The Chosen: Behind the Scenes of Season Six and the Human Side of Jesus

Few television series have captured the global imagination like The Chosen.

Recognized as one of the most watched shows in the world, it has transcended conventional religious storytelling by offering a fresh and human perspective on Jesus Christ.

With over 250 million viewers and translations in more than seventy languages, the series portrays the life of Jesus through the eyes of those closest to him, giving audiences a deeply personal and immersive experience.

Season six, currently in production, promises to be the most intense and emotionally demanding yet, focusing on the final days of Jesus’s life, including the crucifixion.

Filming for the latest season took the cast and crew far from their usual set in Utah.

They traveled to Italy, to a hill steeped in cinematic and spiritual history, previously used for Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

This location was selected not merely for its resemblance to ancient Jerusalem, but for its historical and spiritual resonance.

From the moment they arrived, the mood on set was noticeably different.

Laughter and casual conversation gave way to silence and solemnity.

The cast and crew were acutely aware that they were about to portray a moment of profound emotional and spiritual significance, and the atmosphere reflected that awareness.

It was as if the site itself had absorbed the weight of centuries of prayer and reflection, demanding the same reverence from those who worked there.

For Jonathan Roumie, the actor portraying Jesus, season six has been both physically and emotionally demanding.

The scenes depicting the crucifixion required an intensity that went beyond typical performance.

As filming progressed, those on set reported an almost tangible tension.

Crew members, extras, and actors alike found themselves moved to tears, not only by the historical weight of the story but also by the authenticity with which it was portrayed.

Roumie himself remained deeply in character throughout, embodying not just the actions of Jesus, but his humanity.

His presence was a reminder that the series aims to depict Jesus not as a distant figure in art or scripture, but as a living, breathing person with emotions, relationships, and vulnerability.

Director Dallas Jenkins, who conceived The Chosen and has shepherded it from its modest beginnings to international acclaim, played a unique and central role in the production of this season.

Jenkins’s involvement extended far beyond standard directorial responsibilities.

On set, he did not merely instruct or correct; he participated in the emotional experience of the cast.

Witnessing the crucifixion scene unfold, he allowed himself to feel the full weight of the story alongside the actors.

At times, he wept openly, offered comfort, and prayed with the cast, emphasizing that the filming was as much an act of devotion as it was a production process.

For Jenkins, the series is a means of sharing his faith, inviting viewers to encounter the humanity and divinity of Jesus in ways that transcend traditional portrayals.

The filming of the crucifixion, in particular, revealed the extraordinary dedication of everyone involved.

Scenes were shot with meticulous attention to emotional truth, and the actors responded with performances that conveyed the profound sorrow and sacrifice of the moment.

Extras who portrayed disciples, Roman soldiers, and women witnessing the events found themselves genuinely affected.

Many described experiencing what felt like a collective communion, where the emotions of the story were so vivid and raw that they could not be confined to acting alone.

One memorable moment occurred after a long take depicting the Last Supper.

Rather than moving to trailers or set areas, the cast and crew shared a quiet meal in character, sitting on the ground, passing bread and water.

There were no cameras, no scripted lines, only the unspoken acknowledgment of what they had just portrayed—a simple act of shared reflection and sacred connection.

Throughout the season, Jenkins has emphasized the importance of presenting a Jesus who is relatable and human while maintaining his divine essence.

The series balances depictions of joy, humor, and friendship with moments of profound suffering, creating a multifaceted portrayal of Christ.

Scenes such as Jesus attending a wedding or interacting playfully with his disciples demonstrate his warmth and accessibility, while the crucifixion sequence confronts viewers with the full weight of his sacrifice.

This approach has resonated deeply with audiences, many of whom express gratitude for a portrayal that emphasizes the emotional reality of Jesus rather than a purely idealized figure.

The commitment to authenticity extended beyond performance to every aspect of production.

Locations were carefully chosen for historical and emotional resonance, sets were designed to reflect both realism and reverence, and actors underwent extensive preparation to inhabit their roles fully.

Roumie’s portrayal required physical endurance as well as emotional depth, and his dedication set the tone for the entire cast.

Even supporting actors, who might otherwise remain in the background, reported feeling the intensity of the scenes in a way that transcended traditional acting.

Some found themselves emotionally overwhelmed, confessing that they felt compelled to apologize or seek forgiveness, caught in the powerful reality of what they were enacting.

Fans of The Chosen have responded not only to the skillful production but to the palpable authenticity of the series.

Social media and personal accounts abound with testimonies from viewers who have been moved by the show, expressing that it has deepened their understanding of Jesus and reignited a sense of spiritual connection.

Many emphasize that the appeal lies not in theatrical spectacle, but in the humanizing lens through which the story is told.

By presenting Jesus as fully human yet fully divine, the series bridges the gap between historical figure and relatable presence, making the narrative resonate across cultures and generations.

As season six moves toward its release, set to include a full-length depiction of the crucifixion in theaters, anticipation is intense.

Jenkins has underscored that the goal is not merely to entertain but to create an experience that touches hearts, encouraging reflection on the meaning of sacrifice, love, and devotion.

Early clips, even when limited or partially revealed, have already elicited profound emotional responses from viewers, demonstrating the power of storytelling grounded in authenticity and spiritual commitment.

The series challenges audiences to engage deeply, not with sensationalism, but with empathy and contemplation.

The production has also highlighted the importance of leadership and emotional stewardship in high-stakes creative projects.

Jenkins’s approach demonstrates that a director’s role extends beyond technical direction; it encompasses guiding the emotional tone, supporting the cast and crew, and fostering an environment where vulnerability can be expressed safely.

The presence of his wife, Amanda, during particularly challenging days of filming, further exemplifies the collaborative and human dimension of the production, underscoring the emotional toll of embodying such profound narratives.

The crucifixion scene serves as a microcosm of the series’ larger mission: to present biblical stories in ways that honor both their spiritual and human dimensions.

By focusing on the lived experiences of those who surrounded Jesus, the show illuminates the personal stakes, emotional complexity, and relational dynamics often absent from traditional depictions.

It emphasizes that history, faith, and humanity are inseparably intertwined, inviting viewers to consider not only the events themselves but their impact on those who experienced them firsthand.

In addition to its artistic achievements, The Chosen contributes to broader conversations about faith in contemporary media.

The series demonstrates that religious storytelling can thrive outside conventional boundaries, reaching audiences worldwide without compromising emotional depth or spiritual authenticity.

By centering human experience alongside divine narrative, it invites a reconsideration of how faith-based stories can be told—grounded in empathy, human connection, and reverence.

As the production of season six continues, and preparations for the final season, including narratives such as the book of Acts and the story of Moses, are underway, the series maintains its commitment to careful, meaningful storytelling.

Every decision, from casting to location selection, reflects an overarching vision: to portray the story of Jesus in a way that is honest, relatable, and transformative.

The emotional investment of the cast and crew, coupled with the meticulous guidance of Jenkins, ensures that the series remains not only a dramatic retelling but a spiritual experience for both participants and viewers.

Ultimately, the impact of The Chosen lies not only in the narrative of Jesus’s life but in the profound engagement it fosters among those who encounter it.

The series illustrates that storytelling, when rooted in authenticity and devotion, has the power to move, transform, and inspire.

It emphasizes that faith can be explored in media without sacrificing nuance or depth, and that human emotion, when genuinely expressed, enhances rather than diminishes spiritual truth.

By capturing the humanity and divinity of Jesus simultaneously, the series offers a model for how contemporary media can honor sacred stories while connecting meaningfully with a global audience.

Season six, with its depiction of the crucifixion and the final days of Jesus’s life, represents the pinnacle of this artistic and spiritual endeavor.

It is a season defined by emotional honesty, reverence, and the collective dedication of every individual involved in bringing the story to life.

As viewers anticipate its release in theaters, the series continues to demonstrate the enduring power of faith-driven storytelling.

The Chosen is not only a show about Jesus; it is a testament to the ways in which human creativity, devotion, and empathy can intersect to create something both beautiful and transformative.

In the end, The Chosen transcends conventional definitions of television or film.

It is an artistic and spiritual undertaking that prioritizes emotional authenticity and human connection, inviting audiences worldwide to engage with the story of Jesus in a profoundly personal way.

From the set in Italy to the Utah locations and beyond, the series has created a space where historical truth, human vulnerability, and spiritual reflection coexist.

The dedication of Jonathan Roumie, Dallas Jenkins, and the cast and crew ensures that viewers are not merely observers but participants in a story that continues to touch hearts across the globe.