If you’ve heard people raving about a free, crowdfunded series on the life of Jesus and wondered whether it’s worth the hype, you’re not alone. The Chosen season 1 flipped the script on faith-based television by making all eight episodes available at no cost through its own app.
Episodes in season 1: 8 ·
Release year: 2017 ·
Creator: Dallas Jenkins ·
Main platform: The Chosen app ·
Viewership (est.): Over 100 million
Quick snapshot
- All episodes are free on The Chosen app with no subscription or account required (The Chosen official site)
- 8 episodes in season 1 (Google Play listing)
- Exact total viewership figures
- Future Netflix availability in specific regions
- 2017: Episode 1 released (YouTube upload)
- 2018: Full season released via The Chosen app (Google Play listing)
- 2019: Season 1 appeared on third-party platforms (The Chosen official site)
- Season 2, 3, 4, and 5 are also available on the same platforms
- Seven-season arc planned by creator Dallas Jenkins
The key specifications for The Chosen season 1, sourced from official channels, are as follows.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Creator | Dallas Jenkins |
| Release date | 2017 (episode 1) |
| Total episodes | 8 |
| Funding model | Crowdfunded via pay-it-forward |
| Viewing language | Multiple languages including English and Spanish |
| Distribution model | Free ad-supported on official app, paid on third-party platforms |
| Available devices | Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android (Google Play listing) |
| Episode 1 title | “I Have Called You By Name” (YouTube upload) |
| Content rating | TV-PG (some mature themes) |
Where can I see The Chosen season 1?
You can watch every episode of The Chosen season 1 for free on the official app, but there are also several paid and third‑party options if you prefer a different platform. The table below breaks down the key choices.
Official streaming platforms for season 1
- The Chosen app (free, no ads): Available on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, iOS, and Android. No subscription or account needed. (The Chosen official site)
- Angel Studios app: Another free option that hosts the same episodes. (YouTube description)
- BYUtv (free): All five seasons are streamable on BYUtv’s website and app. (BYUtv)
- YouVersion Bible.com (free): The YouVersion Bible app includes a Season 1 video collection. (YouVersion Bible.com)
- YouTube (free with ads or rental): Official uploads of episodes 1&2 and 3&4 are available; the remaining episodes may be rented. (The Chosen YouTube channel)
How can I watch The Chosen season 1 for free?
The Chosen app is the primary free platform. According to the Google Play listing, streaming is ad‑free with zero interruptions. No login is required, making it the easiest way to binge all eight episodes.
Viewers who want to avoid subscription fees can watch the entire season on their smart TV or mobile device without ever entering a credit card. The pay‑it‑forward crowdfunding model keeps the show accessible.
The implication: The Chosen app removes every barrier to entry, which is exactly what its creators intended. For budget‑conscious families, this is the single best option.
Is The Chosen on Netflix or Amazon Prime?
Season 1 is not currently available on Netflix in most regions, but it is on Amazon Prime Video. Here is how the platforms compare.
Netflix availability of The Chosen season 1
As of 2025, Netflix does not carry The Chosen in any major market. The show’s distribution model—free on its own app—makes a Netflix licensing deal unlikely. (The Chosen official site confirms all seasons are free on their app; Netflix is not listed.)
Amazon Prime Video offerings for The Chosen
Amazon Prime Video offers Season 1 as a purchase or rental, and in some regions it is included with ads if you subscribe to a specific “channel” like Angel Studios. According to the official YouTube bio, the series is streaming on Prime Video and always free on The Chosen app.
If you already pay for Amazon Prime, renting or buying the season still costs extra. The free app is cheaper, but you lose the convenience of staying inside one streaming ecosystem.
The trade‑off: Amazon Prime gives you the option to download episodes for offline viewing, a feature the free app does not offer.
Why do some Christians not like The Chosen?
Despite its massive popularity, the show has drawn criticism from some conservative Christian viewers and Catholic commentators. The concerns center on theological accuracy and artistic liberties.
Theological concerns among some Protestant viewers
Some critics argue that the show adds extra‑biblical scenes, such as invented dialogue or character backstories, that could confuse viewers about what the Bible actually says. For example, the portrayal of Mary Magdalene in Season 1 has been questioned. (The Chosen official site describes the series as a historical drama, not a documentary.)
Artistic liberties and biblical interpretation
Creator Dallas Jenkins has stated that the show is “not the Bible” but a dramatic retelling meant to inspire. Some Catholic viewers object to the depiction of Mary, the mother of Jesus, although Jenkins insists he consulted multiple theological advisors. The show’s crowdfunding model also means it is not accountable to any one denomination.
Viewers should treat The Chosen as a faith‑based drama, not a catechism. If you’re using it as a conversation starter with your family, be ready to discuss where the show departs from scripture.
Why this matters: The debate highlights a broader tension in faith‑based media—how to balance entertainment with doctrinal precision. For many families, the show is a useful tool; for others, it’s a stumbling block.
Which actor quit The Chosen?
No confirmed actor departure occurred during season 1 production. Some cast changes happened in later seasons, but the original ensemble remained intact through the first eight episodes.
Actor departures during season 1 production
According to the show’s official communications, the main cast—including Jonathan Roumie as Jesus, Elizabeth Tabish as Mary Magdalene, and Shahar Isaac as Simon Peter—appeared in all season 1 episodes. Any rumors of a quit during season 1 are unsubstantiated.
How many episodes are in The Chosen season 1?
Season 1 consists of 8 episodes, with the first one premiering in 2017 and the full season released in 2018 via the official app.
Full episode list for season 1
- Episode 1: “I Have Called You By Name” – Introduction of Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter. (YouTube)
- Episode 2: “Jesus Loves the Little Children” – Continuation of Simon’s story and the calling of Matthew. (YouTube)
- Episodes 3–8 follow the same narrative arc, released as pairs on YouTube and individually in the app.
The pattern: Each episode runs about 30–50 minutes, and the entire season can be watched in roughly 5 hours. For new viewers, starting with the app is the most streamlined path.
Free vs Paid: Platform Comparison
Eight viewing methods, one clear pattern: the free app offers the fullest experience with no financial commitment, while paid platforms add offline downloads and integration with existing accounts.
| Feature | The Chosen app (free) | Amazon Prime Video | BYUtv (free) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (no subscription) | Rent $1.99/ep or buy $9.99/season | Free with account |
| Ads | None | No ads (purchased content) | Limited ads |
| Offline download | Not available | Yes | Not available |
| Device availability | Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, iOS, Android (The Chosen official site) | All Amazon devices, smart TVs, consoles | BYUtv app on most streaming devices (BYUtv) |
| Region availability | Worldwide | Limited to select countries | USA only |
| Account required | No | Yes (Amazon account) | Yes (free registration) |
The implication: For international viewers or those who want zero barriers, the app is the only option. Amazon Prime is best for users who already have an account and want offline access.
Timeline: The Chosen season 1
- 2017: Episode 1 released on YouTube and the official app.
- 2018: Full season 1 made available in the app. Crowdfunding continues for season 2.
- 2019: Season 1 appears on Amazon Prime Video and BYUtv.
- 2020–2024: Subsequent seasons released; all remain free in the app.
What we know vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
What’s unclear
- Exact total viewership numbers (the “over 100 million” claim is estimated)
- Whether any international licensing deals will change free access in the future
- Precise breakdown of how crowd funding is allocated per season
What people are saying
“We wanted to make sure that anyone, anywhere, could watch the life of Jesus without a paywall. That was the core mission from day one.”
Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen (as stated in multiple interviews)
“The show is beautifully produced, but it’s not a substitute for reading the Gospels. It’s a drama that takes liberties.”
– Comment from a viewer on The Chosen YouTube channel
“I’ve watched Season 1 three times with my kids. It opened up conversations we never had before.”
– Rotten Tomatoes audience review (Rotten Tomatoes)
So, should you watch The Chosen season 1?
For anyone curious about a fresh retelling of the Gospels, the answer is easy: it’s free, it’s well‑made, and it has sparked genuine faith conversations across denominations. The theological criticisms are real, but they don’t negate the show’s reach. For a family looking for a shared viewing experience without spending a dime, the choice is clear: download the app, press play, and decide for yourselves.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start watching The Chosen season 1?
Download the official The Chosen app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. No account needed—just open and play.
Is The Chosen season 1 available on Disney+?
No, it is not on Disney+. The only free major platform that carries it is the official app.
How long is each episode of The Chosen season 1?
Episodes range from 30 to 50 minutes. The entire season runs about 5 hours.
Can I download The Chosen season 1 episodes?
Yes, if you purchase the season on Amazon Prime Video or YouTube. The free app does not offer offline downloads.
Does The Chosen season 1 contain any mature content?
It has a TV‑PG rating. Some scenes depict demon possession, violence, and adult themes, but it is generally considered family‑friendly.
Is The Chosen season 1 biblically accurate?
It is a dramatized interpretation. Creator Dallas Jenkins has said it is “not the Bible” and uses artistic license for storytelling.
Who stars in The Chosen season 1?
Jonathan Roumie plays Jesus, Elizabeth Tabish plays Mary Magdalene, and Shahar Isaac plays Simon Peter. The ensemble cast also features Erick Avari and Paras Patel.









