THE CHOSEN: Season 1: I Have Called You By Name
Delightful New Gospel Adaption
Should You Watch It?
This first episode of The Chosen offers a thoughtful, artful introduction to the world surrounding Jesus’ life. The dialogue and performances are strong, and the episode uses scriptural details and verbatim Scripture with particular power in Mary Magdalene’s storyline.
The episode also presents difficult material. Violence and disturbing portrayals of demons may trouble younger children, so parents should consider their children’s sensitivity before watching together. But the episode’s strong Christian worldview, familiar Gospel characters, and clear anticipation of the Messiah give families much to discuss.
If your family enjoys religious drama and can handle the darker scenes, this episode is worth watching.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESThe opening episode introduces fishermen Simon and Andrew, Matthew the tax collector, religious authorities, Roman centurions, and Mary Magdalene. Each character faces a different struggle as tensions between Jews and Romans rise.
Simon and Andrew fear losing their boat. Matthew wrestles with his work. Mary suffers from severe demon possession, while religious leaders fail to help her. Across these stories, people wait for the coming Messiah.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars means this episode is highly recommended for its intended audience. The Chosen brings the stories surrounding Jesus’ life to the screen with artful care, giving viewers an engaging way to rediscover familiar characters.
The dialogue and performances are strong. The episode also makes brilliant use of scriptural details and verbatim Scripture, especially in Mary Magdalene’s storyline. It is a carefully made opening with a clear Christian purpose.
The Worldview
The episode presents a strong Christian and biblical worldview. It includes positive references to prayer, faith, and the approaching messianic salvation. At the same time, many characters fundamentally misunderstand the coming Messiah, creating tension between religious expectation and spiritual reality.
The episode treats the Gospel setting seriously while bringing its familiar characters to life through drama. Its central hope is that salvation is approaching, even as people struggle to recognize what that salvation will mean.
That longing points toward Christ’s mission: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
<strong>
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
</strong> Very strong Christian, biblical worldview with numerous positive references to prayer, faith and the idea that messianic salvation is approaching, though many characters fundamentally misunderstand the coming Messiah; <strong>
Foul Language
</strong> Two light profanities, plus occasional toilet humor; <strong>
Violence
</strong> Some gore, obvious weapons, numerous threats, a graphic fist fight; <strong>
Sex
</strong> Implied prostitution, a married couple kisses passionately, implied rape; <strong>
Nudity
</strong> No nudity; <strong>
Alcohol Use
</strong> Wine served with dinner, some portrayals of drunkenness; <strong>
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
</strong> No smoking or drugs; and, <strong>
Miscellaneous Immorality
</strong> Gambling, racism, abuse of power, cheating.
Talk About It
Three questions for the couch, the commute, or the couple bingeing it together.
Why do people misunderstand the kind of Messiah God is sending? What expectations can keep us from recognizing God’s work?
Isaiah 55:8–9 · Luke 24:25–27Mary Magdalene’s suffering raises questions about prayer and deliverance. How can we pray for people who are hurting while trusting God’s care?
Psalm 34:17–18 · James 5:13–16Simon, Andrew, and Matthew each face difficult choices. What does faithful obedience look like when following God threatens our security or reputation?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · Matthew 4:18–22The Final Word
The Chosen begins with strong performances, careful use of Scripture, and a clear Christian worldview. Younger children may be disturbed by its violence and portrayals of demons, but families who can handle those scenes will find a thoughtful Gospel drama. WORTH WATCHING.
