You’re probably used to the "Netflix model" where everything worth watching sits behind a monthly bill that keeps getting more expensive. But The Chosen is weird. Honestly, it’s one of the most successful crowd-funded projects in media history, yet half the people trying to find it end up confused because it isn't just sitting on one single platform with a "Play" button.
It's everywhere and nowhere at once.
If you're looking for ways to watch The Chosen, the first thing you need to realize is that the creators, led by Dallas Jenkins, basically built their own ecosystem to bypass the Hollywood gatekeepers. They wanted it free. They wanted it global. But then, because the show got so massive, the big streamers started licensing it, which created a confusing patchwork of where seasons live.
The App is Actually the Best Way (No, Really)
Most people roll their eyes when a show tells them to "download our app." We already have too many icons on our screens. However, for this specific show, the The Chosen app (available on Apple and Android) is the only place where you get everything first.
It’s completely free. No subscriptions. No "first episode is free, pay for the rest" nonsense.
The app includes "The Chosen Aftershow" and deep-dive roundtables with biblical scholars that you won't find if you're just catching it on a secondary platform. It’s built on a "Pay It Forward" model. Essentially, someone else paid for you to watch it, and if you like it, you can toss a few bucks in to pay for the next person or the production of Season 5 and beyond. It’s a wild business model that actually worked.
The tech is surprisingly solid, too. You can cast it directly to your Roku, Fire TV, or Chromecast from your phone. If you hate small screens, this is the workaround.
Why Netflix and Hulu Only Have Part of the Story
If you’re a creature of habit and prefer your existing subscriptions, you’ve likely seen the show pop up on Netflix or Hulu.
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Here is the catch.
Streaming giants are usually a season or two behind the actual release schedule. As of right now, you might find Seasons 1 through 3 on Netflix, but when Season 4 dropped, it took a long time to migrate over there. Why? Because the production company, Angel Studios (and later the independent "The Chosen Inc."), uses those licensing deals to fund the future of the show.
Hulu often has a similar lag. If you’re a casual viewer just starting out, Netflix is fine. It’s convenient. But the second you finish that Season 3 cliffhanger, you’re going to be annoyed that Season 4 isn't there yet. That’s when you’ll end up downloading the app anyway.
The Prime Video and Peacock Factor
Amazon Prime Video is another reliable spot, but keep an eye on the "Freevee" tag. Sometimes it’s included with Prime; other times it’s supported by ads via Freevee.
Peacock has also jumped into the mix. Because The Chosen has a massive audience in the "faith-based" demographic—which is a goldmine for streamers looking for loyal subscribers—NBC’s Peacock has been aggressive about keeping it in their library.
If you have a Peacock subscription, check there first for the high-definition 4K versions, which sometimes look a bit crisper than the mobile-to-TV cast from the official app.
Watching Offline or Without Internet
Some people still prefer physical media. It sounds old school. But for a show that people like to study or watch in church groups, DVDs and Blu-rays are still selling like crazy.
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You can find these at major retailers like Walmart or through the official The Chosen web store. The benefit here is the "Director’s Commentary." Dallas Jenkins is notoriously transparent about the filming process—like the logistical nightmare of filming the "Feeding of the 5,000" in the Texas heat with thousands of real extras. Hearing him talk through those scenes adds a layer of appreciation for the indie-grind nature of the production.
Don't Forget the Theatrical Experience
The show has a weird habit of debuting in movie theaters.
When a new season launches, they often group episodes together (like 1-3, 4-6, and 7-8) and release them through Fathom Events. People actually pay movie theater prices to watch something that they know will be free a month later.
Why? Because the cinematography in Season 4, especially the stuff happening in Caesarea Philippi, was literally framed for the big screen. The sound design is significantly better in a theater environment. If you’re a superfan, keep an eye on the local AMC or Cinemark listings around late winter or early spring—that's usually the release window.
The Global Reach and Languages
One of the coolest ways to watch The Chosen is through their translation project. They are aiming for 600 languages.
If you are watching with someone who prefers Spanish, Portuguese, or even Mandarin, the official app is the only place where the dubbing and subtitling are consistently updated. Netflix usually only carries the most common languages for your specific region. The app, however, is trying to be a "Global Bible" of sorts, so they prioritize obscure dialects that huge corporations wouldn't bother with.
BYUtv and Cable Alternatives
Believe it or not, broadcast TV still exists.
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BYUtv carries the show, and because they are a non-commercial station, you can often stream it through their site for free as well. CW also picked up the broadcast rights for a while to fill their Sunday night slots.
If you have a digital antenna and live in the right market, you might literally be able to catch it over the air. It’s rare for a modern show to have such a "scattershot" distribution, but that’s the power of owning your own IP.
Troubleshooting the "Black Screen" and Connection Issues
A lot of people complain that when they try to cast the app to their TV, it lags.
It happens.
The app is great, but it’s not backed by the billion-dollar server infrastructure of Amazon. If you’re hitting a wall, try the website version on a laptop and connect an HDMI cable to your TV. It’s the most "fail-proof" way to get a stable 1080p image without the handshake issues of wireless casting.
Also, check your VPN. Sometimes the licensing agreements get wonky if the app thinks you’re in a country where they’ve sold exclusive rights to a local broadcaster. Turn the VPN off for the best results.
Your Next Steps for Season 4 and Beyond
Don't just wait for it to hit your favorite streamer. If you want the full experience, do this:
- Download the official "The Chosen" app first. It's the "source of truth" for the series.
- Check the "Pay It Forward" status. You don't have to pay, but watching the total number of "seeds planted" gives you an idea of how much longer the show can stay in production.
- Sync with a group. This show is designed for conversation. If you’re watching Season 4, look for the "Bible Roundtables" within the app to see how the writers balanced historical record with artistic license.
- Set a Google Alert for "The Chosen Season 5 theatrical release." Catching the premiere in a theater is a totally different vibe than watching it on your phone during a commute.
Stop searching through five different menus on your Roku. Just go to the source and start from the Pilot (the shepherds' story). It’s the best way to see the evolution from a tiny pilot filmed on a farm in Illinois to a global phenomenon.