Bible-Based Shows Take Over Amazon’s Top 10
Two biblical dramas, House of David and The Chosen, have surged in popularity, landing in the top 10 series on Amazon Prime in the U.S. These shows have managed to outperform mainstream hits like the Emmy-nominated Fallout and The Summer I Turned Pretty. House of David, produced by Wonder Project, ranks second on the list, and its season finale has recently aired. The series, which dramatizes the story of Saul and David from the biblical book of 1 Samuel, was renewed for a second season. The creators, Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, known for their work on Jesus Revolution, expressed immense gratitude for the success of the show, attributing it to divine intervention.
The Chosen, another faith-based series, sits at number seven on the top 10 list. This series, which portrays the life of Jesus and his disciples, signed a streaming deal with Amazon Prime in February. The show’s latest season, The Chosen: Last Supper, is also performing well in theaters, with part one grossing $18.6 million. The series highlights the contrasting events of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and his betrayal by Judas.
The large-scale production of House of David was made possible in part through Amazon’s support, allowing the creators to retain creative control while accessing the necessary resources. Erwin described this partnership as a “miracle,” noting that the success of projects like The Chosen and Jesus Revolution helped pave the way for such a collaboration. This collaboration is seen as an unprecedented opportunity to present a biblical story on a major streaming platform.
Pastor Greg Laurie, who served as a consultant on House of David, views the success of both shows as an important evangelistic opportunity, fostering biblical literacy and cultural renewal. Laurie emphasized that these projects are introducing Bible stories to millions, with the potential to inspire viewers to seek a deeper understanding of scripture. He also acknowledged the artistic liberties taken by filmmakers, noting that while biblical stories may be adapted for cinematic purposes, they should still provoke curiosity and appreciation for the Bible’s timeless message.