The Chosen
The Chosen (2019) is a multi-season historical drama series that offers a fresh and intimate portrayal of the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. Set in first-century Judaea and Galilee, the show explores the Gospels through the eyes of those who encountered Jesus, including his disciples, Roman officials, and ordinary citizens. It aims to humanize biblical figures and present their struggles and triumphs in a relatable way. The series is known for its high production values and its crowd-funded, free-to-watch distribution model, making it accessible to a wide audience. It falls into the genres of historical drama and biblical epic, targeting viewers interested in faith-based content and character-driven storytelling.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series itself does not contain explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines within its narrative. However, discussions and mild controversy arose from a crew member displaying a small Pride flag on set during production. Director Dallas Jenkins publicly affirmed a policy of not imposing religious or political litmus tests on crew, acknowledging diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Several cast members also expressed public support for the crew member and the LGBTQ+ community.
1. During the production of Season 4, a small Pride flag was visible on a crew member's camera equipment in a promotional video, leading to online discussion. Director Dallas Jenkins addressed this by stating the show has a diverse cast and crew and does not have a 'religious or political litmus test' for employment. 2. Actors like Jordan Walker Ross (Little James) and Joey Ghawali (Thaddaeus) publicly supported the crew member and expressed pro-LGBTQ+ sentiments on social media, emphasizing love and acceptance.
Violence
MediumViolence is present throughout the series, reflecting the harsh realities of the Roman occupation and the historical context. This includes depictions of beatings, skirmishes, and the consequences of Roman law. While often implied or shown without explicit gore, the intensity of these scenes can be impactful, particularly regarding the persecution of Jewish people and eventual portrayal of Jesus's suffering.
1. Roman soldiers are frequently shown using force and intimidation against the Jewish populace. In various episodes, characters are shown being beaten or threatened, such as when Matthew is confronted by thugs or when Roman guards enforce order with whips and physical restraint. 2. The crucifixion of Jesus, while not fully depicted in graphic detail in early seasons, is a pervasive theme and is shown through the emotional reactions of characters and the implied brutality leading up to it, notably in the foreshadowing and discussions of Roman punishment methods.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic and sexual content is handled discreetly and is not explicit. The series touches upon themes of past sexual sin, particularly with Mary Magdalene's backstory, implying prostitution without showing any suggestive scenes. Marital relationships among supporting characters are depicted with affection and occasional chaste embraces, consistent with the biblical setting.
1. Mary Magdalene's past as a demon-possessed woman (Lilith in the show's backstory) heavily implies a life of sin, including prostitution, which is a major part of her character arc in early episodes of Season 1, as she is delivered from her past. 2. The relationship between Simon Peter and his wife Eden involves loving interactions and a degree of marital tension and intimacy, depicted through dialogue and affectionate gestures like hugging and hand-holding, without any explicit sexual content.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe series centrally features miraculous acts performed by Jesus, including exorcisms of demon-possessed individuals. These are presented as divine interventions, not as witchcraft or occult practices. Demonic possession is depicted with intensity, showcasing the spiritual struggle and Jesus's authority over evil forces, adhering to a biblical understanding of such events.
1. Early in Season 1, Mary Magdalene is shown to be demon-possessed, manifesting as a tormented individual struggling with inner demons before her encounter with Jesus, who then casts them out in a powerful scene. 2. Jesus performs multiple exorcisms throughout the series, such as healing the man in the synagogue in Capernaum (Season 1, Episode 5) or the Gerasene demoniac, which are portrayed as direct confrontations with spiritual evil, causing physical and emotional distress in the possessed individuals.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series contains intense emotional scenes, depictions of Roman oppression, and encounters with demon-possessed individuals that can be frightening or unsettling. The spiritual warfare elements and the gravity of the historical period, including threats to characters' lives, contribute to moments of suspense and high emotional impact.
1. Scenes involving demon possession can be intense and unsettling, such as Mary Magdalene's initial tormented state or the Gerasene demoniac's wild and aggressive behavior, which can be frightening for younger viewers. 2. The constant threat of Roman authority and persecution creates a pervasive sense of tension and fear, with characters facing public humiliation, arrests, and the prospect of severe punishment, particularly for those associated with Jesus.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumDisrespect and rebellion are present, often reflecting the struggles of characters to understand and follow Jesus's teachings, or the conflict between various factions (e.g., Jewish leaders vs. Jesus, Roman authorities vs. Jewish people). Disciples frequently question Jesus, express doubt, or act impulsively, but these are generally portrayed as human failings on a path to growth rather than outright defiant rebellion.
1. The disciples, particularly Simon Peter, often exhibit moments of frustration, doubt, and backtalk towards Jesus, questioning his decisions or acting out of impatience, which is portrayed as part of their human fallibility and learning process. 2. Roman soldiers and officials frequently display arrogance and disrespect towards the Jewish people, using their power to oppress and control, reflecting the historical context of occupation.
Profanity
LowProfanity in 'The Chosen' is minimal and generally consists of mild exclamations that are contextually appropriate for the historical period. There is no use of modern strong curse words or offensive language. Characters may express frustration or anger with historically common phrases rather than contemporary profanity.
1. Characters occasionally use mild exclamations like 'By God' or similar phrases to express surprise or frustration, consistent with language of the era and not intended as offensive. 2. Discussions of blasphemy or taking God's name in vain are usually within the context of religious accusation or misunderstanding, rather than characters in the show themselves using profanity as a regular part of their dialogue.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use, specifically alcohol consumption (wine), is depicted in the context of historical and cultural accuracy, such as at feasts and meals, consistent with biblical accounts. Characters drink wine, but depictions of intoxication are infrequent and generally serve a narrative purpose rather than glamorizing alcohol abuse. There is no depiction of illegal drug use.
1. The wedding feast at Cana (Season 1, Episode 5) famously features the transformation of water into wine by Jesus, with characters consuming wine as part of the celebration. 2. Characters are occasionally seen drinking wine during meals or social gatherings, reflecting the common practice of the time without emphasis on intoxication or negative consequences.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowAs a series centered on the life of Jesus, 'The Chosen' does not promote anti-Christian themes. Instead, it aims to respectfully portray Christian faith and biblical narratives. While it depicts opposition to Jesus from various historical groups (e.g., Pharisees, Roman authorities), this is presented as part of the historical account and Jesus's ministry, rather than an endorsement of anti-Christian sentiment. The series consistently upholds Christian values and the divinity of Christ.
1. The series extensively depicts the opposition Jesus faced from the Jewish religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, who challenge his authority and teachings. This is a central conflict but is portrayed as a historical element of the biblical narrative, not an anti-Christian stance by the show itself. 2. Roman characters, such as Praetor Quintus or Gaius, often express skepticism or disdain for Jesus and his followers, reflecting a non-believing worldview, but the narrative perspective consistently affirms Jesus's divine nature and mission.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 10+ with parental guidance. The series features mature themes such as Roman oppression, discussions of past sins like prostitution, and depictions of violence common to the historical period, including implied crucifixion and beatings. While explicit content is generally avoided, the emotional intensity and historical realities depicted require a certain level of maturity to process. Younger children might find some scenes distressing or complex to understand without explanation.
Additional Notes
The Chosen often uses creative license to fill in unrecorded biblical gaps, providing backstories and character development for biblical figures. While these additions aim to support the biblical narrative, parents may wish to discuss with children which elements are directly from Scripture and which are dramatized interpretations. The series focuses on the humanity of Jesus and his disciples, making them relatable, but this may sometimes lead to characterizations that differ from traditional portrayals.
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