‘The Chosen’ returns to Utah for season six

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Cameras are rolling once again in Utah for season six of “The Chosen” — one of the most-watched series in the world.

Though the show has been filming in the Beehive State since season two, creator and director Dallas Jenkins admits he once wasn’t sure the series would even make it past season one, which was entirely crowdfunded.

“It was great, but you never know if people are actually going to show up and like it and give you future seasons,” Jenkins said.

Today, “The Chosen” has been translated into more than 70 languages and viewed over 250 million times around the globe.

The faith-meets-film series documents Jesus’ journey to the cross through the eyes of those who knew Him best.

“My operating principle was: If you could see Jesus through the eyes of those who actually met him, you could be impacted in the same way they were,” Jenkins explained.

Jesus has been portrayed countless times on screen and stage, but Jenkins takes a different approach: depicting Him as He was — fully divine, but also deeply human.

“There’s this thing you see in a lot of religious circles where Jesus is portrayed as very pious, and I always wanted to remind others Jesus is not a statue,” he said.

That’s why “The Chosen” shows a Jesus who laughs with friends, dances at weddings, and even tells an occasional joke.

In one lighthearted scene, a disciple asks if Jesus can cure his brother’s two left dancing feet. Jesus smiles and replies: “Even some things I can’t do.”

“These are things that not only don’t detract from His divinity,” Jenkins said, “But they actually enhance it and make it more beautiful.”

Audiences across the globe seem to agree.

“The response is the same in every single country: ‘Thank you for portraying a Jesus who is human and real.’”

But people aren’t just watching, they’re showing up.

More than 600 extras recently traveled to Utah to be part of the show. Some came from nearby cities, like Debbie Eyre of Orem, who has appeared as an extra for three seasons. Others traveled from as far away as Alaska.

“It’s so neat to be a tiny part of it,” Eyre said. “I mean, the spirit here is so strong. Everyone loves Jesus. It’s not a religious thing, it’s a non-denominational group that comes together and loves Jesus.”

And that, Jenkins says, is the heart of it all.

“My hope is that when you watch this show, you know, and hopefully love, Jesus a little more, whether you’re a believer or not. There’s nothing more rewarding than when people tell you this show has changed their life.”

Season six will chronicle the final days of Jesus’ life, including the crucifixion, scenes Jenkins said will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.

While this season sets the stage for the end, season seven will close the chapter.

“When the seven seasons are done, I’m going to take a very, very long nap,” Jenkins laughs. “And when we come back up for air, we’ve got a three-season Moses series we want to do and also the Book of Acts.”

Until then, fans can catch up on past seasons on platforms like The Chosen TV app, the CW, and Amazon Prime.