The CW, long a home for edgy vampire shows and superhero series aimed at a young, woke audience, has officially turned a serious corner. After two new movies inspired by The Waltons (and maybe another), it’s introducing its viewers to The Chosen with a Christmas episode on Friday, Dec. 23.
The episode is The Messengers, which was in theaters in Dec. 2021 as a Fathom Event (I first covered it here). Produced as a standalone episode, as part of the multi-season series based on the Gospels (currently in its third season), it looks at the Nativity from the viewpoints of Mary (Sara Anne Burciaga) and Joseph (Raj Bond), and from the older Mary (Vanessa Benavente) relating the story to Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish).
Here’s the original trailer:
And Here’s All the Details
From the inbox:
WHAT:From the global phenomenon The Chosen, a special Christmas episode is airing on The CW this Friday, December 23 at 8pm ET.“I’m thrilled The CW is airing this Christmas episode, it’s a great introduction to The Chosen to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet. The perspective we show of this story honors the Gospel narrative while also exploring the cultural, historical, and personal context that hasn’t been portrayed before,” says Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen.WHERE/WHEN:Airing on The CW this Friday, December 23 at 8pm ET. Check your local listings.SYNOPSIS:The special Christmas episode of The Chosen portrays the birth of Christ from the perspective of Mary and Joseph. The story goes back and forth between their journey to Bethlehem and 10 years after the death of Christ, where an older Mary shares the story with Mary Magdalene.The episode is followed by an incredible performance of “Joy to the World (Joyful Joyful)” by Phil Wickham on the set featuring Jordan Feliz, Bryan & Katie Torwalt, Maverick City, and The Bonner Family.About The ChosenThe Chosen released its third season December 11, 2022, continuing its unprecedented success as the largest fan-supported entertainment project of all time. It has been translated into 62 languages and counting. With no fee or subscription required, it’s completely free to watch and available as both a standalone mobile and The New Chosen TV app, plus available on multiple streaming services. Viewer support enables the show to remain free around the world. The Chosen, an Angel Studios Original, is produced by Loaves & Fishes.
Things Are Definitely Changing at The CW
Things Are Changing at The CW
Also, the event itself was noteworthy, since The CW has recently undergone an ownership change. Station-groups owner Nextstar took over the broadcast network, originally conceived as a partnership between CBS/Paramount and Warner Bros. TV (now merged with Discovery).
According to published reports, little of the network’s current lineup — which includes many superhero shows produced by Warner Bros. — is likely to survive after this season. Several have already been cancelled.
And I asked a question:
When The Waltons: Homecoming hit The CW last year, there was nothing like it on the network’s schedule, which largely appealed to teen girls and comic-book fans.
[WBTV Chairman Channing] Dungey hinted that Warner Bros. TV may be willing to do more Waltons movies, perhaps even an Easter one.
It’ll be very interesting to see, if that third Waltons movie hits The CW next season, whether it looks out of place or right at home.
With this move by The CW, we may have an answer.
Image: The Chosen
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