The BBC has commissioned a new landmark religion series about the life of Jesus Christ.
Drawing on the latest historical research, archaeological discoveries, technological innovation and expert testimony, the four-part series will “expand and sharpen our understanding of one the most influential people in history.”
Produced by Wonderhood Studios, the series will bring Jesus’ story to the screen in “visceral, intimate detail”; drawing on the testimony recorded in the Gospel accounts, and elsewhere, to understand the world he inhabited and the foundations of the movement he inspired. Through cinematic storytelling, it will explore the turbulent political, social, religious and cultural forces that shaped his life and legacy. Historical analysis, along with contributions from major Christian thinkers, and Jewish and Muslim faith leaders, will set out the significance of his story.
Daisy Scalchi, BBC Head of Religion and Ethics, TV: “This series is testament to the BBC’s commitment to religious programming that deepens our understanding of each other and the world around us.
“Jesus Christ is one of the most recognised and influential figures in human history – yet what we know about him comes from remarkably few sources. This ambitious series will bring his life into focus like never before. With new historical research and insights, there has never been a more compelling moment to re-look at the evidence and follow the path of Jesus’ life to map how hesparked a revolution that continues to impact our lives over 2000 years later.”
Tom Garton, Creative Director, Wonderhood Studios, says: “Few lives have shaped the world as profoundly as that of Jesus Christ and, for Christians, he is far more than a figure of history: he is the Son of God. Yet many of us know relatively little about the world Jesus came from – of the people, places, beliefs and conflicts that shaped his life and the world-changing religion that followed. At Wonderhood, we want to make ambitious, cinematic television that tackles the biggest subjects, and that help explain our world today. We are enormously proud to be making this landmark series for the BBC.”
Rory Wheeler, Executive Producer, Wonderhood Studios, says: “The life of Jesus Christ is one of the most powerful and consequential stories ever told. It has shaped history, art, politics, culture and the beliefs of billions of people around the world. Filming in the Holy Land, at sites connected to the world Jesus knew, gives us a truly exciting opportunity to bring audiences closer to that world than ever before. Drawing on cutting-edge historical analysis, archaeology and the testimony of leading faith voices and experts, this is a series with the scale, ambition and significance the subject deserves.”
Annabel Hobley, Showrunner, Wonderhood Studios, says: “It is thrilling to be delving into the historical and religious context around the life of Jesus, and to be able to share with audiences of all faiths and none our findings about arguably one of the most impactful figures on the planet.”
The series is due to air in 2027.
It has been commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Specialist Factual, BBC and Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics, BBC, and is executive produced by Rory Wheeler (A House Through Time, Digging for Britain, The Russell Murders), Samantha Anstiss and Tom Garton. Annabel Hobley (World War 2 with Tom Hanks, Erased: WW2’s Heroes of Colour with Idris Elba, Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn) is showrunner, and Owen Gower (The Essex Murders, Walking with Dinosaurs, Still the Enemy Within) is series director. The series is distributed internationally by ITV Studios.
Jon Creamer
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