The Chosen: Season Four of Jesus Drama Can Continue Filming Despite Actors Strike

The Chosen TV Show on The CW: canceled or renewed?

The Chosen can continue filming. SAG-AFTRA has given the series’ producers a waiver so that production on its fourth season can continue in Utah. It’s the first reported case of an exemption being given. The cast and crew reportedly have two weeks of work remaining on the shoot.

Starring Shahar Isaac, Jonathan Roumie, Elizabeth Tabish, Paras Patel, Noah James, Janis Dardaris, Lara Silva, Shaan Sharma, Nick Shakoour, George H. Xanthis, Shayan Sobhian, Kian Kavousi, Erick Avari, Brandon Potter, Kirk B. R. Woller, Giavani Cairo, and Jordan Walker Ross. Primarily set in Judaea and Galilee in the first century, the series centers on the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth (Roumie) as seen through the eyes of his followers.

The drama series, which has aired on streaming services in the past, had its network television premiere on Sunday night on The CW. The network has indicated its intent to air at least four seasons. The show’s creator, Dallas Jenkins, has said he has a seven-season plan.

SAG-AFTRA waivers are being granted on a case-by-case basis to “truly independent producers,” aka those not affiliated with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Those securing waivers agree to be bound retroactively to the terms of the new contracts that come out of the strike.

Per Deadline, Jenkins asked the actors union to approve their application for a waiver. On Instagram, he wrote, “We’ve submitted all the requested paperwork immediately. We fit all qualifications for an exemption. Every day that goes by without your response costs us hundreds of thousands of dollars while your actors are stuck in Utah. We’re the good guys. We’ve treated your actors well.”

After the waiver was granted, the series made the following announcement on its official Twitter:

“Great news! We just received word from SAG that we have been approved for a waiver. We’ll continue shooting on Monday.”

The Chosen is currently airing on Sunday nights on The CW.

What do you think? Did you watch The Chosen this weekend? Have you seen the series on other platforms? Do you plan to continue watching the series on The CW?

Check out our CW status sheet to track the smallest network’s new series pickups, renewals, and cancellations. You can find lists of cancelled shows here.