The Chosen has taken the world by storm. For the first time ever, people can binge watch the Gospels on streaming networks, totaling over 770 million episode views thus far. This seven-season show shares an authentic and intimate look at Jesus’ life and teaching through the eyes of those who followed him.
Today begins a marathon of theater releases of Season 4. I had the honor of previewing an early release of Episodes 1-3, and I am so excited to share.
Will Season 4 disappoint me?
If you’ve watched all 24 episodes up to this point, you’re probably anticipating the release of Season 4. And you won’t be disappointed.
I laughed. I cried. I felt surprised. I felt humbled. I cheered. I frowned. I praised God.
Episodes 1-3 are amazing, heavy, empowering, shocking, and life-changing.
I am so excited for the world to see, and I anxiously anticipate seeing the rest of the Episodes.
But is The Chosen biblically accurate?
My husband was the first in our family to watch The Chosen. He attempted to get me to watch, but I couldn’t get into it. I kept trying to figure out who everyone was and what Bible story they were attempting to portray. Once I stopped overanalyzing, I became hooked.
From TheChosen.tv website: The Chosen is based on the true stories of the Gospels of Jesus Christ. Some locations and timelines have been combined or condensed. Backstories and some characters or dialog have been added. However, all the bible and historical context and any artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the scripture and the Gospels.
The Chosen is not the Bible, just as a storybook Bible is not the Bible. But it is a way for the viewer to gain a greater understanding of the storyline and the characters. Please don’t make The Chosen your Bible but use it as a supplement to reading the Gospels.
I believe that creator Dallas Jenkins and his team have done a beautiful job of showing the character of Jesus as God in human form. The character’s gentleness and servanthood have personally moved me.
Is it free to watch The Chosen?
If you haven’t watched the first 3 seasons, you can find them 100% free on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Netflix. My family and I watch on the free The Chosen app.
Lionsgate will first release Season 4 in theaters.
- Episodes 1-3 February 1-14
- Episodes 4-6 February 15-28
- Episodes 7-8 February 29-March 10
Is The Chosen appropriate for young children?
Season 1, Episode 1 contains scenes of Mary Magdaline possessed by demons. This could be frightening for young children. Amazon Prime lists Season 1 as TV-PG and Seasons 2-3 as 13+. Season 4 begins with more violence than I remember in past seasons. Malco, AMC, and Fandango list Episodes 1-3 as NR (not rated). I would encourage you to preview before sharing with young children.
Do I need to see Seasons 1-3 before seeing Season 4?
Honestly, I would. Jumping into Season 4 without knowing the characters and their backstories may be confusing (some of which are not Bible-based but added for character development). But you have almost two weeks to binge the previous episodes and still see Season 4 in the theaters.
I believe that The Chosen will change your life because God has used it to change mine.
Giveaway:
To help offset your theater tickets, the Come and See Foundation, Inc has provided me with a $10 Amazon giftcard to one winner.
Click the rectangular image or link below to enter to win. This giveaway ends on Friday, February 9th @ 12:00 p.m (CST). We will announce the winner on the Parenting to Impress Facebook page, so make sure to watch social media to see if you won.
Or click – www.ABCJesusLovesMe.com/enter/
One entry per household, US residents only. Click to read our Giveaway Rules.
After entering, be sure to Buy Tickets to Season 4.
Many thanks to Come and See Foundation, Inc. for providing video for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Hi Heidi! Long time reader, first time responder. 😉
Your link to enter the contest doesn’t work.
Hugs,
Laura
Laura – Thank you of much for letting me know. It is fixed now. –heidi
I would encourage you to look into Dallas Jenkin’s views on Mormonism. In addition, he has openly mocked people who question the biblical accuracy of the show. In my opinion, even if the show is fantastic, we shouldn’t partake if his attitude and theology is so wrong. Christians have the freedom to watch, of course, but is it the best use of our time?
I cannot post photos here, but there are instance of him responding to people on social media in a mocking way. He once said that what Jesus whispered to Lazarus was “I am about to quote the Book of Mormon.”
Here is an extensive podcast on this topic.
https://www.patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/the-chorus-in-the-chaos/2023/bonus-episode-3-reasons-we-wont-watch-the-chosen
Mary – Thank you for sharing your concerns. I don’t follow Dallas, but in the few posts that I have seen he is unapologetic about his beliefs. In my viewings, I have found The Chosen and Dallas’ comments to be biblically based. If you have concerns based on the show or an entire interview with Dallas, you must go with your conviction. But I encourage you to look at the entire context of all areas. Hope this helps – heidi
We live in Utah, so the context matters greatly to us. I assure you we have considered every angle. The podcast episode I shared goes into many of the reasons we choose not to watch. We spent *much* time researching and praying about the series when it was released. It is important to us that our LDS friends and neighbors know that what we believe is very different. The Jesus of Mormonism is not the biblical Jesus, although Dallas has said he is, and has also said that we worship the same God. It would be unloving to not share the truth.
I’m not on social media, but thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Blessings
I am so glad that you found this helpful! Be sure to enter to win the gift card. Let me know what you think of the new season. 🙂 –heidi
My daughter and I saw the new episodes at the theater on opening day, first showing of the the first day actually. We loved it, and yes I cried big tears, but still loved every scene. I especially appreciate the character portrayal of Simon Peter! I have watched all previous seasons multiple times, and I love each and every one!
That being said, I know my Bible pretty well and do not “use” The Chosen as my source of theology because it’s simply a dramatization/movie and yes they do take liberties. I am still thrilled there is finally a show that is based on the life of Jesus and His disciples, and it is done so well. It’s a good thing when people are curiously watching The Chosen and learning more about Jesus and hopefully have questions to ask a mature Christian or Pastor, or start reading The Bible for themselves.
Thank you for your post, I thoroughly enjoyed your thoughts!
Sarah – Yes! The Chosen has drawn many who don’t know the truth of the Scriptures. I pray many lives are given to God because of this ministry! –heidi
I love this series! It’s been fun to see how they portray the different characters. Simon Peter and Matthew crack me up. I love how they show Jesus with a sense of humor, patience, etc.
Our church ladies are doing the Bible Study based on the episodes of the show. The Bible Study definitely leads you to the Bible to study.
Is season 4 include the crucifixion? (Sp?) I’m still traumatized from The Passion of the Christ 😥
I love that the study is guiding you back to the Bible! There are 7 total seasons, so I don’t believe that Season 4 will include the crucifixion. Enjoy watching! –heidi