Recently I was introduced to an amazing television series by my cousin Jan of which I had never heard about. The series is called "The Chosen" and follows the life of Jesus of Nazareth (Jonathan Roumie). There are several unique aspects of this show, the most astonishing fact of which is that season 1 of the series was the top crowd-funded series or film of all time. Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by raising money from a larger number of people typically via the internet. The series was created, directed and co-written by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins. The show is the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus, and portrays Jesus through the eyes of those who met him. The first two seasons consist of 18 episodes, with the third season set to begin production sometime this year for an expected fall release. Season one introduces Jesus and follows when he called his initial disciples. The disciples are Simon (Shahar Isaac) , a former fisherman, Matthew (Paras Patel), a former tax collector, Andrew (Noah James), another fisherman and brother of Simon, John (George Harrison Xanthis), another fisherman and brother Big James (Shayan Sobhian), Thaddeus (Giavani Cairo), a former stoneman, Little James (Jordan Walker Ross), a former Temple choir member, Thomas (Joey Vahedi), a businessman, Phillip (Yoshi Barrigas), a former disciple of John the Baptizer (David Amito), Nathanael (Austin Reed Alleman) a former architect, Simon Z (Alaa Safi), a former Zealot. In season 2 we are introduced to Judas (Luke Dimyan), a former businessman. During the first season, with the exception of Judas, we get to know the disciples of Jesus as they interact with each other and their new Rabbi. The DVD and Blu-ray versions of the series also contain a special Christmas episode, which is a unique take on the birth of Christ. Season 2 focuses on the public ministry of Jesus and what begins to happen as word of his ministry and healings begins to spread. The series also features Mary Magdalene (Elizabeth Tabish), who after being redeemed by Jesus, helps with his ministry. Mary (Vanessa Benavente) portrays the mother of Jesus, and travels with Mary Magdalene and the disciples when Jesus begins his public ministry. The show also features several Roman characters, including Roman magistrate Quintus (Brandon Potter), who is the magistrate in Capernaum and is the Praetor of Galilee, and has a fascinating meeting with Jesus after he hears about the new man on the scene stirring up the public. What is so great about this show as we are able to see not only Jesus choose and interact with his disciples, but with the general public as well, and how he profoundly touched the life of everyone he met. Of course his miracles also distressed the religious leaders of the time who could not believe Jesus performed miracles on Shabbat, or Sabbath. There are so many great episodes in this show, including those of some children who met and are fascinated by the mystery man they meet, one episode where Jesus performans a miracle at a wedding, and various episodes where the disciples attempt to get to know one another better, even though they often end of arguing. The final episode of season 2 ends as Jesus and Matthew have prepared a sermon before a gathering of thousands. The actors in this series are all wonderful in their respective roles, with two highlights being Roumie as Jesus and Patel as the often looked down upon Matthew. It's wonderful we finally get to see Jesus in a series which provides plenty of opportunities to shine the light of his love for mankind. "The Chosen" is so well done and realistic it's almost as if we were there to witness every moment in person. Available on Blu-ray and DVD and streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu. (Rated TV-PG)