‘House of David’: A New Era in Faith-Based Storytelling on Prime Video
In a pivotal moment for faith-based television, Amazon Prime Video’s new series, House of David, is quickly making a name for itself since its premiere on February 17, attracting over 22 million viewers. This Biblical-themed drama, produced by indie studio Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios, artfully adapts the classic tale of David and Goliath, as well as the tragic narrative of King Saul.
Reflection of a Vision
The essence of Edward R. Murrow’s vision for television—where the medium serves as a tool for teaching, illuminating, and inspiring—was echoed at a recent event held at Bel Air Church. Here, church leaders and creators of House of David gathered for a dinner and screening of the series. The screening served not only as entertainment but also as a catalyst for conversation around faith in contemporary storytelling.
Strengthening the Narrative
Brooke Zaugg, the executive director of Faith and Media Initiative, emphasized the significance of such narratives, stating, “It was a tremendous reminder that this is indeed something that’s important to a lot of people.” The event featured Martyn Ford, who portrays Goliath, as well as a video message from Jon Erwin, the show’s creator, writer, and director, who is currently involved in shooting on location.
Entertainment with Purpose
While deeply grounded in Biblical stories, House of David aims to engage a broad audience rather than serve strictly as a religious text. According to Erwin, “The whole point is to make an entertaining TV series—but it’s not Scripture. What we do is like a gigantic billboard pointing to the Bible.” This framing is intended to foster interest in the source material among viewers who may otherwise be disinclined to explore it.
Community Reactions
After the first episode, the pastor of Bel Air Church, Rev. Dr. Drew Sams, remarked, “I think that was the best sermon that’s ever been preached in this sanctuary,” signifying the narrative’s powerful impact. Similarly, voices like Pastor Chad Veach and Rabbi Steve Leder applauded the show for its respectful handling of Scripture, affirming that the incorporation of Biblical text enhances rather than distracts from the story.
Broadening Perspectives on Faith
Traci Blackwell, head of targeted content for Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, highlighted the broader implications of such storytelling, noting that amid societal disruptions, narratives focusing on morality and ethics are crucial. Blackwell stressed the need for stories that uplift rather than alienate: “We need this, particularly during this time, I think people are looking for hopeful stories.”
Moreover, Blackwell expressed her commitment to clarifying misconceptions about faith that have been muddied by partisan politics. “Part of why I feel like it’s important to do these stories is to reset and remind people who God really truly is and what he’s about,” she stated. This reflects a mission to highlight the essence of love and acceptance central to the Christian narrative.
Entertainment Meets Impact
Ultimately, for House of David to fulfill its ambitious goals, it must resonate with audiences as an engaging entertainment option. As Blackwell noted, “At the end of the day, we need them to do well. This is a business right here. We have to deliver results.” However, she also underscored the transformative potential that these stories hold for changing lives, expressing a dual focus on commercial viability and meaningful content.
(Pictured: Pastor Chad Veach, the Rev. Dr. Drew Sams, Prime Video’s Traci Blackwell, and Brooke Zaugg of Faith and Media Initiative)