NEW YORK — December 6, 2024 – FOX Nation will debut a new multi-part docudrama Jesus Crown of Thorns as part of its robust “FOX Faith” vertical now available on the platform. Over the course of eight episodes, the first of which drops on Sunday, the life and mission of Jesus Christ is retold among an intense political backdrop, in which he emerged as a revolutionary figure who dared to challenge the status quo. Produced by Nutopia, the filmmakers behind The Last Czars, the series was created by Jane Root, with executive producer Ben Goold.
Episode 1 – Sunday, December 8th
Under the joint oppression of the Roman Empire and King Herod the Great, the Jewish people of Judea yearn for a Messiah. A young girl called Mary is betrothed to Joseph, but her divine pregnancy strains their relationship, until the truth is revealed to Joseph by an angelic visitation. Forced by the calling of a Roman census, the couple make a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, Jewish rebels are arrested and meet the full extent of King Herod’s wrath. In Bethlehem, a heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph find shelter with a relative.
Episode 2 – Sunday, December 8th
Amongst the animals, Mary gives birth to a baby boy called Jesus, and shepherds come to pay their respects after receiving divine guidance from the Angel Gabriel. Meanwhile, three Magi –wise men– from the East arrive at King Herod’s palace in Jerusalem, seeking the newborn “King of the Jews.” Herod, in a state of deteriorating health and paranoia, fears this child will be a threat to his reign. When the Magi do not return to him as promised, he orders a brutal massacre in an attempt to wipe out the child. Forewarned in a dream, the Holy Family flees to Egypt out of Herod’s grasps.
Episode 3 – Sunday, December 15th
In a dream, Joseph learns of King Herod’s death, prompting the Holy Family to return to Nazareth. In Rome, Herod’s sons, Archelaus and Antipas, vie for control of their father’s kingdom before the emperor. Meanwhile, back in Judea, a rebel leader ignites a protest with devastating consequences. When one of Herod’s sons struggles to govern Jerusalem, the Romans replace him with Pontius Pilate as governor, whose own controversial actions within the Temple incite a protest. On the banks of the Jordan River, John the Baptist preaches a fiery message. After the death of Joseph, Jesus sets out on his own.
Episode 4 – Sunday, December 15th
Jesus meets John the Baptist on the banks of the Jordan River, and he joins him and his followers. Pilate’s allocation of Temple funds for an aqueduct sparks further protest. Meanwhile, at the River Jordan, Jesus is baptised by John. Jesus then sets out alone into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights, facing Satan’s temptations. John the Baptist grows bolder, and takes his preaching to Antipas and Herodias’ doorstep, daring to denounce their incestuous marriage.
Episode 5 – Sunday, January 1st
John the Baptist is imprisoned within Antipas’ desert fortress. John’s prophetic words increasingly infuriate Herodias, while Antipas grows more conflicted. Jesus returns from the wilderness to find Andrew at John’s deserted camp. Together, Jesus and Andrew journey to Capernaum, where Jesus encounters the disillusioned fisherman Simon, and orchestrates a miraculous catch of fish. Matthew the tax collector is called as a disciple. Andrew visits John in prison, and John asks an important question of Jesus.
Episode 6 – Sunday, January 1st
Jesus reunites with his mother Mary at a wedding in Cana. When the wine runs dry, Mary urges her miraculous son to help. Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth and declares himself the Messiah which provokes violent uproar. Undeterred, he goes on to heal a leper. Meanwhile, Antipas faces invasion from a neighboring kingdom. Jesus dines with Mary and his brother James, who express their concerns about his growing fame. In the desert fortress, Antipas’ unsavory affections for his stepdaughter Salome become clear.
Episode 7 – Sunday, January 8th
John the Baptist’s stay in prison escalates tension within Antipas’ family. In Capernaum, the Pharisees lay a number of traps for Jesus. Mary and James, Jesus’ brother, try to intervene and rescue him but Jesus has no intention of coming home. Andrew conveys Jesus’ message to John, who now recognizes him as the Messiah. Herodias begins to plot a deadly scheme.
Episode 8 – Sunday, January 8th
In a Capernaum synagogue, Jesus teaches the parable of The Good Samaritan. Antipas hosts a lavish party, attended by friends and dignitaries, and under the instruction of Herodias, Salome performs a seductive dance so enticing that Antipas offers her anything she wants. She requests John’s head on a platter, sealing his fate. Jesus, deeply affected by John’s death, retreats from his followers, while Antipas’s forces face down military disaster. Simon Peter realizes that Jesus is the Messiah.
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