Half of “The Chosen” viewers are not Christians

The popular television series “The Chosen” is having an impact beyond simply entertaining Christian viewers. Research by the producers found that many non-Christians also are tuning in.

“We recently had some data come through that showed about half of viewers were either practicing Christians or cultural Christians,” Katherine Warnock, vice president of original content for the program says.

The series, which is not without controversy, launched in 2017 after a successful crowdfunding effort but grew into viral status during the 2020 pandemic and is currently on television and in theaters. Episodes seven and eight will debut at the box office this week.

“We were also surprised about the level of Gen Z and younger that were consuming our show, because our core audience is definitely millennial and older,” she said. “But just to see not only the balance between female and males watching our show, which is wonderful, because the church is definitely not that balanced at times,  and then to see the younger generation but also the non-Christian faith audience come to the table has been a joy.”

Creator Dallas Jenkins and his writing team have a goal of reaching every demographic group, Warnock said.  “When Dallas and the writers say, ‘Hey, we want the world to be introduced to the authentic Jesus,’ they mean it,” she said.

The Jesus of the Bible, she said, attracted “all types of people and worldviews.” Warnock and her team recently heard from a fan of the series who is an agnostic and said he often weeps when watching.

Jenkins offered a preview of this season’s content. “This season, we’ve got significant biblical events happening like the death of John the Baptist and the raising of Lazarus from the dead,” he said. “These moments are better watching with a crowd and on the big screen.”

Warnock confirmed that season five of “The Chosen” will spotlight Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem for Holy Week. Seasons seven and eight will include the crucifixion and resurrection, respectively, she said.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice