By Christian Headlines | Created at 2025-03-27 17:04:47 | Updated at 2025-04-05 09:50:53
1 week ago
Now in its fifth season, The Chosen continues its rollout this year with The Chosen: Last Supper, featuring Jonathan Roumie once again as Jesus. It...
Five years after The Chosen skyrocketed in popularity at the height of the pandemic, the Bible-based series shows no signs of slowing down. Its billboards have lit up New York City’s Times Square. Cast members have appeared on major television programs. Its trailers have soared to No. 1 on YouTube. With over 200 million viewers worldwide and a goal of reaching 1 billion, the series has drawn top talent from major studios like MGM and Disney—executives who now work behind the scenes, united by a common mission to tell the story of Jesus in a compelling, binge-worthy format. Now in its fifth season, The Chosen continues its rollout this year with The Chosen: Last Supper, featuring Jonathan Roumie once again as Jesus. It is scheduled for seven seasons.
Here are four things every fan of the series should know about Season 5:
1. A Focus on Holy Week
Creator and director Dallas Jenkins previously revealed the broad outline for the final three seasons of The Chosen, with Season 5 covering the triumphal entry, Season 6 focusing on the crucifixion, and Season 7 culminating in the resurrection. Still, we’re left with questions. Which season will depict Judas’ infamous kiss? Will the crucifixion take place at the beginning, middle, or tail end of next season? Based on the trailer and the two episodes screened by Crosswalk, we can reveal this much: Season 5 includes the cleansing of the temple, the Last Supper, and Judas approaching the religious leaders to betray Christ. It also features Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Undoubtedly, the upper room gathering between Jesus and His disciples will stand out. It’s the moment immortalized in Leonardo da Vinci’s painting
2. The Last Supper
Jenkins hopes viewers of Season 5 will understand the Last Supper in a new light—one shaped by biblical and historical context. There are theological truths that we know the disciples might not have fully understood at the time, he said.
3. A Dramatic Change in Tone
Just as the tone in the Gospels changes from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry to the end, so does The Chosen. In Season 5, the calm, reflective conversations and moments of wonder coinciding with Jesus’ early ministry -- the Beatitudes, the miracles, the calls to follow are gone. In their place are scenes with more intensity, solemnity, and soberness. That doesn’t mean the hope is gone. It’s simply a deeper part of the story -- much like the contrast between the joy of Christmas, the sorrow of Good Friday, and the triumph of Easter.
You cheer as Jesus enters Jerusalem, tears welling up, even though you know how the story ends. You cheer again as He cleanses the temple, filled with righteous anger. You hold your breath as the disciples walk around uncertain, sensing that something is shifting but not yet understanding what lies ahead. Paras Patel, who portrays Matthew, described Season 5 as “chaotic.” Elizabeth Tabish, who plays Mary Magdalene, framed it as “uncertain.” “The things that we’ve been relying on, the things that feel very familiar, are no longer,” she said. Crosswalk.
4. Raw, Emotional Performances
Roumie’s work in Season 5 again proves why he’s among the finest actors of our time. The anger etched across his face during the temple cleansing. The weight of Jesus’ pending sacrifice is reflected in every crease as Roumie portrays a Man burdened by what’s to come. And the sorrow in his eyes as he captures Christ’s grief over the sin of the world. Season 5 is Roumie at his best. The supporting cast shines, too, with each disciple reflecting a mix of anxiety, confusion, and emotional turmoil. It feels raw and true to life.
5. A Unique Release Schedule
Season 5 is released in a three-part theatrical event across the U.S. and Canada. The rollout begins with Episodes 1 and 2 hitting theaters on March 28, followed by Episodes 3-5 on April 4 and Episodes 6–8 on April 11. Following its theatrical run, Season 5 will land on Prime Video as part of a 90-day exclusive window new to The Chosen universe. After that, it will transition to the official Chosen app, where all episodes can be viewed for free.
In February, Prime Video became the official third-party home of The Chosen. Jenkins said that the theme of Season 5 is trust. “Can you trust? Can you follow? Can you have faith, even when you don’t understand? Judas didn’t understand, so he rejected it, and he took it on himself. The religious leaders didn’t understand, so they eliminated it,” Jenkins told Crosswalk. “We still do that today. Can we find a way to still trust, follow, have faith, and put aside maybe our own expectations, even when we don’t fully understand?”
The Chosen: Last Supper is unrated.
Discussion questions for families:
- Why did the crowds enthusiastically welcome Jesus, only days later to scorn Him?
- Why did Jesus grow angry while walking through the temple?
- How were the disciples feeling during Holy Week?
- Which scenes in Season 5 were part of Scripture, and which scenes were not?
- What is your comfort level with biblical fidelity and creative license?
Entertainment rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Family-friendly rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Photo Credit: ©5&2Studios
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published March 27, 2025.
