BYUtv Presents "The Chosen" in Broadcast World Premiere of Largest Ever Crowdfunded Series

Network secures broadcast and VOD rights for seasons 1 and 2

PROVO, Utah, Oct. 2, 2020 -- BYUtv, a family entertainment network available over cable, satellite and free streaming, today announced it has acquired the broadcast and video on demand rights to seasons one and two of "The Chosen," the largest crowdfunded television production of all time and first multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ. "The Chosen" will receive its broadcast world premiere on BYUtv beginning Sunday, Oct. 4, with all eight episodes of season one available for free on the BYUtv app and website the following day.

Season two of "The Chosen," from distributor VidAngel Studios, is slated to be completed in 2021 and is currently in production in Goshen, Utah, just a short drive from the headquarters of BYU Broadcasting in Provo.

"Presenting the first broadcast network showing of what could very easily be the most watched production ever on the life of Jesus Christ is a phenomenal opportunity and significant win for BYUtv," said Michael Dunn, managing director of BYUtv. "'The Chosen' has already been seen by nearly 50 million people in more than 180 countries, and the feedback from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive about the touching and realistic portrayal of well known biblical characters in a new light. We are thrilled to have played a role in facilitating and negotiating the filming of season two on the Jerusalem set in Goshen, and especially to help share this new season of episodes with the world next year."

The first three episodes of season one will air together on BYUtv on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 7:50 a.m. ET/5:50 a.m. MT/4:50 a.m. PT. Episode four will air later the same day at 3 p.m. ET/1 p.m. MT/12 p.m. PT. Episodes five through eight will air weekly on Sundays beginning Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. ET/4 p.m. MT/3 p.m. PT.

"We want 'The Chosen' to get into as many homes as possible, and BYUtv does that as well as anyone," said Dallas Jenkins, creator of "The Chosen." "When I first made a short Nativity film at my friend's farm in Illinois, I had no idea it would lead to 'The Chosen' and its global response. I'm grateful for BYUtv's belief in the series and their desire to share the stories of the gospels with the world."

In addition to "The Chosen," BYUtv's programming slate includes "The Fixers," chronicling an "A-team" of experienced builders that travels to remote locations in significant need; "Dwight in Shining Armor," a scripted adventure comedy in which the Middle Ages meets Middle America; new family survival competition "Survivalists"; the long-running, viral sketch comedy series "Studio C"; and "Random Acts," an unscripted hidden-camera reality show that features real people who are the recipients of random acts of kindness. BYUtv is available across the country via cable, satellite and multiple digital media platforms.

For a complete listing of BYUtv's programming and to view full episodes, visit www.byutv.org or download the app. BYUtv streams for free with no subscriptions, in-app purchases or ads. The network is always streaming live, and past and current seasons are all available to binge. Press access to video, photo and other assets is available at www.byutv.org/pressinfo.

About BYUtv

BYUtv provides families more than 1,700 hours of entertaining and compelling programming they can enjoy together. The network's content is trusted, contemporary and clean, yet clever and sophisticated enough to inspire children and parents alike. BYUtv's diverse portfolio of original, co-produced and acquired content includes scripted and unscripted dramas and comedies, 700+ hours of live HD collegiate sports, game shows, and holiday special made-for-tv movies, docudramas and concerts. BYUtv is available in more than 50 million homes in every state of the country on DISH Network, DirecTV and 146 other major cable systems. A digital pioneer, BYUtv was the first U.S. television network to stream all of its content live and unencrypted over the Internet. Today, BYUtv has more than two million YouTube subscribers and nearly two billion views and is available live and on-demand on multiple digital platforms free of charge, including Apple TV, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, Xbox One, Windows Media, digital apps for iOS and Android, and BYUtv.org. Based in Provo, Utah, BYUtv is part of BYU Broadcasting, which is owned by Brigham Young University.