‘The Chosen’ stars reveal why secular fans are drawn to the faith-based show

CHARLOTTE…The stars of “The Chosen” gathered with thousands of fans in Charlotte last week for the third annual ChosenCon, celebrating the series that defies industry expectations.

The program, which was first launched as a record-breaking project with crowdfunding in 2019, exceeded 250 million viewers and reached the appreciation of both religious and secular audiences.

Although the majority of viewers identify as Christians, the show’s creators shared a surprising statistic: roughly 30% of viewers They were not Christians or were just curious about the faith.

At ChosenCon, players and fans shared with Fox News Digital aspects of a 2,000-year-old story that resonate with modern secular audiences.

Cast members attribute the show’s broad appeal to its focus on “real” humanity. Amber Shana Williams, who plays Tamar, a follower of Jesus, talked about how the characters navigate universal struggles.

“This show shows that 2,000-plus years ago, people were doing the same things we are doing now, which is trying to connect with each other, finding love, and trying to reach tomorrow,” Williams said. said Williams. “They pay their taxes. They try to get along with their spouses.”

He noted that faith-based projects often fail to connect because they focus too much on “saintliness,” whereas “The Chosen” depicts people the audience can actually recognize as their own family.

Jordan Walker Ross, who plays “Little James,” echoed this sentiment, noting that the show serves as a “bridge” rather than an “exclusive club.”

The cast and crew of “The Chosen” spoke with Fox News Digital at ChosenCon about the show’s impact and appeal to diverse audiences. (Fox News Digital)

DISNEY STAR DAVID HENRIE SAYS HOLLYWOOD IS GOING THROUGH A ‘NEW RENAISSANCE’ WITH FAITH-FRIENDLY CONTENT

“We’re tapping into the humanity of these characters… it’s not like we’re preaching to anyone,” Ross said. “The characters we portray are flawed, complex individuals who continue to fail, continue to fall, continue to experience doubt and insecurity, just like the rest of us. And I think that’s universal.”

Series creator Dallas Jenkins stated that the production itself was a melting pot, with about half of the cast and crew describing themselves as non-believers. He believes that portraying Jesus as a man who “invites everyone to the table” attracts people who feel different or feel like they don’t belong.

“I think it brought people closer to understanding who God is,” he said.

Austin Reed Alleman, Joey Vahedi, George H. (Derek White/Getty Images for ChosenCon)

ZACHARY LEVI SAYS HOLLYWOOD ‘DOESN’T REALLY CARE’ ABOUT FAITH-BASED MOVIES UNTIL THEY MAKE MONEY

Giavani Cairo, who plays Thaddeus in the series, admitted that he had difficulty connecting with the historical figures depicted in the series before taking on this role.

“In season one, at the wedding in Cana, you can see Jesus dancing and making jokes with his friends,” Cairo said. “These characters represent the strengths and weaknesses that we all have… I think it really highlights the point where people say, ‘I feel seen,’ when they watch these characters.”

George Harrison Xanthis, who plays the Apostle John, said many non-religious people may be put off by the idea of ​​watching a “religious show”, but the show has managed to attract interest from other faiths and secular viewers due to its high production value, engaging story and relatable characters.

Maddie, a fan, admitted that she didn’t fit the stereotypical audience for a faith-based show, but said “The Chosen” changed her ideas about religion.

The cast of “The Chosen” explained the series’ appeal to secular audiences. (Courtesy of 5&2 Studios)

FOX NEWS AUDIO SIGNED LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH A-LIST ACTING FOR ‘THE LIFE OF JESUS ​​PODCAST’

“As one of those people who is not conservative or religious, I would say my perspective on God and religion has definitely softened,” he told Fox News Digital. “Because at first I thought you were a little grumpy, but now I think maybe you have an idea.”

Other fans, such as Kristiana and Melissa, noted that the show “knocked Jesus out of the stained glass windows” and caused non-Christian people to wonder about him.

“And I think it brings a lot of people back to the Bible and kind of having this revival moment,” Melissa said.

Another fan, Joey, believes that the show’s appeal to atheists and agnostics shows that a spiritual transformation is taking place.

“They’re brought to this point for a reason. They search. And when they search, they see something like this, and it’s incredible,” he said.

“The Chosen” fans spoke to Fox News Digital at ChosenCon 2026. (Fox News Digital)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE NEWS ON MEDIA AND CULTURE

“And there had to be some kind of transformation in their hearts, too. Because if not, I mean, why would you keep watching?” he added.

The sixth season of “The Chosen,” which will be about the crucifixion, is expected to air in the fall.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

Related Article