In a powerful display of faith-based entertainment's reach, the acclaimed series The Chosen ascended to the top of the streaming world during the 2026 Easter holiday. The five-part biblical epic, which chronicles the life of Jesus Christ, became the number one series domestically on platforms like iTunes, according to data from FlixPatrol.
A Streaming Resurrection
Easter weekend traditionally sees a surge in viewership for religious content, and 2026 was no exception. While classic faith-based films found renewed audiences, the standout story was the continued dominance of the television series The Chosen. Its success follows in the footsteps of earlier hits like The Bible, a 2013 History Channel miniseries that spawned the theatrical film Son of God. Both of those projects also charted during the holiday, highlighting a sustained appetite for biblical storytelling that The Chosen has masterfully captured.
From Crowdfunding to Global Phenomenon
The journey of The Chosen is a modern entertainment miracle. Created by Dallas Jenkins, the show's first season was financed through a groundbreaking crowdfunding campaign and debuted on a niche platform. It transformed into a word-of-mouth sensation during the pandemic when producers made seasons available to stream for free. This strategy built a massive, dedicated global fanbase.
The series, starring Jonathan Roumie as a relatable Jesus and Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, has been praised for its accessible and humanizing approach. Critics have lauded Roumie's performance, often contrasting it with previous iconic portrayals. The show boasts a near-perfect 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with its first season achieving a rare 100% rating from critics.
Theatrical Power and Streaming Dominance
What sets The Chosen apart is its unique hybrid release model. Select episodes from all five seasons have been presented in theaters, collectively grossing over $120 million at the global box office. Recently, Jenkins secured a landmark deal with Amazon MGM Studios. This partnership will see future seasons premiere in theaters before becoming available to stream exclusively on Prime Video, blending cinematic event viewing with at-home accessibility.
This success story arrives as other platforms see major hits from distinct genres. For instance, Netflix continues to deliver perfect weekend binges with sci-fi thrillers, while Prime Video also scores with projects like the final chapter of its flagship superhero satire.
The Road Ahead
With its place as arguably the most successful biblical series ever made secure, The Chosen is far from finished. The story is set to continue with a sixth season premiering in November of this year, followed by a seventh season planned for 2027. Its April 2026 streaming triumph is just the latest chapter in a remarkable story that began with fan support and has grown into a global television landmark.
The series' ability to dominate charts in a crowded streaming landscape—competing against everything from gritty dramas to big-budget fantasies—proves that compelling character-driven stories with deep resonance can find and build a massive audience. As the streaming wars intensify, The Chosen demonstrates the enduring power of faith, community, and groundbreaking distribution strategy.
