In this first episode of The Chosen Showdowns, Shmuel and Yussif meet face to face to settle their disagreements like civilized people—with a Hungry Hungry Hippos competition. Who’s got the bigger appetite for victory? And aren’t hippos unclean according to Torah? You’ll see a much more serious face-off between these characters when The Chosen Season 5 comes to Prime Video this June 15.
Instead of stabbing Jesus in the back, we like to imagine that Judas challenged Him to a friendly axe-throwing competition. And if he had, here’s how it might have gone down… You can see how the real story played out in Season 5, streaming now on Prime Video.
Welcome to The Spy Who Fed Me—the show where we get to know The Chosen cast members one secret (and bite) at a time. In this first episode, our ̶i̶n̶t̶e̶r̶r̶o̶g̶a̶t̶o̶r̶ host Elijah Alexander (Atticus) bonds with Noah James (Andrew) over a bowl of “tea-real.” You’re just gonna have to watch to see what that is, but we’ll warn you: it looks something like a Kellogg’s crime scene. Elijah’s informants have provided excellent intel on Noah, which makes for good conversation about his family, early career in radio drama, passion for electronic dance music, and love/hate relationship with Super Mario Smash Bros. Dig in and enjoy!
Welcome to The Spy Who Fed Me—the show where we get to know The Chosen cast members one secret (and bite) at a time. This time, Elijah Alexander (Atticus) orders pizza and gets to know Luke Dimyan, who plays Judas. Their dinner table talk ranges far and wide—from 15-year-old Luke’s Renaissance fair cosplay to his uncanny voice impression of Sir Ian McKellen. But a common thread is his lifelong passion for great storytelling and complex characters—both of which we find in his portrayal of Judas Iscariot.
Welcome to The Spy Who Fed Me—the show where we get to know The Chosen cast members one secret (and bite) at a time. This time, Liz Tabish (Mary Magdalene) spills the tea about some early life experiences and a very important teacher who directed her into an acting career—though, it’s so much more than a job. Liz also shares how Mary’s journey and her own have matched up so perfectly…it’s almost like it was meant to be. ;)
Despite a delicious spread of Mediterranean food, there’s more fasting than feasting in this episode because Jonathan Roumie (Jesus) was on a strict diet to prepare for Season 6. Fortunately, less eating means more talking. The guys have a great talk and Elijah (Atticus) spills the beans on Jonathan’s strangest talents, best celebrity impressions, and the character he’d most like to play besides Jesus.
When you think of Caiaphas, “sweet” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind, but this interview with the man who plays him is a real treat. Richard Fancy brings a lifetime of film, TV, and stage acting to the role. In this interview, he shares some of that history with us, from Star Trek to Seinfeld. As you’ll see, Richard’s acting chops, smarts, and heart make him absolutely perfect for portraying Caiaphas in all his complexity.
Yasmine Al-Bustami, our beloved Ramah, is a one-woman cultural melting pot. Born in Abu Dhabi to parents from Jordan and the Philippines, her family emigrated to the US when Yas was just three, and sunk their roots in Texas. So it’s no surprise that her culinary tastes and interests are wide and diverse. Over a fusion of international foods, she tells Elijah about her original degree in finance, her borderline addiction to Chick-fil-A sauce, and how the character of Ramah will always be a part of her. Oh, and she also has a little detective experience of her own, so Elijah had better watch out.
It's more than playing a part: it's personal. That's how The Chosen cast feels. After many seasons walking in their footsteps, each actor is deeply invested in their character's journey. And in this series-In My Words-they share that journey with you. Leading us off is Alaa Safi. From a warrior trained to kill to a disciple learning to lay down his own life, Simon the Zealot has come a very long way. Alaa walks you through that story and shares some strong connections with his character.
It all began with Mary Magdalene. If you've watched The Chosen episode one, you know her origin story (especially that last 5 minutes) is impossible to forget. There's also no one we can imagine playing her role except Elizabeth "Liz" Tabish. From day 1, she's brought Mary to life in a profoundly relatable and deeply human way. In this In My Words, Liz takes us through some of Mary's most consequential moments- turning points, setbacks, and a very realistic journey of growth as a disciple of Jesus.
An honest liar? A charitable thief? A loving betrayer? Those are all oxymorons, yes, but they're also pretty good descriptions of how Luke Dimyan plays the character of Judas Iscariot. Instead of assuming he was a mustache-twirling villain from the start, Luke (and our writers) assume Judas began with good intentions and lost his way over time. In this edition of In My Words, Luke gives you some insight into how he elevates his character from a simple bad guy to a complex human being…who you can't help caring about.
“Your faith is beautiful.” Jesus said that to Tamar in Season 1, Episode 6, and to this day, fans repeat it to Amber Shana Williams, who plays her character. As Amber will tell you, Jesus’ acceptance of Tamar resonates with lots of people who’ve felt like outsiders or struggled to fit in—herself included.
While many of Jesus' opponents in The Chosen are morally compromised, actor Shaan Sharma argues that his character, Shmuel, is purehearted-and it's hard to argue with him. Shaan explains how we can relate to his character's mistaken confidence and how he's a cautionary tale for the dangers of confirmation bias.
Full bank account. Empty life. That was Joanna’s story before she encountered a couple of homeless Jewish rabbis—John the Baptist and Jesus. Actor Amy Bailey talks you through her character’s reverse rags-to-riches story, and shares how much she can personally relate to Joanna’s experience of uprooting her life and finding real worth in loving and serving others.
At the crucial moment, we know Pilate will wash his hands of responsibility for Jesus’ fate—giving into mob rule instead of taking charge. Andrew James Allen considers the character traits that might have led Pilate to cave when it counted most.
Along with giving us the highlights (and low points) of Simon Peter’s journey so far, Shahar Isaac shares how he loves playing his character in the present moment each season. Even if we know how the story ends, Peter doesn’t, and it’s vital to portray a man who’s following even if he doesn’t know where the road will go. See what's next for Peter when Season 5 begins streaming on Prime Video June 15.
Within the same year, she became a mom in real life and on TV. Vanessa Benavente describes how her own experience of motherhood has shaped her portrayal of Jesus’ mother, Mary—and given her a window into the profound loss and love the real Mary would have experienced.
Usually, there’s a clear line between make-believe and reality on a TV set, but for Jordan Walker Ross, that line has occasionally blurred or even disappeared as he’s played the part of Little James. Listen as he shares his personal experience in The Chosen, along with an example of someone else who’s been deeply affected by his story.
We didn't set out to become the #1 crowd-funded film/television project of all time, but somebody has a way of multiplying your loaves and fishes.
In Part 2 with "The Chosen" head writer Ryan Swanson, he discusses the approach to (and danger of!) writing portrayals of some of the most important and famous people in the Bible, particularly Jesus of Nazareth.
The Chosen's head writer takes you inside the process of writing the first-ever show about the gospels.
Our associate producer Justen Overlander wears many hats, but the most important one is to be your eyes and ears behind the scenes of The Chosen. If you've been following The Chosen for a while now, make sure you stay until the end of the video. ;)
Go behind the scenes with director Dallas Jenkins as he hops around New York City and Washington DC in a jam-packed media blitz for The Chosen.
Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, is one of the unsung heroes of the gospels. We love his portrayal by Noah James, who auditioned for three roles (the shepherd, Simon, and Matthew) before being cast as the immediate and passionate follower of Jesus.
For the first time, Dallas visits where your Chosen gear gets made and gets a behind the scenes look at the what, the how, and most important, the who of The Chosen’s merchandise.
Our goal is to reach a billion people in as many languages as we can... check out what's happening...
Our head writer, Ryan Swanson, takes you behind the scenes of a “rough cut” as he describes his first time seeing The Chosen.
Meet The Chosen's script supervisor and see how she helps bring script to the screen.
Not every film set uses phrases like “loaves and fishes” or “get used to different,” but they all use terms like “speeding” and “key grip.” This video tells you exactly what those and other film-specific terms mean.
Do you pray for the Chosen? Wonder if it’s working in between seasons? Here’s why we ask for your prayers and here’s why you need to keep it up.
Grips play an important role on The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. But what exactly do grips do? Do they all have epic beards?
One of our visual effects companies, VFX Magic, assembled these clips of some of the unique effects in The Chosen, some of which you may not have noticed.
When we researched The Chosen, our understanding of Nicodemus and the Pharisees shifted a bit. So did the way we portray them.
Enjoy this walkthrough our Texas site with a look at the various scenes we filmed in each spot. I think you’ll agree we made the most of a small space!
For this emotional scene, we took a shallow ravine and turned it into a cliff overlooking the Sea of Galilee using blue screen, shooting targets, and a little movie magic.
Want a glimpse of the filming plans for season two? See Dallas and some crew walk through each location and scene being filmed in the next 6 weeks.
Associate Producer Justen Overlander shares Chosen set building surprises with you and pitches his "interesting" story idea for future seasons to co-writer Tyler Thompson.
You see our “behind the scenes” stuff all the time, but our associate producer Justen wants to give you some insights, private access, and conversations with cast and crew you won’t get anywhere else.
The day before filming, Dallas pulled out his phone, pressed record, and walked through the entire set, sharing with you insights about every corner of where we'll be filming Season 2.
The Chosen writers give you a glimpse into their recent week-long writing retreat, where the entire rest of the series was plotted out. BONUS: some exclusive insights into Season 2!
The opening credits and theme song set The Chosen apart from other shows about Jesus and have gotten a ton of response. Here we take you behind the scenes of how it all came together, the meaning behind the design and the song, and how the opening credits set the tone for the series.
What exactly does a director do? In the midst of all the impact and excitement of The Chosen, the show still has to get made. We thought you’d enjoy a look inside a day on the set from Dallas’s perspective.
Notice how Season 2’s sets seemed bigger? We’re taking you on a guided tour through every corner of our set so you can see which scenes filmed where.
Dallas getting pranked isn’t even the best part of this video from Chris & Kris. You’ll also see how we make sure every word and sound you hear matters.
Who’s the editor, what’s the editing “language” of the show, and does Dallas hate music? Chris & Kris take you into the editing room of The Chosen and find out how it all works.
Our story is set in the 1st century, but did you know some of our dialogue is delivered in a studio in Los Angeles? Chris & Kris show you why.
Did you know background actors don’t actually say anything? Chris & Kris show you where those voices come from and teach you about “looping,” “donuts,” and bad British accents.
Fan of the music in The Chosen? Chris & Kris went to L.A. to talk to our co-composer and take you behind the process of getting the music into the episodes.
Right before we filmed the epic finale of Christmas With The Chosen, Dallas gathered the crowd, band, and crew for this spontaneous encouragement about the entire point of The Chosen. He also shared what he believes is the single most important word in the song “Joy to the World.”
Fire on the set! That’s real fire in those torches, cauldrons, and lanterns. How do they keep it safe? Chris & Kris give you an inside look at how our team goes the extra mile for authenticity.
Was one of Jesus’ followers a potential murderer? Is it plausible Simon the zealot would have planned assassination plots before he met Jesus? We think so, and here we take you inside the set as we filmed one of our most complex scenes in our biggest episode ever.
How did we create a historically accurate 1st century set in the middle of 21st century Texas? In this video, we introduce you to our incredible set designers—James and Jeff—who step you through the streets of Capernaum, from Matthew’s house to the synagogue. Plus, you don’t want to miss the little competition they’ve set up for you…
If you’ve ever had questions or been intrigued by our costumes, join Chris & Kris as they take you inside the world of The Chosen costume design and introduce you to our designer.
The emotional moment when Simon decided to follow Jesus was also one of our toughest to shoot. Watch how our team used a "big green burrito" to get this pivotal miracle from Season 1 Episode Four.
You can take a front-row seat as Dallas, cast, and crew work through the logistics of filming this emotional and impactful miracle from Matthew chapter 8. It's also the introduction of fan-favorite Tamar, played by Amber Shana Williams.
Now that Season 4 is a wrap, here's a roundup of some of our favorite moments from filming. Enjoy!
Our Chosen Insiders give you a first look at the scenes being set up for Season 4. See how much thought and attention to detail goes into building a believable first-century world where our story unfolds.
This summer, more than 600 fans made the trip to Goshen, Utah, to help us film some big Season 4 scenes. In this video, you’ll meet some of them and hear what motivated them to travel from other states (or even farther!) to be part of making The Chosen.
Don't know about you, but we feel like something's missing without the musical score in these three big scenes. We'll go ahead and keep our composers around. ;)
We've gotten tons of comments and questions about the "Jesus backpack." The story behind it moved us deeply.
The nighttime encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus from John 3 was always going to be a climax of Season One. The pressure to accurately, and with impact, capture the most famous conversation in the Bible was immense. But because we spent multiple episodes setting it up, and because of the brilliant performances of our two actors, the scene surpassed our expectations. Here’s a look behind our full day of filming this scene.
Episode 6 features a famous healing, the paralytic being lowered through the roof. So many issues at play, from the challenge of the Pharisees to the growing crowds to the faith of friends. Here’s a look inside “Zebedee week,” the filming in extreme heat of most of Episode 6.
Episode 5 features one of the most famous miracles in the Bible, the water to wine. We also portrayed a Jewish wedding through the eyes of Jesus, his mother Mary, the disciples, and Thomas. Here’s an inside look at “wedding week,” the filming of the wedding at Cana.
Before we launched The Chosen, we knew the pool of Bethesda healing from John 5 would be a signature moment. Here we take you from our trip to Israel to inside the entire week of filming one of the biggest, most complicated, and important scenes of the show.
Sometimes, the Bible leaves a lot to the imagination. That’s true of the disciples’ first big mission. We know Jesus sent them out two by two to preach and heal, but we don’t know who got paired up or why. In this video, members of our cast and writing team give you The Chosen’s approach to choosing the duos and telling their stories.
What happens when good news and the best of intentions go terribly wrong? Season 3 wrestled with that question as Jesus’ words preached by Andrew and Philip caused deep division and conflict in the melting pot region of the Decapolis.
Unless you’re a history major (or spend all your time thinking about the Roman Empire), the political and religious landscape in The Chosen can be a little confusing. If Rome’s in charge, who’s this King Herod guy? And what about this Jewish “congress”, the Sanhedrin? And those odd-sounding religious factions—Pharisees, Saduccees, Zealots, etc.? If any of that’s unclear, this video’s for you. Listen as co-writer, Tyler Thompson, gives you a crash course history lesson on all the rival rulers carving out their own kingdoms in Jesus’ day—and ultimately, finding Him to be their common enemy.
We know what Judas will do. The question is why. In this video, Dallas, our writers, and actor Luke Dimyan consider Judas’ state of mind as he takes his first steps toward betrayal and what might have plausibly motivated him to break bad.
The process of finding the actors to play some of the most iconic and influential people in history was daunting but ultimately beautiful. And it’s not only impacted viewers, but the actors themselves.
John the Baptist's death wasn't simply premeditated—it was choreographed with lethal precision. Our cast, writers, and director retrace all the steps leading to John's tragic, yet hopeful end.
The story behind the climactic scene of episode 4 of The Chosen is as powerful as the scene itself. See why it’s our favorite episode.
If you found our walking on water scene believable, that's because we faked as little as possible. The waves, wind, and rain were all real. And the footing...well, it was firmer than water, but far from solid ground.
On our research trip to Israel, we visited Capernaum, the town where our first season is set, and looked into disciples Matthew and Simon Peter.
The Chosen director Dallas Jenkins and biblical consultant Rabbi Jason Sobel visit the site of Jesus' first public miracle and take you deeper into the scripture.
Our research trip to Israel brought us beautiful biblical insights about fishing, nets, and how The Chosen can be a net to gather more “fish.”
We knew before we started writing that Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well would be the climax of Season One. The story has so many beautiful layers, and Dallas and Rabbi Jason explored them at the actual location in Israel.
We wouldn't have made The Chosen without going to Israel first. The cultural, historical, biblical, and artistic foundations of The Chosen are rooted in the insights gained here.
As you celebrate the victory of Easter, it's vital to understand the significance of the Garden of Gethsemane. Before we produced The Chosen, we went to Israel to go deeper into the stories we're telling you. The meaning and importance of olive trees truly impacted us.
We chose this disciple as one of our main characters because of the special way Jesus called him and how fast he responded.
We all know Da Vinci couldn't have gotten Jesus and the disciples to all pose on one side of the table... but more importantly... we should all know that Jesus and the disciples weren't all white.
Prayer is at the center of everything we do for The Chosen. Here's the special beginning to our research trip to Israel.
When he first set out to make The Chosen, Dallas visited Israel to get a deeper understanding of the story in its original setting. What he discovered about the Garden of Gethsemane—the place where Jesus agonized right before His arrest—made a huge impact and gave new meaning to that story. And now, years later, you can see how that discovery affected the making of Gethsemane in Season 5.
Jesus fulfills an old prophecy and makes a new one. He offers a powerful prayer and hears an audible voice from Heaven. He rides into a joyful city, but weeps over its coming destruction. And all of that’s just Episode 1. There’s a lot to talk about, and our Messianic Jewish rabbi, Catholic priest, and Evangelical scholar are back to discuss it all.
It’s time for some lively table talk—literally—as our Bible consultants discuss Jesus turning over tables. They discuss (and disagree over) whether Jesus cleansed the Temple once or twice. And along with explaining why He got so righteously angry, they also consider the deep meaning of his actions from a Jewish perspective—and how it revealed Him as the Father’s Son.
Episode 3 covered a lot of ground Biblically—and all of it pretty weighty stuff—so there’s much to discuss. Our scholars address the religious leaders’ attempt to publicly discredit Jesus, His equally public denouncement of them, and his private prediction to the disciples about the end of the age. And despite all the conflict and sadness throughout the episode, they point us to the words of hope and peace at the beginning and end.
It’s time to talk about the most bone-chilling scene in the entire season—the moment when Judas gives himself over to “not God.” Our biblical experts weigh in on nagging questions about Jesus’ betrayer. Was he trying to do good or harm? Was he bad from the beginning, or did he stray along the way? Was he a conscious agent or a pawn in a bigger plan? They also discuss perhaps the most surprising question and controversy that came out of this episode: Did Jesus pray for Judas?
You’ve seen Jesus get angry at corruption in His Father’s house and hypocrisy within the religious leadership, but now, you’ve also seen Him snap at a tree. The “Cursing of the Fig Tree,” has stumped many Christians over the centuries, but Dallas promises our Bible consultants will fig-ure it out. ;) Puns notwithstanding, this discussion truly gives us a solid understanding of the spiritual, historical, and symbolic meaning of what’s been a confusing Bible passage for many.
In Episode 6, we saw the first Communion at the Last Supper. The Chosen’s portrayal stuck closely to Jesus’ words straight from the Gospels, but there’s a longstanding Catholic-Protestant disagreement over how to interpret those words. How literal or figurative was Jesus being when He said, “This is my body,” and “This is my blood”? In this discussion, Father Guffey clearly presents the Catholic viewpoint. Dr. Huffman presents a continuum of Protestant views, and Rabbi Sobel brings in a Jewish perspective, connecting the Lord’s Supper to Passover—and all the way back to the trees in the Garden of Eden. Despite any differences of interpretation, one thing is clear: everyone takes Jesus’ words seriously and believes in the sacredness of this sacrament.
Matthew, Luke, and John—the three Gospel writers we all know. Oh, wait! There’s a fourth. Episode 7 introduced us to Mark, but it also left us with several questions about him. Was he really so young? And was the Upper Room really part of his house? Our consultants dig into the history of Mark and that upstairs room where so many important events happened. But first, Dallas has some questions about footwashing, and the insights from Rabbi Sobel just might knock your socks off.
Did Abraham, Ezekiel, and Joseph visit Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane? No, probably not. So does that make Episode 8 unbiblical? Hardly. As all of redemptive history is culminating in Jesus, it makes perfect sense to weave in these Old Testament stories that prefigure Him—at least, that’s what our Bible consultants say. Listen as they unpack the deep and meaningful ways Jesus is fulfilling scriptural prophecies and patterns as He begins his sufferings in Gethsemane.
Shmuel may be wrong, but Shaan Sharma plays him so right. For five seasons now, he’s given us a complex character whose sincere faith and devotion make him the most outspoken critic of Jesus. In this episode, Elijah serves up Shaan’s favorite snack and soda as they discuss his critical portrayal and what came before it…including a stint as a singer/songwriter.
In this episode, Andrew James Allen gets invited to a meal in his own office—the Roman headquarters where he presides as governor Pontius Pilate. If you’ve seen other depictions of Pilate, you might think Andrew’s a bit young to play the part, but he’s been doing things early his whole life, starting his acting career at just 9 years old. Elijah and Andrew reflect on those child acting days that eventually led to this incredibly mature and complex role.
In honor of what took place on this night over 2,000 years ago, we give you our portrayal of the Last Supper. Pulled from all eight of our Season Five episodes, here in continuous, chronological order.
