The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about the life of Jesus Christ, has garnered widespread acclaim and a dedicated following since its debut. Created, directed, and co-written by Dallas Jenkins, this series stands out not only for its unique approach to biblical storytelling but also for its innovative funding and distribution model. As viewers around the globe seek to experience this series, a common question arises: Is The Chosen available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video? This article delves into where you can watch The Chosen, the show’s distinctive journey, and its impact on both the entertainment industry and its audience.
The Journey of The Chosen
Before addressing the availability of The Chosen on major streaming platforms, it is essential to understand its origins and distribution strategy. Unlike traditional television series that rely on network funding and advertising, The Chosen was produced through a crowd-funded model. This approach allowed creators to maintain creative control and produce the series without the constraints typically imposed by studios.
The pilot episode, titled “The Shepherd,” was released in December 2017 as a Christmas special. It received an overwhelmingly positive response, prompting Jenkins and his team to launch a crowd-funding campaign for a full series. The campaign became the largest-ever crowd-funded media project, raising over $10 million from more than 16,000 investors. This financial support enabled the production of the first season, which was released in 2019.
Innovative Distribution Model
The Chosen opted for a distribution model that bypassed traditional networks and streaming giants. Instead, the series was made available through a dedicated app and website. The app, available on both Android and iOS, allows users to watch the series for free, supported by a “pay it forward” model where viewers can contribute to fund future seasons and make the show accessible to others. This model reflects the series’ mission to reach a global audience without financial barriers.
Additionally, The Chosen partnered with various streaming services and platforms for broader distribution. This approach includes making the series available on YouTube, Tubi, and Peacock, among others. Despite these efforts, many viewers still wonder whether The Chosen can be found on more mainstream platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Availability on Netflix
Netflix, known for its extensive library of original content and licensed shows, is a go-to platform for many viewers seeking quality entertainment. However, as of the current date, The Chosen is not available on Netflix. The series’ unique funding and distribution model means it operates independently of the traditional licensing agreements that Netflix typically engages in.
While Netflix occasionally acquires faith-based content and has a selection of religious documentaries and films, The Chosen remains conspicuously absent from its offerings. This absence is likely a deliberate choice by the creators to maintain control over the series’ distribution and funding, ensuring that it remains free and accessible to a global audience through their preferred platforms.
Availability on Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video, another major player in the streaming industry, offers a wide array of content, including many faith-based films and series. Unlike Netflix, Amazon Prime Video allows for the purchase or rental of individual titles, which can sometimes include independently produced content.
For The Chosen, the situation is somewhat different. While the series is not included in the standard Amazon Prime subscription, it is available for purchase on Amazon. Viewers can buy individual episodes or complete seasons, allowing them to own the content and watch it at their convenience. This option provides a means for fans of The Chosen to support the series financially while enjoying high-quality streaming on a trusted platform.
However, the series’ availability on Amazon Prime Video does not extend to free streaming for Prime subscribers. The decision to sell rather than stream for free aligns with the show’s broader funding strategy, ensuring continued revenue to support future production without compromising the free availability on its dedicated app.
Why Not Netflix or Prime?
Given the popularity and success of The Chosen, some may wonder why the series is not more widely available on mainstream platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The answer lies in the show’s mission and the values of its creators. Dallas Jenkins and his team have emphasized the importance of accessibility and community-driven support. By using their app and the “pay it forward” model, they ensure that anyone, regardless of financial capability, can access the series.
This approach contrasts with the subscription-based models of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which require users to pay a monthly fee. By steering clear of these platforms for free streaming, The Chosen maintains its commitment to providing free access while also offering avenues for financial support through purchases on platforms like Amazon.
Moreover, controlling their distribution channels allows the creators to maintain the integrity and intended message of the series without external influences. This control is crucial for a series that deals with sensitive and profound religious themes, ensuring that the portrayal of Jesus Christ and biblical stories remains true to the creators’ vision.
The Impact of The Chosen
Since its release, The Chosen has made a significant impact not only on its viewers but also on the broader landscape of religious media. Its success demonstrates the viability of crowd-funded, independent production and distribution models, challenging the dominance of traditional studios and networks. The series has been praised for its high production values, compelling storytelling, and nuanced portrayal of biblical characters.
Critics and audiences alike have lauded The Chosen for its humanizing approach to the figures in the New Testament, offering fresh perspectives and deeper emotional connections. The show’s portrayal of Jesus Christ, played by Jonathan Roumie, has been particularly noted for its warmth, relatability, and depth.
The series has also fostered a sense of community among its viewers. The “pay it forward” model encourages fans to support one another and share the series with friends and family. This communal aspect has been integral to the show’s success, creating a dedicated and engaged fanbase that continues to grow.
Future Prospects
As The Chosen progresses through its planned multi-season arc, the question of whether it will eventually appear on platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video remains open. While the current strategy focuses on maintaining independence and accessibility, future developments in the streaming landscape could present new opportunities for the series.
The creators have expressed openness to exploring various distribution avenues, provided they align with the show’s mission and values. As the series expands its reach and continues to garner acclaim, partnerships with larger platforms could become a viable option, potentially bringing The Chosen to an even wider audience without compromising its core principles.
In the meantime, fans can continue to enjoy The Chosen through its dedicated app, YouTube, and purchase options on Amazon. The show’s success serves as a testament to the power of community-driven support and the enduring appeal of well-crafted, faith-based storytelling.
Conclusion
The Chosen represents a groundbreaking approach to religious media, offering an independently produced and crowd-funded series that resonates deeply with viewers worldwide. While it is not available for free streaming on mainstream platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, the series can be purchased on Amazon and watched for free through its dedicated app.
The decision to maintain this unique distribution model reflects the creators’ commitment to accessibility, community support, and creative control. As the series continues to grow and inspire, it stands as a powerful example of how innovative funding and distribution strategies can lead to unprecedented success in the entertainment industry.
For viewers seeking a compelling and humanizing portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ, The Chosen remains a must-watch series, available through avenues that align with its mission of reaching a global audience without financial barriers.
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