The CW has added another acquired series to its schedule.
The network, which has been under the control of channel group Nexstar since October, has acquired American broadcasting rights The chosen one. The life-of-Jesus drama series launches on the network on Sunday, July 16 at 8 p.m.
The CW’s deal for The chosen onea 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 for season four.
“The chosen one is based on the greatest intellectual property of all time and is truly a one-of-a-kind series that tells this historically significant story in a compelling, dramatic, and premium manner,” said The CW president of entertainment Brad Schwartz in a statement announcing the deal Friday. “This show already has a deep connection with viewers around the world, and The CW will continue to expand its audience.”
The chosen one began as a crowdfunded series, with Lionsgate acquiring the worldwide rights to the series in May as part of a sub-licensing deal with producers Angel Studios. The first three seasons of the series have already been released through the Angel Studios app, with an estimated 110 million viewers in 175 countries around the world. Angel Studios plans to make the show available in 600 languages. A special theatrical release grossed $35 million at the box office, and the show’s popularity resulted in best-selling books, DVDs, and an upcoming graphic novel.
“As part of our global representation of this coveted property, we are thrilled that The CW is once again becoming a great partner for The chosen onesaid Jim Packer, president of worldwide television distribution at Lionsgate. “This groundbreaking series already has a huge global following, and the CW platform provides the perfect opportunity for the show to reach existing fans and inspire new ones.”
The chosen one, described as the first multi-season series to follow the life of Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) as told by his followers, is the latest series to be acquired by The CW under Nexstar. The channel group, which acquired a 75 percent controlling stake in The CW last year, plans to expand the network’s viewership beyond its current 18-34 demographic as part of a larger bid to make the broadcaster best known. make for the Arrow-fresh profitable for the first time.
The CW was launched as a joint venture between CBS Studios and Warner Bros. Television (hence the name). The network brought in billions of dollars in profits for both studios who launched the network to capitalize on lucrative foreign sales and streaming deals. When both revenue streams dried up with the launch of in-house streamers at both companies, The CW was sold to Nexstar.
Under Nexstar, former CW CEO Mark Pedowitz and his executive regime were ousted and replaced by Schwartz. The network has canceled nearly all of its expensive homegrown live-action original scripted series — except for All American And hiker, with three other shows still in the bubble—in favor of lower-cost programming as part of the push to expand the network’s demo beyond younger viewers. As part of that plan, Nexstar has also pushed The CW into the sport with deals for LIV Golf and this week Within the NFL.
“The CW has always been bold and unique, which is perfect for us,” says Jenkins, who also wrote, directed and produced the show. Plus, Brad Schwartz made it clear a while back that he loves and respects The chosen oneso we know it will be in good hands.”
