What crowdfunded historical drama series, created by Dallas Jenkins, depicts the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples?

The historical drama series you're thinking of is "The Chosen (Review)." This innovative show brings the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples to the screen, offering a multi-season narrative that explores the biblical accounts through the eyes of those who encountered him. Created, directed, and co-written by Dallas Jenkins, the series aims to provide a fresh and intimate perspective on these well-known stories.

What makes "The Chosen" particularly unique is its groundbreaking crowdfunding model. It holds the distinction of being the most successful crowdfunded media project in history, having raised millions of dollars from thousands of individuals to finance its production. This allowed the creators to maintain creative independence and make the series widely accessible, often for free, through its dedicated app and other streaming platforms.

The series has gained significant popularity for its engaging storytelling and character development, fleshing out the backstories of the disciples and other figures in Jesus's life, even when not explicitly detailed in the Gospels. While taking some artistic license with timelines and dialogue to enhance the narrative, the creators emphasize that all biblical and historical context is designed to support the truth and intention of the Scriptures. This approach has resonated with a global audience, making "The Chosen" a widely watched and discussed series.