The show offers something rare: a space to think, feel, and remember why this story still matters.
The Chosen is a drama series about the life of Jesus, told from the view of the people around him: his friends, followers, and even those who doubted him. The story begins before Jesus becomes well-known and follows him as he teaches, heals, and challenges both religious leaders and the Roman government.
Unlike most Bible shows, The Chosen was made without a big network. It was funded by viewers through donations and has grown into a global hit, with millions of people watching it in different languages. Each season builds on the last, slowly leading to the most well-known parts of the story: Jesus’ death and resurrection.
And now, The Chosen returns with Season 5, and the timing is no accident. Set to premiere in Philippine cinemas a week before Holy Week, this season captures the final days of Jesus’ ministry. For longtime viewers, the tone has clearly shifted. The joy of earlier seasons is still there, but now it’s mixed with tension. Something is coming and everyone can feel it.
The season opens with Jesus entering Jerusalem to loud cheers. The crowd is full of hope. But his followers look uneasy. The show doesn’t spell it out, but the shift is clear. Celebration sits next to fear. That balance defines much of what follows.
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Season 5 covers the Last Supper, the cleansing of the temple, and Judas’ slow betrayal.
You know what’s coming, but the show still makes you feel surprised. It slows things down. Every conversation matters. Every look carries weight. The series finds new ways to frame them.
Jonathan Roumie returns as Jesus. His performance is steady and understated. The supporting cast also deepens the world. Shahar Isaac brings edge and fire to Peter. Elizabeth Tabish grounds the story as Mary Magdalene. And Judas, played by Luke Dimyan, begins to unravel.
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You don’t need to be a weekly churchgoer to feel the weight of this story. This season invites anyone—believer or not—to sit with the questions: What happens when hope meets resistance? When movements are threatened? When the people we trust start to shift?
Watching this during Holy Week adds something else. The show mirrors what many people feel during this season: reflection, grief, hope. It’s not about checking a box. It’s about sitting with a story that still asks hard questions. The Chosen doesn’t preach. It doesn’t rush to the resurrection. Instead, it lingers in the moments and makes space for the ache.
The first few episodes are available in theaters as part of a three-part release and it’s worth seeing on the big screen. The show offers something rare: a space to think, feel, and remember why this story still matters.
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The Chosen Season 5 premiers in PH cinemas on April 10, 2025
