The Chosen Review: Is This Hit Series Worth the Hype?

Originally launching on April 21, 2019, The Chosen takes a refreshingly unique approach to a story we all think we know. The series explores the life of Christ through the eyes of those who encountered him. Each 60 min episode operates as a brilliant mix of Family drama, rich historical storytelling, and high-stakes Action & Adventure as first-century Judea comes to life.

Under the sharp direction of Dallas Jenkins, we get to see the daily grind, the political tensions, and the deeply personal struggles of characters like Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac), Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish), and the socially anxious tax collector Matthew (Paras Patel). Along for the ride are Andrew (Noah James), John (George H. Xanthis), Big James (Abe Bueno-Jallad), Thomas (Joey Vahedi), and, of course, the man at the center of it all, Jesus of Nazareth, played with incredible warmth by Jonathan Roumie.

Let’s be real for a second: historical and faith-adjacent media has a reputation for being, well, a bit dry. But The Chosen completely flips the script. The genius of Dallas Jenkins’ direction lies in his insistence on making these ancient figures feel like real people you'd want to grab a bite with.

The casting is nothing short of lightning in a bottle. Jonathan Roumie’s Jesus is a revelation. He’s not a stoic statue; he cracks jokes, winks, gets tired, and feels pain deeply. It’s a magnetic performance that anchors the entire show. But the series is truly an ensemble piece. Paras Patel’s portrayal of Matthew as an autistic-coded, highly meticulous outcast is a massive fan favorite for a reason-it brings a level of modern nuance to a historical setting that feels incredibly natural. Meanwhile, Shahar Isaac’s Simon Peter brings a fiery, desperate energy that contrasts beautifully with Elizabeth Tabish's hauntingly vulnerable Mary Magdalene.

The show also doesn't shy away from political intrigue. The tension between the Roman occupiers and the local Jewish population gives the series a genuine undercurrent of Action & Adventure. The dynamics between the disciples-including the sibling rivalry of Andrew (Noah James) and Simon, the zeal of John (George H. Xanthis) and Big James (Abe Bueno-Jallad), and the cautious skepticism of Thomas (Joey Vahedi)-add a layer of workplace-meets-family drama that keeps the pacing lively over its 60 min runtimes.

Visually, the production values punch way above their weight. The cinematography captures the dust, sweat, and golden sunlight of the ancient Mediterranean, making the world feel incredibly tactile. It’s a masterclass in how to build a massive, epic world through intimate, character-focused storytelling.

Pros

• Phenomenal Ensemble Cast: The chemistry between Jonathan Roumie, Shahar Isaac, Elizabeth Tabish, and Paras Patel is electric and deeply human.
• Relatable and Grounded Writing: Characters talk like real people rather than walking theological treatises.
• High Production Value: Excellent set design, costuming, and cinematography that bring first-century Judea to life.
• Universal Appeal: Balances drama, light action, and family themes in a way that appeals to both secular and religious audiences.

Cons

• Occasional Pacing Dips: Some of the 60 min episodes can feel a bit stretched in the middle acts.
• Creative Liberties: Strict historical or scriptural purists might occasionally find the fictionalized backstories jarring.

Ultimately, The Chosen is a triumphant piece of television that transcends its crowd-funded origins to stand tall alongside mainstream prestige dramas. With an impressive TMDb rating of 8.762/10 and a stunning 9.1/10 on IMDb, the global audience has spoken. Dallas Jenkins and his incredibly talented cast have crafted a rich, emotional, and thoroughly entertaining epic. If you haven't started this journey yet, consider this your sign to start binging immediately.