The premiere of Season 3 of The Chosen, a free streaming series based on the life of Jesus, opened at a stunning number-three spot at the box office.
The first two episodes of the premiere of The Chosen Season 3 have drawn a historic number of viewers, pushing its original five-day run in theaters to December 1, and grossing $8.7 million in the United States.
The series has drawn praise from fans and critics for its historical and biblical accuracy.
Watch the trailer:
Angel Studios arranged for the launch of The Chosen Season 3 via Fathom Events on November 18. A complete list of theaters that have extended their showing through December 1 is available here.
“As a crowdfunded indie show, we are thrilled to be in the top 3 winners vs. traditional Hollywood studios Disney and Searchlight,” an Angel Studios spokesperson said in comments sent to The Star News Network. “Angel Studios’ model of building communities around creators is working.”
In 2018, The Chosen raised more than $10.2 million with over 16,000 investors through its crowdfunding efforts, enabling producers to fund the series’ first season. Subsequently, Season 2 was completely crowdfunded by 2020.
“The success of The Chosen Season 3: Episode 1 & 2 is the perfect example of how innovative the event cinema business has become and how hungry audiences are for faith-based content,” commented Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events.
The series that illuminates the life of Jesus and his ministry through the eyes of those who met him is a global phenomenon, with more than 420 million episode views worldwide. The Chosen has been translated into 62 languages and is among the top-searched shows on streaming platforms.
Andrew Lichtenwainer, Ph.D., director of evangelization and discipleship at the Archdiocese of Atlanta, commented for Fathom Events that The Chosen series “has been an inspirational and moving experience.”
“In a creative way that strives to be faithful to the Gospels, The Chosen invites us to consider anew the decisive reality of Jesus Christ and his ministry and mission,” he added. “What The Chosen communicates – in understandably imaginative but very realistic ways – is a powerful reminder for all of us today: Jesus continues to call us to follow him. How are we – how am I – responding?”
The Chosen Creator Dallas Jenkins said fan support has been essential to the project’s success.
“We have the ability to try new things, such as putting a TV show in theaters, because our fans are so passionate and supportive,” he explained. “Hopefully this causes others to check out Seasons One and Two.”
The series, which finished filming its third season in September, remains “the largest fan-supported entertainment project of all time,” a press statement notes. “With no fee or subscription required, it’s completely free to watch and available as both a standalone mobile and TV app, plus available on multiple streaming services. Viewer support enables the show to remain free around the world.”
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Susan Berry, PhD, is national education editor at The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “The Chosen Trailer” by The Chosen.
