The Chosen: A Legal Drama Unfolds As Streaming Of Season 4 Is Delayed

A feud of biblical proportions—so to speak—came to a head this week with the announced streaming delay of the fourth season of The Chosen, a series about the life of Jesus Christ that has become arguably the most popular TV show in the world. Dallas Jenkins, the director-writer-creator of The Chosen, recently announced via a YouTube video that the free streaming of the show's fourth season will be postponed due to "legal matters." This news has left many fans eager to see the new season, but they still have the option to pay for theater access.

While Jenkins was somewhat vague regarding the specifics, documents from the show's distributor, Angel Studios, suggest a significant breach between The Chosen LLC and the studio. According to SEC filings from February, The Chosen LLC notified Angel Studios in April 2023 of its intent to dissolve the content agreement, citing a breach of contract and pending arbitration between the two parties. This indicates a breakdown in the relationship, with The Chosen LLC reiterating its desire to move on from Angel Studios as of October.

The delay in streaming is just one of many issues that have arisen between these two entities. In March 2022, Angel Studios filed a lawsuit against Brad Pelo, a former executive who transitioned to become the president of Chosen Inc. This legal dispute highlights the complexities surrounding the production and distribution of faith-based content, which has recently gained traction with successful titles like Jesus Revolution. The ongoing rivalry unfolds against a backdrop of increasing interest in faith-based media, making it a critical moment for both companies.

The Genesis of the Feud

Angel Studios started its journey in 2013 as VidAngel, a service designed by brothers Neal, Daniel, Jordan, and Jeffrey Harmon. This platform focused on filtering inappropriate scenes from mainstream films to cater to family audiences. Despite its initial success within Christian communities, VidAngel faced significant legal challenges, including a lawsuit from major studios like Disney and Warner Bros. in 2016.

Brad Pelo, who had been acquainted with VidAngel since at least 2018 when he licensed rights to one of its shows called Dry Bar Comedy, joined the company after discovering The Chosen. His entry into the company marked a turning point as he helped VidAngel navigate its bankruptcy and transition into a more traditional studio format.

However, tensions began to rise when Pelo allegedly pushed for changes that would allow Chosen LLC to remove the Angel Studios logo from The Chosen for broadcast. This led to further complications, as Pelo's focus seemed to shift towards content creation rather than distribution, causing friction within the company. Eventually, Pelo left Angel Studios to join Chosen LLC as its president, further complicating the relationship.

Impact on Season 4 Release

The ongoing legal disputes and negotiations have cast doubt on the release of The Chosen Season 4. Although a content sharing agreement was reached in October 2022, allowing Season 3 to be released, the unresolved issues between the companies have led to uncertainty over the new season. Jenkins' announcement regarding the delay and his comments on Angel Studios being a "former partner" indicate a significant shift in their business relationship.

In his video, Jenkins highlighted the stark contrast in profitability between Sound of Freedom and The Chosen. He noted that, while Sound of Freedom generated substantial revenue in a short period, The Chosen has not seen similar financial success within a year. This financial strain is compounded by the show's multi-season format, which requires continuous investment, further complicating the situation for Chosen Inc.

As Chosen Inc. strives to keep the show accessible for free on its app, it faces the challenge of funding, relying on viewer donations that have been minimal. Despite these hurdles, Jenkins remains committed to making the series available to its audience, indicating that further developments in the ongoing legal matters will shape the future of The Chosen.

Conclusion

The ongoing legal drama surrounding The Chosen and Angel Studios illustrates the complexities of producing faith-based media in a competitive landscape. As fans await the arrival of Season 4, the outcome of the arbitration and the evolving relationship between these two entities will significantly impact the future of the series. With millions of viewers invested in the story of Jesus Christ, the resolution of these disputes will be crucial not only for the companies involved but also for the audience that has embraced this unique portrayal of biblical events.