What if I told you there’s a series about Jesus and his disciples, a historical drama once a small show with a modest following, now set to reach 1 billion people globally by 2037? “The Chosen” has cracked the code on scaling impact. They’re not just reaching; they’re creating community. They’re not merely translating; they’re transforming. And here’s the kicker—they are doing it in 600 languages, one viewing, one share, one heart at a time.
Welcome to the strategy behind “Come and See,” the Global Strategic Distribution Plan for The Chosen. This isn’t a cookie-cutter approach; it’s a movement. Here’s how they’re pulling it off and the playbook any innovative organization should take notes from.
Meet the World Where It Is
The Chosen started by recognizing one fundamental truth: People connect digitally, socially, and culturally. It’s why they’re translating the series into 600 languages—this isn’t just about accessibility; it’s about honoring diversity and speaking in voices people recognize. They’re taking the message of Jesus, one that’s over 2,000 years old, and making it resonate with the TikTok generation and beyond. Think about that. If your mission doesn’t speak your audience’s language (literally and figuratively), how can you expect it to stick?
Check out how people are connected to media and consuming, and what might surprise you is how many are not connected to any form of internet or cellular network. It’s more than 1/3 of the world’s population. (But, SpaceX’s StarLink is working on this as I draft this update. By the way, while based in Kodiak, AK, I had the honor of working with Matt Dunn, International Affairs, and KALI Org for remote broadband for Alaska, Project Connect to the Stars.)
Accessibility: The Power of Free
One of The Chosen’s brilliant moves? A free app that acts as the series’ “forever home.” This isn’t just a streaming platform; it’s a digital sanctuary where fans can access all episodes, resources, and community discussions. Imagine if Netflix went free—The Chosen app is doing just that for a cause, not for profit. And this “free” strategy isn’t about minimizing value; it’s about maximizing reach.
For innovators and startups, here’s a lesson: Sometimes, the biggest barrier to entry is cost. Remove it, and watch the world come in.
Multi-Access Strategy: Wherever, However
The Chosen is hitting every distribution channel you can think of—commercial platforms, streaming apps, broadcast, in-person events. And they didn’t stop there. They’ve even pitched a potential future release for 2027 of a Lite App for regions with low bandwidth and even plan on offline, portable devices for areas off the digital grid. This is accessibility reimagined.
For a business trying to go global, the takeaway here is clear: your reach has to match your ambition. Think beyond your website or app. How can you make your product or message accessible to audiences in all corners of the world?
Regional Strategy with Local Flavor
While The Chosen is a global initiative, it’s not a one-size-fits-all plan. They’re tailoring their approach to each region—targeting major languages, tapping into local influencers, and collaborating with regional ministries. Think local, act global. That’s the secret sauce.
For anyone launching on a global scale, it’s not enough to simply translate. Cultural resonance is key. Make people feel like your product or message was made for them.
The Ultimate Catalyst for Unity and Discovery
The Chosen is more than a show—it’s a tool for personal exploration and community engagement. They’re empowering churches, influencers, and viewers to not just watch but share and participate. Through regional watch parties, partnerships with global ministries, and faith-based events, they’ve mobilized an entire network to help carry their mission forward.
Here’s your blueprint: Don’t just engage your audience; enlist them. Make them advocates, not just consumers.
Tech and Heart in Harmony
The Chosen’s ambition isn’t driven by tech alone. It’s about a message that resonates deeply. They’re integrating tools like the YouVersion Bible App and streaming partnerships with CRU and Prison Fellowship to create a discipleship journey. Imagine a startup creating an ecosystem where users don’t just interact—they journey, learn, and grow together.
This isn’t just a tech strategy; it’s a heart strategy. It’s about giving people more than content; it’s about giving them a cause.
Wrapping It Up: From Vision to Viral
The Chosen’s strategy is more than a playbook; it’s a mindset shift. When you’re thinking about scaling, think beyond numbers. Think about hearts, minds, and lives changed. If they can aim to reach 1 billion people with a message of hope and purpose, what could you do with your own mission?
Come and see, as they say, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll find the blueprint for something bigger than you ever imagined.
And yes, Egypt was the experience of a lifetime, with actor Jordan Walker Ross, cast as Little James on The Chosen.
The Collective Agency : : Marketing, Creative & Innovation for Faith-Based Impact 
“Don’t just engage your audience; enlist them. Make them advocates, not just consumers.” Thanks for the level of detail and strategy you included here. Love it.