Crowd-funded 'The Chosen' series features 'humanizing' portrayal of Jesus, disciples

MANILA, Philippines — Back in August 2020, Dallas Jenkins, creator, writer and director of the hit series "The Chosen," expressed his appreciation for the Philippine audience, who was among the most supportive countries in the world.

The series brought the Bible to life on TV at the height of the pandemic, and the Philippine audience enjoyed it immensely and supported it like a teleserye.

It is October 2024 now, "The Chosen" is on its fourth season, and the Philippines continues to support it without let up, ranking third in viewership outside the United States, next only to Brazil and Mexico.

Filipinos are devout Christians and they love to celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They are also incurable teleserye watchers, and to them "The Chosen" is an extraordinary teleserye. It has captured the hearts of millions around the world, not just for its compelling storytelling, but also for its innovative, crowd-funded production model.

From its inception, "The Chosen" has defied expectations, offering a fresh and humanizing portrayal of the life of Jesus Christ (played by Jonathan Roumie).

“It has not only made the Bible come alive in new and powerful ways but has also changed the way faith-based media is funded and produced,” Teresa Tunay of CBCP/CINEMA pointed out.

What sets the series apart from other Biblical adaptations is its deeply human approach to the characters in the Gospels. Rather than portraying Jesus and His disciples as distant or larger-than-life figures, "The Chosen" focuses on their humanity, their struggles, and their relationships with one another.

Creator Dallas Jenkins sought to depict these Biblical figures as relatable, flawed people whose encounters with Jesus transformed their lives in profound and personal ways.

For one, Simon Peter (Shahar Isaac) is not just a faithful follower from the start; he is a struggling fisherman grappling with personal and financial hardships. Mary Magdalene’s (Elizabeth Tabish) journey from darkness to redemption is portrayed with nuance and sensitivity, helping viewers connect with her on a deeply emotional level. 

Even Jesus is portrayed in a way that emphasizes His relatability as a