Christian Family TV Review: Amazon Prime TV Series House of David
2/11/2025
What The Chosen did for the story of Jesus and His “chosen” followers, a new Amazon Prime TV series, House of David, strives to do for the story of David in the Bible. Premiering on February 27, 2025, the biblical drama brings to life David, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan, and others in a vivid cinematic presentation.
The series was created by Jon Erwin, known for other faith-based hits such as Jesus Revolution, and co-directed with Jon Gunn. Produced by The Wonder Project in partnership with Amazon MGM Studios, Nomadic Pictures, Argonauts, Kingdom Story Company, and Lionsgate Television, the series is offered exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The first three episodes dropped in late February, with the remaining five episodes of its first season set to air weekly through April 3, 2025. Filmed in Greece, the show boasts high production values, elaborate costumes, and a well-chosen multinational cast led by newcomer Michael Iskander as David, alongside Ali Suliman as King Saul, Stephen Lang as Samuel, and Martyn Ford as Goliath.
The series represents Amazon’s timely entry into the growing faith-based movie and TV market, following the success of The Chosen (Dallas Jenkins, the creator of The Chosen, serves as a special advisor and shareholder in The Wonder Project).
What is House of David About?
Set in Judah and Israel around 1000 B.C., House of David chronicles the rise of David, the shepherd and musician who became Israel’s most celebrated king and the ancestor of Jesus of Nazareth. The narrative begins with a dramatic (and surprising) flash-forward to David’s iconic battle with Goliath before rewinding to explore his humble origins and subsequent adventures. The first season depicts the decline of King Saul, the first king of Israel, whose pride and disobedience to God led to his descent into madness. At God’s command, the prophet Samuel anoints David, an unlikely outcast, as Saul’s successor. As Saul’s kingdom unravels, David navigates love, loss, and violence, culminating in his ascent to the throne.
The lavish production clearly parallels the hugely popular Game of Thrones, with palace intrigue, family tensions, and well-choreographed battlefield scenes, while adhering to the biblical framework and offering a fresh and absorbing take on a familiar (to some) story.
How Faithful to the Bible is House of David?
The series opens with a disclaimer: “Some of the events depicted in this series may not accurately represent all historical and biblical facts or figures. While we have made efforts to portray certain aspects of history authentically, creative liberties have been taken for storytelling purposes.” The series incorporates information not only from the Bible but also from rabbinical traditions (such as the name and depiction of Nitzevet, David’s mother, and Orpah, Goliath’s mother), while artfully dropping biblical allusions as well as Hebrew language and cultural references. Some Bible students, despite the opening disclaimer, might quibble with some inaccuracies (such as Goliath’s exaggerated size and David’s mother dying in his childhood), but they’re likely to induce shrugs rather than eye rolls. And, like any good historical drama, the series smooths over complexities and fills in blanks that skirt or add to the biblical account without contradicting it.
Is House of David Appropriate for Children?
House of David is not a Sunday-school retelling. Episodes bear warnings for “violence, alcohol use, and language.” The violence is realistic, more evocative of Lord of the Rings than anything a child encounters in Sunday school. Scenes include sword battles with blood spray, off-screen killings of humans and animals, and implied promiscuity, though (at least in the early episodes) nothing explicit is shown. Language is mild, with occasional uses of “bastard” in its historical context and even an easy-to-miss circumcision jest. IN short, most families would consider it a PG or PG-13 depiction, not G-rated.
Is House of David Likely to Be Acceptable to Christian Families?
House of David is likely to find wide, enthusiastic reception among Christians. Its high production values and portrayal of David as a flawed yet God-chosen hero add to the reality and resonance of the already-rich biblical account. Creators Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, both veterans of faith-based media, deftly avoid the smarmy and preachy pitfalls of some faith-based projects, offering a sophisticated narrative that doesn’t shy away from human struggle. While it takes creative liberties, as stated, it captures the spirit of the Bible, and—with proper parental oversight—will inspire young and old.
Did You Know Kids Can Play a King David’s Battles Mobile Game?
While Amazon Prime subscribers can enjoy watching House of David, an absorbing mobile game on the TruPlay Games platform allows players to actively experience David’s battles, giving players of all ages insight into King David’s battles. Culminating in his confrontation with Goliath, the giant of Gath, “King David’s Battles” allows players to imagine what it must have been like for David to face dangers and obstacles (such as lions and bears) before facing the formidable Philistine giant. The action role-playing game incorporates Scripture, showing David playing his lyre and encouraging himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6), as the player gets to fight numerous enemies on the way to the Valley of Elah, where Goliath awaits.
The TruPlay app’s ever-expanding selection of games includes Bible stories, Christian themes and values, and countless hours of engaging fun for children, youth, and adults. And, because it employs a subscription-based model, it allows children and adults to play, read, and have fun in an environment with no in-app purchases, no ads, and no in-app texting or chats, making it a safe and worry-free gaming environment.
TruPlay's website (TruPlayGames.com) clearly details the app's offerings, and free downloads and trials that are available in both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay. Explore the following links to unlock a fun and safe entertainment experience for your kids: