The newest season of the global sensation series “The Chosen” will be released exclusively in U.S. theaters next year, marking the first time a streaming series debuts at the box office before landing on its traditional platform.
Every episode of Season 4 will premiere in theaters, starting Feb. 1 with episodes 1-3. Two weeks later, on Feb. 15, fans can watch episodes 4-6, followed by the conclusion on Feb. 29 with episodes 7-8. “The Chosen” debuted the opening and finale of Season 3 in theaters, but this marks the first time it has premiered every episode of a season at the box office. A news release said, “After the full-season run in theaters concludes, “The Chosen” will announce the debut across streaming platforms, including “The Chosen” TV and mobile apps, broadcast and cable TV.”
The Bible-based series follows the story of Jesus and the disciples. It’s believed to be the first time a streaming series has enjoyed a nationwide debut for every seasonal episode in theaters. Fathom Events is distributing it. Kyle Young, vice president of global distribution, noted that The Chosen “broke a bunch of records” with past theatrical releases. There is, he said, a demand for the series in theaters.
In a virtual news conference, Young said, “It’s going to be very unique. It’s going to be a fun opportunity for our fans to engage in a new way. No one has released an entire TV series in theaters.” Dallas Jenkins, director and creator of The Chosen, said, “Every time we’ve dipped our toes in the theatrical waters,” fans and viewers “have overwhelmingly told us they want more.”
Jenkins said, “After seeing the Season 4 episodes, we knew we’d be doing our fans a disservice if we denied them the chance to see them all on a big screen with others they can laugh and cry with.” Meanwhile, this Christmas season will include another holiday-themed title in theaters. “Christmas with the Chosen: Holy Night” will be in theaters Dec. 12-17, intertwining previous episodes of “The Messengers” and “The Shepherd” into “one new remastered and re-scored story,” according to a news release.
The film will include a performance from Matteo and Andrea Bocelli, which is part of “seven music performances and two new monologues” in the movie.