Prime Video has secured exclusive streaming rights to The Chosen, expanding its portfolio with one of the most talked-about faith-based series in recent years. The deal establishes Amazon's streaming platform as the sole home for the show’s entire catalog, marking a major shift in accessibility for its global audience.
This acquisition solidifies Prime Video’s strategy of diversifying its content library. The Chosen, which has already built a dedicated fan base through crowdfunding and independent distribution, now gains a broader reach through Amazon’s platform. The agreement provides viewers with a single destination for streaming all available seasons, benefiting both new audiences and long-time followers of the show.
The move reflects a broader trend in entertainment, where streaming platforms compete to secure exclusive content that guarantees subscriber engagement. By bringing The Chosen under its banner, Prime Video reinforces its commitment to offering a wide range of genres, including high-quality faith-based programming. As streaming competition intensifies, securing popular, audience-backed content like The Chosen signals a strategic push to attract and retain viewers.
The Chosen stands as the first multi-season television series about the life of Jesus Christ. Created and directed by Dallas Jenkins, the series presents a character-driven narrative that explores the personal lives and backgrounds of biblical figures. Jenkins, an experienced filmmaker in faith-based media, sought to create a series that could offer an emotionally resonant and historically grounded portrayal of Jesus and his followers.
Before The Chosen, Jenkins produced and directed several independent Christian films, but none reached the scale and engagement of this project. To fund the first season, he turned to crowdfunding, setting a record as the most successful crowdfunded media project at the time, raising over $10 million from more than 19,000 backers. Since then, the series has expanded its production with continued viewer support and distribution partnerships.
The Chosen departs from traditional biblical adaptations by adding depth and complexity to each character, making them relatable for a modern audience. The series does not limit itself to direct scriptural reenactments but instead weaves fictionalized character arcs into historical and religious narratives.
The rise of streaming services has positioned The Chosen as an unconventional success. By allowing free global access through its own app and other platforms, the series attracted millions of viewers who otherwise might not engage with faith-based content. The move toward exclusivity on Prime Video marks a shift from broad availability to a more structured distribution strategy.
The success of The Chosen has reshaped the landscape for faith-based media, demonstrating that large audiences and high production quality are not limited to secular content. In an industry where Christian entertainment often struggled with budget constraints and niche distribution, The Chosen showed that demand exists for storytelling that blends artistic quality with religious themes.
Its impact extends beyond streaming statistics. The team behind The Chosen leveraged audience engagement through crowdfunding, merchandise sales, and in-person events, creating a sustainable financial model that future faith-based productions may follow. The series' reception also encouraged major streaming platforms to take faith-driven narratives more seriously, considering them as viable mainstream options.
Prime Video launched in 2006 as Amazon Unbox, offering digital rentals and purchases. By 2011, it became Amazon Instant Video, integrating with Prime memberships to provide unlimited streaming. A major shift occurred in 2014 when Amazon Studios began producing original content, securing Prime Video's position in the competitive streaming landscape.
Investments in exclusive content, including award-winning productions like *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* and *The Boys*, turned Prime Video into a major competitor. Strategic acquisitions, such as MGM in 2022 for $8.5 billion, expanded its film catalog significantly. This constant growth demonstrates Amazon’s commitment to providing diverse, high-quality entertainment.
The streaming industry includes major players like Netflix, Disney+, and Max (formerly HBO Max). Each platform differentiates itself through exclusive content, pricing, and user experience. Prime Video stands out by bundling its service with Amazon Prime, providing subscribers with free shipping and other benefits.
These features make Prime Video a strong contender in an oversaturated market, balancing affordability with premium content.
Prime Video maintains a vast library of genres, including original productions and licensed content. The platform offers films ranging from classic cinema to modern blockbusters, alongside independent and international films that appeal to niche audiences.
The television catalog blends scripted series, documentaries, and reality TV. Prime Video’s sports offerings, like NFL’s *Thursday Night Football*, attract a broad viewership, while its documentary lineup includes critically acclaimed works on politics, history, and technology.
With *The Chosen* joining its exclusive roster, Prime Video strengthens its faith-based content offerings, adding to a library that already includes similar films and series. Its diverse catalog ensures viewers can explore multiple genres while keeping up with premium exclusives.
Streaming exclusivity deals grant a single platform the rights to distribute specific content, limiting accessibility on competing services. These agreements shape content availability, influence viewer migration, and define platform differentiation. Studios and rights holders leverage exclusivity to maximize licensing revenue, while streaming services aim to strengthen subscriber retention and acquisitions.
For distributors, exclusivity offers controlled access to high-demand content, encouraging users to subscribe to one platform over another. The competition among streaming services intensifies as they bid for premium titles, driving up overall content acquisition costs. This model ensures that platforms invest in curated libraries that establish unique brand identities.
Exclusivity deals alter content accessibility and distribution dynamics within the industry. Platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ have all adopted this strategy to retain subscribers and reduce churn. With each service securing a distinct library, audiences must often choose between several subscriptions to access their favorite content.
These deals also guide content negotiations and licensing timelines. Expiring agreements open opportunities for renegotiation, potentially shifting exclusivity from one platform to another. The evolving landscape forces distributors to reassess their long-term distribution strategies.
For streaming services, exclusivity enhances competitive positioning by offering subscribers content unavailable elsewhere. Prime Video’s acquisition of The Chosen aligns with this objective, reinforcing its catalog with a dedicated fan base.
However, these deals present challenges:
Despite these challenges, exclusivity serves as a strategic tool for differentiation and subscriber growth. When structured effectively, these agreements benefit both platforms and content creators, ensuring financial viability while expanding audience reach within a controlled ecosystem.
Before securing exclusivity on Prime Video, The Chosen was accessible on multiple streaming platforms. Viewers could watch it on the Angel Studios app, YouTube, and even through select cable networks. This broad distribution allowed the series to reach an extensive audience around the world.
Angel Studios played a critical role in making the show widely available. Through its proprietary app, anyone could stream episodes for free, supported by a crowd-funded model. This approach contributed to the show's grassroots success, enabling millions to watch without a paywall.
The series also gained traction on YouTube, where early access attracted millions of views per episode. Availability on BYUtv and other niche streaming services extended its reach to faith-based audiences. Season by season, viewership expanded, reinforcing the show's strong fan base.
Moving from multi-platform availability to a single streaming provider marks a strategic shift. With Prime Video now holding exclusive rights, new audiences may discover the series within Amazon’s ecosystem. The transition consolidates streaming under a major provider, reshaping how longtime fans and new viewers engage with The Chosen.
Moving The Chosen to an exclusive platform like Prime Video alters the viewing experience for current fans. Those accustomed to watching on free platforms such as the official app or YouTube must now subscribe to Amazon Prime Video for access. This introduces a cost factor that wasn’t previously necessary for many viewers.
For Amazon Prime members, the transition is seamless, offering easy access within an existing subscription. However, others face a choice: subscribing to Prime or waiting for alternative viewing options, if any emerge in the future. On the technical side, Prime Video’s streaming infrastructure provides higher-resolution playback and a stable experience across multiple devices.
A move to Prime Video places The Chosen within a vast content library, exposing it to audiences who may not have encountered it before. Amazon’s recommendation algorithm plays a key role here. Viewers who have watched faith-based series, historical dramas, or similar categories may see The Chosen surface as a suggested title.
Global accessibility also shifts. Previously, availability varied based on region and platform. Now, Amazon’s licensing structures shape where and how new audiences can engage with the show internationally.
The Chosen has cultivated a strong online community, largely through crowdfunding efforts and direct engagement on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Transitioning to an exclusive partnership with Prime Video introduces changes in how fans interact:
For fans who have supported the show outside traditional networks, this change raises questions about future distribution and accessibility. Meanwhile, Amazon’s reach provides a powerful marketing engine that could expand the show’s fanbase significantly.
Dallas Jenkins has consistently emphasized a long-term vision for The Chosen. In multiple interviews, he has expressed a commitment to expanding the reach of the series while ensuring creative independence. With the new exclusivity deal on Prime Video, discussions about future distribution strategies have gained momentum. While no concrete announcements have been made, Jenkins has hinted at plans to explore additional formats such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, interactive content, and potential theatrical releases for special episodes.
Prime Video’s global infrastructure provides an opportunity for The Chosen to scale its viewership beyond its current audience. Future seasons could benefit from enhanced production capabilities funded by Amazon’s resources. The exclusivity deal positions the series for potential improvements in cinematography, visual effects, and script development.
Beyond technical aspects, Amazon’s platform also allows for deeper engagement through targeted marketing and cross-promotional opportunities. If the partnership proves successful, Prime Video may contribute to expanding The Chosen universe by facilitating faster production cycles and budget increases.
Based on industry patterns, long-term streaming partnerships often lead to additional content beyond the main storyline. If Prime Video sees high audience retention for The Chosen, exclusive spin-offs or companion series could enter development. Potential projects might include:
Amazon Studios has invested in original programming for years, and if The Chosen maintains its success, a strategic expansion into new formats could follow. Jenkins and his team will likely evaluate audience response before committing to additional content.
Prime Video has built a diverse portfolio of exclusive content, spanning multiple genres and target audiences. Series like The Boys, Reacher, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel have drawn millions of viewers, leveraging strong fan bases and high production values. The Chosen, as a faith-based drama, takes a different approach, targeting a niche yet highly dedicated audience. While Prime Video's most popular exclusives rely on action, thriller, and drama elements, The Chosen stands apart with its religious storytelling and grassroots-driven distribution model.
Including The Chosen in Prime Video's exclusive catalog adds further genre diversity, attracting viewers who may not engage with big-budget franchises or traditional scripted dramas. Faith-based media has a consistently strong following, as demonstrated by the success of films like The Passion of the Christ and Heaven Is for Real. By offering a premium streaming home for this series, Prime Video strengthens its positioning as a comprehensive entertainment hub suited for both mainstream and niche audiences.
Other exclusives on the platform benefit from critical acclaim, strong IP backing, and dedicated marketing campaigns. The Chosen brings a different type of organic engagement, with an existing global audience invested in its message. Unlike franchises driven primarily by studio marketing, The Chosen has built momentum through community support, crowdfunding, and direct outreach.
Prime Video's exclusivity deal with The Chosen appeals to a demographic that may not traditionally prioritize streaming platforms. Faith-based viewers, often underserved in mainstream entertainment, now find a compelling reason to engage with Prime Video. This content strategy also aligns with Amazon’s broader goal of capturing diverse viewer interests across entertainment preferences.
Beyond religious audiences, the high production values and strong character development in The Chosen can attract general drama enthusiasts. Similar to how historical dramas such as The Crown or Chernobyl have reached beyond their core subjects, The Chosen has the potential to engage audiences interested in human stories, intricate character arcs, and dramatic world-building.
Integrating The Chosen into Prime Video's offerings extends the platform’s reputation as a destination for both prestige series and innovative, audience-driven projects.
Exclusive content adds tangible value to a streaming platform. By securing The Chosen as an exclusive title, Amazon Prime Video expands its catalog with content that has a dedicated fanbase. Subscribers gain access to a series that has generated significant viewer engagement, making their membership more attractive.
The inclusion of exclusive series like this differentiates Prime Video from other streaming platforms. While Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ invest in their own originals, Amazon’s strategy of securing third-party exclusives strengthens its competitive edge.
Amazon Prime Video’s broader content strategy revolves around offering a mix of original productions, licensed content, and exclusive acquisitions. This approach ensures variety while maintaining exclusivity on high-demand titles.
By blending strategic acquisitions with internally developed originals, Amazon ensures that its library remains relevant to different subscriber demographics.
A streaming service retains subscribers by consistently delivering content they want to watch. When Amazon secures exclusivity on high-performing titles, it boosts retention rates and encourages more users to engage with Prime Video.
Subscribers benefit from:
Through exclusive partnerships, Amazon strengthens its streaming portfolio while providing its subscribers with an evolving library of quality content.
Streaming platforms continue to secure exclusive content to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. In 2023, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ collectively invested over $50 billion in content acquisitions and original productions, reflecting the high stakes of these agreements. Exclusive licensing deals, like the recent arrangement that brings The Chosen to Prime Video, have become a key strategy for attracting and retaining subscribers.
Amazon has followed a similar approach with major titles, including its multi-billion-dollar investment in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. These deals do more than just secure content—they shape user engagement patterns and contribute to subscriber retention metrics. As competition intensifies, platforms seek to lock in franchises with dedicated audiences, ensuring a steady stream of viewership.
Exclusive deals influence both how content gets produced and how it's distributed globally. Streaming platforms have moved beyond simply licensing third-party titles, instead investing in direct partnerships or co-financing projects. According to a report by the Motion Picture Association, original content made up 61% of paid streaming service libraries in 2023, up from 45% in 2019.
The decision to move The Chosen to Prime Video follows this trend, allowing the series to benefit from Amazon’s infrastructure while giving the platform a faith-based drama with a committed following.
As subscriber growth in major markets slows, services will likely prioritize exclusive content to reinforce brand identity. Data from market research firm Ampere Analysis shows that 89% of new streaming content in 2024 has been tied to exclusive contracts, signaling a shift away from broad licensing models.
Expect these trends to accelerate:
The agreement between The Chosen and Prime Video reflects an industry-wide evolution where platforms seek to create highly curated libraries instead of amassing broad content catalogs. This shift will continue to shape how audiences access film and television in the coming years.
The announcement of The Chosen streaming exclusively on Prime Video triggered an immediate response from its dedicated fanbase. Social media platforms filled with discussions, ranging from enthusiasm over the accessibility on a major platform to frustration from viewers who relied on free distribution models. Many fans celebrated the series' expanded reach, expecting higher production values due to Prime Video’s financial backing.
Others voiced concerns about potential costs or accessibility restrictions. In various online forums, frequent comments questioned whether the shift aligned with the show's original distribution philosophy. Some longtime supporters, who contributed to crowdfunding efforts that initially financed the series, expressed disappointment, fearing that exclusivity could limit future viewership.
Social media sentiment analysis shows a divided reaction. Twitter and Facebook posts from devoted viewers reflected a mix of excitement and hesitation. On Reddit, threads discussing the deal ranged from praise for the show's growth to speculation regarding how this move might affect future seasons. Hashtags like #TheChosenOnPrime trended briefly after the deal's announcement, with fans debating the implications.
Creator Dallas Jenkins addressed concerns directly through multiple platforms, including YouTube livestreams and Instagram Q&A sessions. He reassured viewers that the show's mission remains intact and emphasized that Amazon Prime's involvement would not interfere with creative control. His statements stressed that while Prime Video offers exclusive streaming rights, alternative viewing options may still emerge over time.
Strong audience reactions often shape the future of entertainment distribution. If substantial numbers of viewers resist the exclusivity or voice dissatisfaction, distribution partners could adjust availability based on engagement metrics. In previous cases, audience backlash regarding exclusivity deals has led to modified agreements, including limited-time free access or bundling with alternative viewing platforms.
Streaming platforms track user behavior closely, analyzing subscription trends, engagement rates, and content retention. If The Chosen experiences higher-than-expected success on Prime Video, similar exclusive deals could follow. If significant portions of the fanbase decline to follow the series onto Amazon’s platform, production teams and distributors may reconsider the long-term benefits of exclusivity.
Streaming platforms continue to reshape content distribution. The exclusivity deal between The Chosen and Prime Video reflects a broader industry shift where platforms secure high-demand content to strengthen their subscriber base. Major streaming services prioritize exclusivity to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, locking in viewership and increasing retention rates.
Dallas Jenkins and the team behind The Chosen have set a precedent that other independent creators may follow. By transitioning from a multi-platform release strategy to exclusive distribution on a major service, they accessed wider audiences while benefiting from Prime Video's marketing and global reach. This model incentivizes high-quality productions to explore strategic partnerships rather than relying solely on self-distribution or third-party hosting platforms.
Exclusivity agreements influence not just viewers but also content development. As streaming giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Disney+ continue locking in exclusive titles, production companies must weigh broader reach against the financial stability offered by such deals. Competition for premium content acquisition will persist, potentially leading to more aggressive bidding for popular series and films. Platforms with the strongest financial backing and user base will secure key titles, shaping what audiences can access and where they can watch.
The evolution of streaming exclusivity signals a future where content availability depends increasingly on platform partnerships, reinforcing the growing divide between streaming services competing for dominance.
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