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Though the most passionate fans are Christian, or strongly religious, about 30% to 40% of its audience are not churchgoers or traditional believers in Christianity, said Dallas Jenkins, show creator, director and producer.

Jenkins first brought portions of “The Chosen” to the big screen in 2021, beginning with a Christmas special he intended as a one-night-only showing with specialty distributor Fathom Entertainment to surprise fans.

“Last year we thought that we had reached a bit of a ceiling with how many people were interested in coming to the theater to watch a TV show,” Jenkins said.

The series is financed by a religious nonprofit, which pays Jenkins’ company, 5&2 Studios, to oversee production of “The Chosen.”

Inspired by the ensemble focus of “The West Wing,” the humanity and authenticity of “Friday Night Lights” and the multiple perspectives of “The Wire,” Jenkins said he sees “The Chosen” as a historical drama, rather than explicitly faith-based.