BBC announces major new Jesus docuseries amid biblical entertainment boom

By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Entertainment Editor Wednesday, July 01, 2026

The BBC has announced the launch of a new four-part documentary series exploring the life of Jesus Christ, marking the latest entry in a growing wave of biblical programming spurred by the success of “The Chosen.”

The British broadcaster announced this week that it has commissioned a historical docuseries examining the life and legacy of Jesus, slated to premiere on its broadcast channels and streaming platform in 2027. 

“Drawing on the latest historical research, archaeological discoveries, technological innovation and expert testimony, this four-part series will expand and sharpen our understanding of one the most influential people in history,” the BBC said. 

Produced by Wonderhood Studios, the company behind "Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards," the series promises to deliver "visceral, intimate detail" through cinematic storytelling while exploring the political and cultural forces that shaped Jesus' ministry and influence.

According to the BBC, scholars and leading thinkers from Christianity, Judaism and Islam will contribute to the series.

"Jesus Christ is one of the most recognized and influential figures in human history — yet what we know about [H]im comes from remarkably few sources," Daisy Scalchi, the BBC's head of religion and ethics, said in a statement.

"This ambitious series will bring [H]is life into focus like never before. With new historical research and insights, there has never been a more compelling moment to re-look at the evidence and follow the path of Jesus' life to map how [H]e sparked a revolution that continues to impact our lives over 2000 years later."

"This series is testament to the BBC's commitment to religious programming that deepens our understanding of each other and the world around us," she said.

Annabel Hobley, whose credits include "World War II with Tom Hanks," will serve as showrunner, while Owen Gower, director of "The Essex Murders," will direct the series.

The announcement comes amid a broader resurgence of biblical storytelling across television and film. The phenomenon has largely been led by "The Chosen," the crowd-funded drama about the life of Jesus that has grown into a global franchise.

In recent years, studios and streaming platforms have increasingly invested in faith-based and biblical programming. Prime Video's "House of David" became a breakout success for the platform and was renewed for a second season, while earlier this year, Fox released “The Faithful: Women of the Bible,” a limited-run series that retold Genesis through the stories of five Old Testament women. Last year, Netflix released several biblical-themed projects, including "Ruth & Boaz."

Last year also saw the release of "Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas," an ABC special examining the story of Mary and Joseph. Meanwhile, several high-profile biblical productions are on the horizon, including the Kooman brothers’ biblical epic “Daniel And The Fiery Furnace” and Mel Gibson's long-awaited sequel, "The Resurrection of the Christ," which is expected to arrive in theaters in 2027.

Dallas Jenkins, creator of “The Chosen,” previously told The Christian Post that biblical series and shows have increasingly gained mainstream audiences in recent years, hopefully pointing viewers to the hope of the Gospel. 

“Early on, our primary audience was believers because that's who was more attracted to a Jesus show,” he said. “But as the buzz has been building, we're hearing all the time from atheists, agnostics, people in the industry — even the friends and family of our casting crews, many of whom are not believers themselves, who just loved the show as a regular show.”

“Hopefully,” he added, “it's making them think more about who Jesus was and wanting to look more into it. … “The good news is, people who watch the show aren't saying, ‘I've seen the show, I don't need to read the Bible.’ They’re saying, ‘I want to read the Bible more than ever before.’ That gives us leeway to explore backstories and to put ourselves in these stories and connect ourselves to the people of first-century Galilee, which will ultimately connect us to Jesus.”