The CW has added another acquired series to its programming roster.
The network, under the control of station group Nexstar since October, has landed U.S. broadcast rights to The Chosen. The drama series about the life of Jesus will launch Sunday, July 16, at 8 p.m. on the network, which will air the first three seasons through the fall before wrapping with the finale on Christmas Eve.
The CW’s deal for The Chosen, a crowdfunded drama from creator Dallas Jenkins (The Resurrection of Gavin Stone), covers the first three seasons of the series. Jenkins has a seven-season plan for the show and is currently in production on season four.
“The Chosen is based on the biggest IP of all time and is truly a one-of-a-kind series that tells this historically significant story in a captivating, dramatic and premium way,” said The CW president of entertainment Brad Schwartz in a statement announcing the deal Friday. “This show has already connected deeply with viewers around the world, and The CW will expand its audience even further.”
The Chosen started as a crowdfunded series, with Lionsgate securing worldwide rights to the series as part of a sub-licensing deal with producers in May. The first three seasons of the series have already been released via the Angel Studios app, with an estimated 110 million viewers across 175 countries around the world. The producers plan to make the show available in 600 languages. A special theatrical release grossed $35 million at the box office, with the show’s popularity resulting in best-selling books, DVDs and an upcoming graphic novel.
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