The CW has acquiredThe Chosen. While the series is available on streaming services like Peacock, Netflix, and Roku, this will be the first timeThe Chosenwill be broadcast on U.S. television. The news follows Lionsgate TV picking up the U.S. distribution rights toThe Chosenlast 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 Chosenis the first multi-season series based onthe 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.
“The CW has always been bold and unique, which is perfect for us,” Jenkins says in a statement, perDeadline. “Plus, [The CW’s President of Entertainment] Brad Schwartz made it clear a while ago he loves and respectsThe Chosen, so we know it’ll be in great hands.”
Schwartz added, “The Chosenis 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 forThe 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 Chosenis 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, asThe Last Temptation of Christhelmer Martin Scorsese recently said he wants to make a new movie about the King of Kingsfollowing a meeting with the Pope. Meanwhile, Mel Gibson is also working on a sequel to the blockbuster hitThe Passion of the Christ, which brings back Jim Caviezel as Jesus Christ. That film, calledThe Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, willserve 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 ofThe Chosenwhen the series debuts on The CW on Sunday, July 18, 2025.