Is The Chosen right for your family?

This review covers common concerns — screen for what YOUR family cares about.

The Chosen

TV

The Chosen is a multi-season historical drama television series that offers a fresh and intimate portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ and his disciples. Set in first-century Judea and Galilee, the series delves into the untold stories and backstories of biblical figures, expanding on the Gospels with artistic imagination to depict the human side of Jesus and those who encountered him. It explores the social, political, and religious climate of the time, aiming to make the characters more relatable and the biblical narrative more engaging for a contemporary audience. Targeted primarily at a Christian audience, the show has gained widespread popularity for its high production quality, character development, and unique crowd-funded distribution model. It is generally considered appropriate for families and individuals interested in a dramatized, yet reverent, interpretation of the Gospels. The series seeks to help viewers see Jesus through the eyes of those who knew him, fostering a deeper connection to the biblical story.

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Concerns

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

Medium

The series itself does not depict explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines within its narrative. However, controversy arose when a pride flag was seen on set, belonging to an openly gay crew member. Several cast members publicly expressed support for LGBTQ+ individuals and pushed back against critics, while the creator, Dallas Jenkins, affirmed differing beliefs among his crew but maintained the show's theological focus. This has led to discussion and concern within some Christian communities regarding the production's external associations.

A small rainbow pride flag was observed on the camera equipment of Daniel Fritz, an openly gay camera operator, in a promotional video for 'The Chosen' Season 4. Actors Giavani Cairo (Thaddeus) and Jordan Walker Ross (Little James) publicly expressed support for LGBTQ+ individuals and pushed back against calls for boycotts, with Ross tweeting to 'stop gatekeeping the Christian faith' and to a critic to 'get outta here with your hate, homophobia and ignorance'.

Violence

Medium

The series contains moderate depictions of violence consistent with its historical setting and biblical narratives, including skirmishes, Roman oppression, and implied conflict. While not overtly graphic or frequent, some episodes feature impactful scenes of physical altercations and death, sometimes accompanied by content warnings.

The first episode of 'The Chosen' includes depictions or allusions to violence. In Season 3, an episode carried a content warning for 'violent images' and showed the Roman prefect Quintus drawing his sword into a chaotic crowd, resulting in a character's death, depicted with blood.

Romance and Sexual Content

Medium

Romantic and sexual content within 'The Chosen' is generally mild, with no explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity. However, the show's narrative, in its portrayal of real-life human struggles, alludes to mature themes such as prostitution, adultery, and implied sexual abuse, particularly in character backstories.

The backstory of Mary Magdalene (Lilith) in the first episode alludes to premarital sex and prostitution as part of her past sinful life. Later episodes may allude to or depict themes such as marital intimacy and adultery, often within the context of biblical stories or character development, though without graphic detail.

Witchcraft & Occult

Medium

The series includes clear depictions of demonic possession, which is a significant element of the biblical accounts of Jesus' ministry. These scenes can be intense and frightening, portraying individuals tormented by spiritual forces before being miraculously delivered by Jesus.

The first episode prominently features Mary Magdalene's severe struggle with demonic possession, showing her tormented and acting erratically before her healing encounter with Jesus. Reviewers note that the portrayal of demonic possession can be 'in-your-face' and potentially 'terrifying/traumatic' for sensitive younger viewers.

Substance Use

Medium

Alcohol consumption, primarily wine, is regularly depicted in 'The Chosen,' consistent with the historical and cultural context of the time. While not glorified, some scenes show characters engaging in heavy drinking as part of their pre-conversion struggles or social gatherings.

The series features regular depictions of characters drinking wine, reflecting the common practices of first-century society. The first episode alludes to 'heavy drinking' in the life of Mary Magdalene (Lilith) before her transformation, highlighting her struggles and vices.

Scary & Intense Content

Medium

The show contains several moments of scary and intense content, primarily through its depictions of demonic possession and instances of violence. These scenes are designed to convey the gravity of suffering and the power of Jesus' interventions, but they can be emotionally impactful for viewers, particularly children.

The demonic possession sequence involving Mary Magdalene in the opening episode is notably intense and has been identified as potentially 'too terrifying/traumatic' for some children. Additionally, some episodes carry specific content warnings for 'violent images,' such as the clash in Season 3 where a person is killed with a sword.

Disrespect & Rebellion

Medium

The series portrays disrespect and rebellion primarily within the historical context of Roman occupation and the Jewish people's resistance, as well as the initial human flaws and interpersonal conflicts among Jesus's disciples. While the disciples grow in faith, early episodes show their struggles with pride, jealousy, and questioning authority.

The theme of Roman oppression is central, depicting the Jewish people's struggles under Roman rule and their yearning for a Messiah who would lead a rebellion. Early in the series, friction, jealousies, and disagreements are shown developing among Jesus's disciples, such as Simon Peter and Andrew, reflecting their humanity and initial lack of understanding.

Anti-Christian Themes

Medium

While 'The Chosen' is overtly Christian in its subject matter and intent, some evangelical Christian reviewers have raised concerns about theological interpretations and production partnerships. These concerns focus on the inclusion of extra-biblical storylines and dialogue, and the involvement of individuals associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism), which some critics view as having a different theological understanding of Jesus.

Critics have noted instances of 'extra-biblical material' where the series adds dialogue and scenes not found in the biblical text, such as Jesus allegedly asking a disciple, 'What does your heart tell you?' which some reviewers consider problematic and akin to Mormon theology. Concerns also stem from the creator's partnership with and use of facilities owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leading to apprehension among some Christians about potential theological compromise.

Profanity

Low

Profanity in 'The Chosen' is minimal and generally mild, aligning with its target audience and faith-based nature. Strong or aggressive expletives are absent, with occasional uses of less offensive terms that reflect the characters' emotions or the gritty realism of the setting.

In one instance, the Roman prefect Quintus uses the term 'h—hole' to describe Capernaum, reflecting his frustration with the city's conditions. Otherwise, reviews indicate a general absence of strong profanity, with language remaining suitable for family viewing.

Other Notes

Target Demographic

Ages 10+ with parental guidance. While much of the content is suitable for a general audience, some themes and depictions, such as violence, demonic possession, and discussions of mature social issues, warrant parental discretion. Younger children may find certain scenes intense or frightening, and parents may wish to discuss the extra-biblical interpretations and theological concerns raised by some Christian reviewers.

Additional Notes

Parents should be aware that 'The Chosen' takes creative liberties in expanding on the biblical narratives to flesh out characters and plotlines. While the creators aim for biblical faithfulness, these additions are interpretive and not direct scripture. Engaging in dialogue with children about the content, distinguishing between biblical text and artistic interpretation, is highly recommended. The series has evolved across seasons, with some content intensifying in later installments, necessitating ongoing parental review.

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