From creator, director and producer Dallas Jenkins (The Resurrection of Gavin Stone), the series about the life of Jesus stars Jonathan Roumie (Chicago Med) as the King of Kings. The series will premiere on Sunday, July 16 and will run into the fall, with the season three finale on Christmas Eve.
This is the first US network for The Chosen. Episodes can already be seen for American viewers on the streaming services Peacock, Netflix, Roku and BYUtv.
"Based on the greatest IP of all time, The Chosen is truly a one-of-a-kind series that tells this historically significant story in a compelling, dramatic, and first-class manner," said Brad Schwartz, The CW's President of Entertainment, in a statement. "This series already has a deep connection with viewers around the world, and The CW will expand its audience even further."
Jenkins added: "The CW has always been bold and unique and that's perfect for us. Plus, Brad Schwartz made it clear a while back that he loves and respects The Chosen, so we know it's going to be in good hands ."
Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer continued, “As part of our global representation of this coveted property, we are thrilled that The CW is becoming another great partner for The Chosen. This groundbreaking series already has a huge global following and the CW- platform provides the perfect opportunity for the series to reach existing fans and inspire new fans."
The Chosen is described as the first multi-season series of its kind. Set against the backdrop of Jewish oppression in first-century Israel, the seven-season series offers an authentic and intimate look at the revolutionary life and teachings of Jesus. The fourth season is currently in production.
It started as a crowdsourcing project on the Angel Studios app and has become a global hit with over 110 million viewers in 175 countries, with plans to make it available in 600 languages. The series has generated 6.5 million followers on social media, grossed $35 million at the box office from special theatrical releases, and spawned a clothing line, bestsellers, DVDs, and an upcoming series of graphic novels. Jesus sells!
The Chosen is distributed worldwide by Lionsgate.
This isn't the first time the CW has filmed multiple episodes of a new series under Nexstar. The company also announced that it has renewed the Canadian import series Sullivan's Crossing for a second season, even though it won't premiere until this fall.
That series has previously been released in Canada, where it has become a hit on CTV. Production on season two will begin in Nova Scotia in the fall.
Watch a trailer for the first season of The Chosen below.