The first season of House of David has been a big hit on Prime Video. It’s a mix of both Biblical tales and historical facts, examining the rise of young David from the boy who takes down Goliath to the future king of Isreal in 1000 BC.
The series has become a major draw with good critical acclaim. It mixes powerful drama and action with strong Christian themes while also appealing to mainstream audiences. This is part of a new trend in TV to showcase religious-themed works. So if you enjoy House of David, here are similar shows to check out on streaming!
1. The Chosen (2017-present)
A full-fledged phenomenon, this stunning series has become an international success. It’s a multi-season look at the life of Jesus as he begins his journey spreading his messages of peace across the land. It’s mostly told through the eyes of the Apostles and other followers. Jonathan Roumie is terrific in the lead role.
The series excels in capturing the authenticity of the era, and far more in-depth than other series about Jesus. His messages of peace and understanding contrast with the political games played in Rome. With season 4 ending with Jesus entering Jerusalem and setting up further conflict with Rome, the show is moving to a dramatic height that makes it the perfect time to start watching if you aren't already.
Streaming on Prime Video.
2. The Bible (2013)
This 2013 epic mini-series from the History Channel is an amazing take on Biblical tales. The special effects are amazing and bring to life events like Noah’s flood, the 10 Plagues of Egypt, the Red Sea parting and more. It goes from Adam and Eve to Jesus. The stellar cast is wonderful, making it all work.
The 10-episode series flows well through the various Old Testament volumes into Jesus’ life, and paved the way for many more top Biblical-themed shows to follow. It still stands up well as a good watch for even non-Christian viewers to enjoy.
Streaming on Prime Video.
3. A.D. The Bible Continues (2015)
The success of The Bible led to a sequel series which aired on NBC. Starting with the Resurrection, it moves through the drama of Pontius Pilate and Rome handling the outcry over Jesus’ fate. The political infighting is more prominent in this series, especially the upheaval when Calagulia takes over as Emperor.
The actors may not be particularly famous, but that's not a bad thing as it allows the story and drama to take center stage. Again, the political overtones make this much better than the previous limited series.
Streaming on Prime Video and Tubi.
4. Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
For an old-school look at Jesus, you can’t go wrong with this groundbreaking 1977 show from the golden age of the TV mini-series epic. Robert Powell plays Jesus, and the show takes the unique approach of focusing on him as both man and something greater. The familiar storylines are presented well, with some turns like Judas presented more as a trusting fool than a true traitor.
The cast is an all-star affair with Anne Bancroft, Ernest Borgnine, James Earl Jones, Anthony Quinn, Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov, Rod Steiger, and more. The presentation is lavish with scenes that were stunning to 1977 audiences. It still holds up today as one of the best presentations of this figure ever put on TV.
Streaming on Tubi.
5. Moses the Lawgiver (1977)
Most people will remember Charlton Heston as Moses in the 1955 classic The Ten Commandments. Yet the equally legendary Burt Lancaster does a very good job in the role in this 1977 mini-series. It tells the famous tale of Moses, who was raised as an Egyptian prince before discovering his roots as a Hebrew and being chosen to lead his people to freedom. And yes, we get the Ten Plagues and the Red Sea.
However, the series also delves into aspects other adaptations ignore. There’s more of Moses’ time in the Wilderness, building a home and government for his people, and some infighting among the freed slaves. Anthony Quayle plays Moses' brother Aaron. This might not be as great as other shows on this list, but it's another Biblical epic that deserves a watch.
Streaming on Prime Video.
6. Kings (2009)
Airing on NBC, of all places, in 2009, this highly underrated drama is a brilliant modernized take on Biblical tales. Set in a fictional kingdom that’s a modern monarchy at the brink of war, the show is headlined by the always terrific Ian McShane as King Silas. Beset by war, political turmoil and a conniving wife, Silas is moved when young David (Christopher Egan) becomes a hero who saves the king’s son.
Silas takes David under his wing, using him to unite the people and inspire the future. However, his help may backfire when he sees a sign that David may have been divinely chosen to replace Silas as king. The show uses plenty of symbolism and imagery mixed with political conflicts that puts Succession to shame.
There’s good character dynamics (David falling in love with Silas’ daughter) and it builds to a fantastic two-part finale. It’s a shame the show didn't last past one season, as it was ahead of its time, mixing political and soap opera drama with a unique faith-based angle, and McShane alone makes it watchable.
Streaming on The Roku Channel.
House of David is now streaming on Prime Video.
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