(ANS – Rome) – In light of the international media phenomenon The Chosen—an interesting case study on the relationship between audiovisual series, the representation of the sacred, and audience engagement—the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome will launch a multidisciplinary research project beginning in May. The project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the phenomenon and to open new avenues for research and further study.

In recent years, the relationship between audiovisual media and the religious dimension has gained renewed prominence within academic discourse, alongside processes of digitization, increasing audience fragmentation, and the transformation of cultural consumption practices. In this context, television series have emerged as a privileged space for symbolic reinterpretation, capable of capturing new ways of experiencing the sacred—no longer confined to traditional religious institutions but widespread throughout the media ecosystem.

Within this framework, The Chosen stands out as a particularly significant case study. Created by Dallas Jenkins, the series distinguishes itself by combining a biblical narrative—centered on the figure of Jesus and his disciples—with the conventions of contemporary television, characterized by extended plot development, psychological depth of characters, and long-term narrative arcs. This approach allows content traditionally associated with catechetical or even liturgical contexts to be presented in an accessible, emotionally engaging, and culturally relevant narrative form.

It is from this perspective that a group of faculty members from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome is undertaking a comprehensive and interdisciplinary research project focused specifically on The Chosen.

The initiative, promoted by the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences in collaboration with the Institute of Pastoral Theology of the Faculty of Theology and the Institute of Pedagogy of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, aims to systematically explore the textual, production, and reception dimensions of the series, integrating approaches from media studies, the theology of communication, and audience studies.

The research project will begin with a study seminar to be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 3:00 PM (UTC+2) in the Juan Vecchi Hall at the Salesian University. The first part of the session will feature presentations by several experts who will examine how the Christian community has narrated the figure and message of Jesus throughout history, with particular attention to different historical periods and artistic and communicative forms. The second part of the seminar will include a presentation by essayist Annunziata Antonazzo, author of an initial publication on Dallas Jenkins’ series, We Are The Chosen: Jesus in an App (published by Àncora).

Prof. Annalisa Guida, Lecturer in New Testament Exegesis at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of Southern Italy, “San Luigi” section in Naples, will present on literary and visual expressions in the early centuries of Christianity. Prof. Giancarlo Olcuire, Lecturer in Art History and Graphic Design at the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences at UPS, will explore artistic and visual storytelling from Humanism to the Renaissance. Prof. Fabio Pasqualetti, Dean of the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences at UPS, will focus on musical language, particularly Christian rock in the 20th century. Prof. Dario Edoardo Viganò, Professor of Cinema at Uninettuno University, will examine audiovisual storytelling in film and television series.

Prof. Maria Paola Piccini, Lecturer in Social Research Methodology, will present the research project and the survey on how audiences engage with the series The Chosen.

This seminar not only marks the launch of the research project but also represents an opportunity for deeper analysis and a first step toward building a network of collaborations capable of developing broader and comparative studies over time. The program includes additional events and opportunities for further study, culminating in a study day and a publication to coincide with the conclusion of The Chosen series.

Source: Unisal