The Chosen – Season 0 represents the foundational media created by Dallas Jenkins prior to the launch of the multi-season historical drama. This collection is primarily anchored by the short film The Shepherd, which was released on December 1, 2017. The project was initially produced for a Christmas Eve service at Harvest Bible Chapel but transitioned into a global proof-of-concept for independent film funding.
The narrative centers on a disabled shepherd named Simon, played by Aaron Himelstein, as he navigates the social and religious hierarchies of first-century Bethlehem. Unlike traditional portrayals of the Nativity, this episode focuses on the gritty, mundane struggles of the marginalized. It serves as a stylistic blueprint for the series, emphasizing human vulnerability over polished hagiography.
Why You Should Watch The Chosen – Season 0
Viewing The Chosen – Season 0 is essential for understanding the creative DNA of the The Chosen franchise. It demonstrates how a small-scale production can utilize high-quality cinematography and character-driven writing to reframe historical events. The episode successfully establishes the grounded tone that would eventually define the series’ approach to biblical figures.
- The Shepherd introduces the series’ signature use of modern dialogue within a period setting.
- It highlights the technical proficiency of Dallas Jenkins in managing a limited budget to create a cinematic atmosphere.
- The story provides a self-contained emotional arc that focuses on redemption and inclusion for the disabled.
- It serves as the historical catalyst for the largest crowdfunded media project in history.
The Chosen – Season 0 Plot Summary
The story begins with Simon, a shepherd who is physically unable to keep pace with his brothers. His disability makes him an outcast among his peers and a religious outsider, as he is unable to perform the physical rituals required by the local priesthood. He is tasked with bringing a lamb to Bethlehem, only to be rejected by the religious authorities because the animal has a blemish.
As Simon wanders the outskirts of the city, he encounters Mary and Joseph in a stable. The narrative builds tension through the contrast between Simon’s personal failure and the grand scale of the angelic announcement. The episode concludes with the shepherd witnessing the birth of Jesus, signifying a shift in his social and spiritual status from an outcast to a primary witness of a historical event.
The Chosen – Season 0 Cast, Characters, and Arc
The character of Simon the shepherd provides the emotional core of this season. His arc is defined by physical limitation and the search for validation. Aaron Himelstein delivers a performance that emphasizes the frustration of a man who is excluded from the very community he serves. His journey from the hills of Judea to the manger in Bethlehem represents the thematic focus of the entire franchise: the calling of the low and the broken.
Supporting Figures
The supporting cast includes Elizabeth Tabish as Mary and Raj Bond as Joseph. While their roles in The Shepherd are brief, they establish the quiet, humanistic portrayal of the Holy Family that continues throughout the series. The interactions between the shepherds serve as a micro-study of social dynamics, where physical strength and religious purity dictate a person’s worth within the tribe.
How The Chosen – Season 0 Fits the Series
The Chosen – Season 0 functions as a technical and narrative prologue. While the subsequent seasons follow the ministry of Jesus and the development of His disciples, this pilot focuses on the environment into which he was born. It establishes the visual language of the show, including the dusty, desaturated color palette and the handheld camera work that provides a sense of intimacy and realism.
Crowdfunding and Development
The success of this pilot was the primary factor in the creation of Angel Studios’ crowdfunding model. After The Shepherd went viral on social media, it proved there was a market for episodic biblical content. This led to the production of TV Shows that operate outside the traditional Hollywood studio system. Season 0 also includes later holiday specials like The Messengers, which bridge the narrative gaps between major seasons.
Where to Watch The Chosen – Season 0
Access to The Chosen – Season 0 is primarily available through the official The Chosen App and the Angel Studios platform. These digital services offer the pilot episode alongside behind-the-scenes content and director’s commentary. Some segments, specifically The Shepherd, have also been released via YouTube to maintain the project’s accessibility to a global audience.
Is The Chosen – Season 0 Safe to Watch? (Age Rating Guide)
Official age rating not available.
For verified credits, release details, or official resources, visit IMDb and Official Site.
| Director | Not available |
|---|---|
| Main Cast | Elizabeth Tabish |
| Release Year | 2017 |
| Genre | Action & Adventure, Drama, Family |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Chosen – Season 0 released?
The Chosen – Season 0 was released on December 1, 2017.
What is The Chosen – Season 0 about?
The story begins with Simon, a shepherd who is physically unable to keep pace with his brothers. His disability makes him an outcast among his peers and a religious outsider, as he is unable to perform the physical rituals required by the local priesthood.
Where can I watch The Chosen – Season 0?
Official streaming platforms for The Chosen – Season 0 have not been confirmed.
