The CW has picked up popular Biblical series The Chosen as the network continues restructuring. The crowdfunded series by Angel Studios follows the life of Jesus as told through the eyes of his followers. Following Nexstar Media Group acquiring a 75 percent stake in the network, The CW has gone through many changes in recent months, including shifting away from scripted shows, instead opting to prioritize unscripted shows, reality TV, and acquired series.
Now, Variety reports The CW will be airing Biblical series The Chosen as part of their plan to restructure. The CW will usher in The Chosen's broadcast TV debut on July 16 at 8 p.m., airing every episode until season 3, episode 8 on Christmas Eve. Check out what The CW's president of entertainment, Brad Schwartz, had to say about The Chosen airing on the network:
'The Chosen' is based on the biggest IP of all time and is truly a one-of-a-kind series that tells this historically significant story in a captivating, dramatic and way. This show has already connected deeply with viewers around the world, and The CW will expand its audience even further.
The CW's Restructuring Plans Explained
Part of The CW's restructuring plan has involved cancelling many of the scripted series that had been airing on the network. At the time of writing, these include Supernatural spinoff The Winchesters, Two Sentence Horror Stories, Kung Fu, and Walker prequel Walker: Independence. While such shows as The Winchesters have been searching for new homes following their cancellations, Walker: Independence season 2 being officially dead doesn't bode well for other shows looking to continue.
While The CW will still continue to produce shows like Walker and All-American, both series will see reduced episodes for their seasons. The network is instead focusing on low-risk programming, with The CW doubling down on sports and having a Fall 2023 TV schedule heavy on unscripted shows. The addition of The Chosen as an acquired show will be able to fill a gap in the network left behind by cancelled series.
It's unclear if The CW will continue to produce the number of scripted series currently airing. The future of Superman & Lois, Gotham Knights, and All-American: Homecoming is still unclear, however, The CW is also planning to develop a spinoff of TNT's The Librarians, which means the network hasn't abandoned scripted shows entirely. But acquired programming like The Chosen could mean The CW won't be producing as many new scripted series of their own for the foreseeable future.
Source: Variety