‘The Chosen’ Finds a Streaming Home, Inks Agreement With Amazon

Dallas Jenkins, creator and executive producer of “The Chosen,” announced on Sunday (Feb. 16) that the series will stream exclusively in the United States on Amazon’s Prime Video. After new shows have been out on Prime for 90 days, they will be available on the show’s app. The deal gives Amazon exclusive rights to stream all previous and future seasons of the Bible-based epic.

During a lengthy YouTube live stream, Jenkins updated fans of “The Chosen” about several major developments. Season 5, known as “The Chosen: Last Supper,” premieres in U.S. theaters on March 28 and will be available to stream on Amazon Prime in June. The series will wrap up with Seasons 6 and 7, which focus on Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, respectively.

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Previous deals between “The Chosen” and other streaming platforms had all recently expired. Jenkins, who also directs the series, hasn’t said yet if Season 5 will appear on broadcast television.

Viewers Can Still Watch ‘The Chosen’ Via App

After parting ways with Angel Studios last year, Jenkins took full oversight of “The Chosen.” He then founded 5&2 Studios and, as ChurchLeaders reported, has several new projects in the works.

About partnering with Amazon, Jenkins said, “For several years, the team at Amazon MGM Studios has proved over and over they’re passionate about this show and our fans. They’re going to make us better and get the show to more people, and I can’t wait to build this relationship.”

Jenkins emphasized that he wanted “The Chosen” to remain free and available in the app. As part of the Amazon deal, Season 5 will be available exclusively on Prime Video for 90 days. After that, viewers can watch those shows using the “The Chosen” app.

“We are willing to wait if it means we can do other things with some of the resources that Prime Video is giving us,” Jenkins told viewers. “If you’re only watching in the app, you’ll have to wait longer, but it’s only 90 days. Prime Video agreed to that because they respect you so much.”

Jenkins said he assured Amazon the app isn’t a competitor but will bring “additional value” to the deal. The director retains “total creative control” of the series, he added, saying that was “non-negotiable.”

Vernon Sanders, head of television for Amazon MGM Studios, said, “We see massive opportunities to develop additional faith-inspired content for our global Prime Video customers.”

Lionsgate, which has distribution rights to “The Chosen,” brokered the licensing deal with Amazon. Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution for Lionsgate, said, “Amazon MGM Studios is the perfect partner to take this already highly sought-after property to the next level.”

“This wide-ranging, multi-territory deal presents a unique opportunity to deepen engagement with ‘The Chosen’s’ loyal fanbase,” said Packer, “while drawing in new viewers around the world.”

As part of the deal, Amazon MGM Studios will distribute feature-length episodes from Seasons 6 and 7 in theaters. In addition, Jenkins has a first-look agreement to develop new projects through his 5&2 Studios.

New Spinoffs Are Underway for ‘The Chosen’

Also mentioned in the Amazon deal: Prime Video ordered six episodes of the unscripted series “The Chosen in the Wild with Bear Grylls.” Survivalist Bear Grylls will take Jenkins and “The Chosen” cast members on wilderness adventures.

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