The Chosen has reshaped the Christian media world as the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus in first century Judea. Dallas Jenkins created and directed it initially through Angel Studios, and more recently through his own 5&2 Studios.

Season 1 arrived in 2019. Season 5 began releasing in March 2025. Season 6 has wrapped filming, and the seventh season is planned as the final chapter, ending with the Resurrection. The creators have said the Crucifixion and Resurrection will anchor the closing seasons, though the full episode details have not been released yet

The Chosen does not follow Scripture line by line. The series approach gives the writers room to explore personalities and relationships the Gospels do not record but are plausible, given the context. Some additions are simple and human. In popular terms this would be called "head-canon" to describe the information that the writers fill in. For example, the show gives Little James a disability because it reflects actor Jordan Walker Ross' real condition and Scripture didn't explain Little James' background enough for us to know either way. In a behind the scenes moment, Jordan Walker Ross (Little James) and Liz Tabish (Mary Magdalene) spoke about finding a statue of James the Less favoring the same leg that JWR does, so that's interesting to note!

I'm not sure whether it's respectful or disrespectful to use the analogy, if the Bible is in Dallas' left hand, artistic license is in his right. Whether you believe the previous statement is sacrilege, funny sarcasm, or a little bit of both, the truth of God's word is having a profound affect on people because the show exists.

This is the pattern throughout the show. The core events come from the Gospels. For example, Matthew’s calling is rooted in Matthew 9:9 to 13. Peter’s call and the miraculous catch are in Luke 5:1 to 11. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus is in John 3:1 to 21. It's the moments in between that are imagined - dialogue, backstories, and cultural texture.

The creators are upfront about their views. Their disclaimer reads:

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 dialogue have been added. All biblical and historical content and artistic imagination are designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. Viewers are encouraged to read the Gospels.

Some details — like minor traits, personal history, or interactions — may reflect the actor’s life or be dramatic invention, as opposed to explicit biblical text. For example, the show sometimes portrays the disciples with unique personal backstories; Matthew’s call to follow Jesus reflects Matthew 9:9–13, but any added traits or pre-discipleship history are imaginative.

These additions do not replace Scripture. But they can help viewers see the Gospel characters as real people — flawed, human, relatable — and has been known to encourage deeper engagement with the Bible itself.

If you have questions, thoughts, or want to explore how The Chosen lines up with the Gospels, subscribe and comment or join in on the discussions.