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House of David (TV series)
2025 American TV series From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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House of David is an American Biblical historical drama television series.[1][2][3] Created, co-directed, and co-written by filmmaker Jon Erwin for Amazon Prime Video, it is a multi-season series about the life of David. Primarily set in Israel in 1000 BC, the series depicts the rise of David, tracing his journey from his paternal servitude as a shepherd to his battle against Goliath and eventual kingship with the House of David succeeding the House of Saul. Michael Iskander stars as David alongside Ali Suliman, Stephen Lang, Ayelet Zurer, Indy Lewis, Ethan Kai, and Martyn Ford.
The series was produced by The Wonder Project, a studio led by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, and is internationally distributed by Lionsgate. The creators have emphasized that the show is made for a broad audience, not just religious people.[4]
Following a four-month casting search, Iskander was chosen to portray David, and Ford as Goliath. Filming took place in Greece in 2024.[5]
The series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes made available on Amazon Prime Video, followed by weekly releases through April 3, 2025. Within its first 17 days, the show attracted 22 million viewers. On March 18, 2025, prior to the season one finale, Amazon Prime Video announced the renewal for a second season.[6] Production for the new season began in Greece over Easter weekend in 2025.[7] The series received positive feedback for its high production quality and its respectful portrayal of Jewish traditions and the biblical story.
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Premise
Set in 1000 BC in Israel, the first season chronicles David as a young shepherd anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the next king following Saul's mental deterioration. On his path to the throne, David encounters both challenges and opportunities from his faith and relationships, culminating with his fight against the Philistine giant Goliath.[8]
Cast and characters
Main
- Michael Iskander as David: A shepherd in Bethlehem from the Tribe of Judah who is anointed to be the next king of Israel. A poet and a musician playing the lyre, he is the youngest son of Jesse and Nitzevet, the younger brother of Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, the older brother of Avva, and a relative of Joab. Raphael Korniets portrays David as a child.
- Raphael Korniets portrays a young David
- Ali Suliman as Saul: The first king of Israel from the Tribe of Benjamin, the husband of Ahinoam, the father of Jonathan, Eshbaal, Mirab, and Michal, and the cousin of Abner. He is a former donkey herder and the son of Kish.
- Indy Lewis as Michal (here spelled Mychal): A princess of Israel, the younger daughter of Saul and Ahinoam, the sister of Jonathan, Eshbaal, and Mirab, and David's love interest.
- Ethan Kai as Jonathan: A prince of Israel, the oldest son of Saul and Ahinoam, and the older brother of Eshbaal, Mirab, and Michal.
- Oded Fehr as Abner: The commander-in-chief of his cousin Saul's army.
- Yali Topol Margalith as Mirab: A princess of Israel, the older daughter of Saul and Ahinoam, and the sister of Jonathan, Eshbaal, and Michal.
- Davood Ghadami as Eliab: A high-ranking soldier in Saul's army, the oldest son of Jesse and Nitzevet, the older brother of David, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
- Ayelet Zurer as Ahinoam: The first queen of Israel, the wife of Saul, and the mother of Jonathan, Eshbaal, Mirab, and Michal.
- Aury Alby as Joab: The second-in-command officer of Saul's army after Abner and a relative of Jesse and his children.
Recurring
- Inbar Saban as Kazia: A servant girl in King Saul's household
- Stewart Scudamore as Adriel: The chief elder from the Tribe of Judah and an adviser of Saul. He is the son of Barzillai.
- Louis Ferreira as Jesse: A former elder in Bethlehem, the father of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem, the husband of Nitzevet, and a relative of Joab. He is the son of Obed and the grandson of Boaz.
- Alexander Uloom as Achish: The Philistine king of Gath, one of the five kings of Philistia, and an enemy of Israel.
- Stephen Lang as Samuel: A prophet and a seer of the Lord God, who is the last of the judges leading Israel before anointing Saul and David as kings. He is husband of Hila and the son of Elkanah and Hannah.
- Naby Dakhli as Abinadab: A high-ranking soldier in Saul's army, the second son of Jesse and Nitzevit, a brother of David, Eliab, Nethaneel, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
- Rada Rae as Avva: The daughter of Jesse and Nitzevet and the younger sister of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Ozem.
- Aziz Dyab as Nethaneel: The fourth son of Jesse and Nitzevet, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
- Stefanos Vuksanovic as Ozem: The sixth son of Jesse and Nitzevet, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Raddai, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
- Konstantinos Krommidas as Raddai: The fifth son of Jesse and Nitzevet, a brother of David, Eliab, Abinadab, Nethaneel, Ozem, and Avva, and a relative of Joab.
- Paolo Luka-Noé as Jordan: The youngest son of Adriel and a love interest of Mirab's.
- Siir Tilif as Nitzevet: The wife of Jesse and the mother of David, as well as his siblings Eliab, Nethaneel, Abinadab, Raddai, Ozem, and Avva.
- Martyn Ford as Goliath: A Philistine giant from Gath descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim, an enemy of Israel, and the brother of Lahmi, Ishbi, and Benob.
- Jeremy Xido as King Agag: The king of Amalek and an enemy of Israel.
- Sam Otto as Eshbaal: A prince of Israel, the younger son of Saul and Ahinoam, and the brother of Jonathan, Mirab, and Michal.
- Eden Saban as Besai: A Baal priestess and an advisor to Ahinoam, the queen of Israel and Saul's wife.
- Ashraf Barhom as Doeg: The Edomite chief servant of Saul's herdsmen.
- Nimo Hochenberg as Silas: Samuel's loyal servant.
- Bahia Haifi as Hila: The wife of the prophet Samuel.
- Teym Joseph as Reuben: A young boy who witnesses the Philistine attack on Baal Hazor.
- Alex Anastaopoulos as Azor
- Haydar Koyel as Ashkelon: The Philistine king of Ashkelon, one of the five kings of Philistia, and an enemy of Israel.
- Derek Horsham as Yurza: The Philistine king of Gaza, one of the five kings of Philistia, and an enemy of Israel.
- Raresh DiMofte as Lahmi: A Philistine giant from Gath descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim and the brother of Goliath, Ishbi, and Benob.
- Sian Webber as Orpah: The mother of the giants Goliath, Lahmi, Ishbi, and Benob.
- Luzian Gupta as Josiah: A young servant who of Saul's.
- Dimitris Ziakas as Ahimelech: The Levite high priest of Israel in Nob.
- Andreas Alevizos as Ishbi: A Philistine giant descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim and the brother of Goliath, Lahmi, and Benob.
- Christos Villanakis as Benob: A Philistine giant descended from Anakim, the last of the Nephilim and the brother of Goliath, Lahmi, and Ishbi.
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Episodes
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Production
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Development
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Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn both known for their work in faith-based cinema
The development of House of David originated from creator Jon Erwin's longstanding interest in the biblical story of King David. Erwin's fascination with the narrative began in his youth and led him to start working on the script as a teenager after visiting King David's tomb in Jerusalem. This early inspiration eventually contributed to the creation of the television series years later. The series was produced by The Wonder Project, a studio founded by Erwin and Kelly Merryman Hoogstraten, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios.[9] Amazon's interest in a high-budget biblical series was piqued when On a Wing and a Prayer proved unexpectedly popular on the platform.[10]
Amazon's initial order was only for one season. Erwin said before its release that the script he wrote encompasses three seasons, hoping to finish it.[11]
Casting
The casting process for House of David was extensive, spanning four months to find the ideal actor for the titular role. The filmmakers said the actors did not need to be personally religious, but needed to be excited about the story.[10]
Newcomer Michael Iskander was ultimately selected to portray David,[12] marking his first major acting credit. Iskander secured the role in auditions partly because he had thrown the shot put and the discus in high school.[13] Joining him is Ali Suliman as King Saul, the first king of Israel whose complex relationship with David forms a central pillar of the story. Ayelet Zurer portrays Queen Ahinoam, Saul's wife, adding depth to the royal family dynamics.[14] Veteran actor Stephen Lang takes on the role of Samuel, the prophet who anoints David. Additionally, British bodybuilder and actor Martyn Ford was cast as the formidable Goliath.[15] Ford is 6'8" and 320 pounds, and in the series is portrayed as 9'9" through forced perspective and digital enhancements.[13]
The supporting cast includes Louis Ferreira as Jesse, David's father; Ethan Kai as Jonathan, Saul's son and David's close friend; Indy Lewis as Michal, Saul's daughter; Oded Fehr as Abner, the commander of Saul's army; Yali Topol Margalith as Mirab, Saul's eldest daughter; Nimo Hochenberg as Silas, Samuel's loyal servant; Aury Alby as Joab, one of David's warriors; Ashraf Barhom as Doeg the Edomite; Sam Otto as Eshbaal, another of Saul's sons; Davood Ghadami as Eliab, David's eldest brother; Alexander Uloom as Achish, a Philistine king; Raresh DiMofte as Lahmi; and Siir Tilif as Nitzevet, David's mother.[16]
Writing
The writing of House of David seeks to present a nuanced depiction of King David by combining scriptural narratives with creative storytelling. Co-created and directed by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, both known for their work in faith-based cinema, the series aims to make the biblical story more relatable to contemporary audiences. Drawing primarily from the early chapters of 1 Samuel, the narrative follows David’s transformation from a shepherd to a central figure in Israel’s history. The writers expand upon the biblical text to explore his relationships with key figures such as King Saul and the prophet Samuel, adding complexity to these interactions.[17]
The series integrates direct biblical references with original dialogue, developing subplots that provide depth to secondary characters, including Saul, Michal, and Jonathan. It also delves into David’s internal struggles with faith, morality, and leadership, extending beyond his well-documented battles and victories.[15]
The series is intended to be faithful to the Hebrew Bible but not necessarily a strict retelling of the biblical account of David. "I do remind people this is not Scripture. This is not the source material. This is a love letter to the source material," Erwin says.[18] Historians, biblical and rabbinical scholars, and pastors were consulted in writing the script.[10]
One of the challenges in writing the series was crafting dialogue that felt authentic to the historical setting while remaining accessible to modern audiences. To achieve this balance, the writers adopted a formal yet naturalistic style, avoiding overly archaic language.[19]
Erwin and Gunn say that the show is not only intended for religious people but for a broad audience, with inspiration taken from The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter.[2]
Principal photography
Principal photography for House of David commenced in 2024, with the production team selecting Greece as the primary filming location. The country's ancient architecture and diverse landscapes provided an authentic backdrop for the biblical narrative. Specific locations included the region of Fyli, which effectively represented the historical setting of the series. Additionally, parts of the series were filmed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, utilizing its vast terrains to depict various aspects of the story.[20]
The production team initially scouted locations in Morocco, Jordan, Italy, and Israel before finalizing Greece and Canada for their suitable landscapes and infrastructure. Filming in these locations not only provided visual authenticity but also contributed to the high production values noted in the series.[21] Over 700 people were involved in the production.[11]
Generative artificial intelligence was used in combination with traditional special effects to create an origin sequence for Goliath. Erwin stated that AI made the scene grander and more detailed than their time and budget would allow using only regular tools.[22]
Music
The music for the television series House of David was composed by Kevin Kiner along with his children, Sean and Deana. The trio has previously worked on series such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Narcos: Mexico.[23]
For House of David, their composition incorporates a blend of traditional Middle Eastern instrumentation and contemporary orchestral elements, aiming to align with the historical setting while appealing to modern audiences. The series' official soundtrack, House of David: Season One, was released digitally on February 27, 2025, to coincide with the show's premiere.[23]
Additionally, a compilation album titled Music Inspired by the Prime Video Original Series "House of David" features songs from various artists that complement the themes of the series. The album was made available for pre-save on February 21, 2025.[24]
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Release
The series premiered on February 27, 2025, with the first three episodes made available for streaming.[25][26] New episodes were released weekly on Thursdays Prime Video, with the season finale airing on April 3, 2025.[27]
In its first week, the series reached #2 on Prime's most watched list.[28] It drew 22 million viewers in the first 17 days, leading Amazon Prime to quickly renew it for a second season.[6]
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Reception
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Critical response
The series has received a range of reviews from critics. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 7 critics gave the series a positive review, with an average rating of 7/10.[29]
The Gospel Coalition praised House of David for maintaining a balance between narrative engagement and biblical accuracy. The review highlights how the multi-season format allows for more in-depth character development compared to feature films.[30] Similarly, Leah MarieAnn Klett of The Christian Post describes the series as "visually stunning and spiritually rich," commending its high production values and performances. She notes that the show effectively blends biblical accuracy with compelling drama, making the story accessible to contemporary audiences.[31]
Alison Herman of Variety critiqued House of David for its lack of depth, calling it “wooden and cheap-looking” despite Amazon’s investment in biblical epics. Acknowledging its positioning as a prequel to The Chosen, the review cites inconsistent accents, unconvincing special effects, and a lack of emotional engagement to ultimately consider the show uninspired, failing to develop compelling characters or match the intrigue of historical dramas like Shōgun.[32] Martin Carr of Comic Book Resources describes House of David as a "sweeping biblical epic" that embraces a grand storytelling approach. He highlights the series' exploration of political power struggles and divine intervention, crafting a narrative of triumph against overwhelming odds that resonates with contemporary audiences.[33] Joel Keller of Decider acknowledges its attempt to present biblical figures with greater depth but argues that it falls short, stating that the characters "appear more like mythical figures rather than relatable humans" and describing the tone as "dull and uninspiring".[34]
Batya Ungar-Sargon of The Free Press called the series "phenomenal" and praised its depiction of Jewish traditions. "The show’s most important contribution is in exposing liberal American Jews to the way so many of our Christian neighbors see us—not as an oppressed victim caste who killed Christ and should be loathed for it, but rather as an ancient, noble tribe of warrior poets and kings favored by the blessing of the God they serve," she wrote.[35]
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Historical accuracy
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David’s characterization and backstory
In House of David, the character of David is portrayed as a musically talented yet marginalized figure within his family, burdened by guilt and fear, and initially hesitant to accept his divine calling. This portrayal reflects certain aspects of the biblical narrative—David is described as a skilled musician (1 Samuel 16:18–23; Psalms 23) and was initially overlooked by his father Jesse during Samuel's search for a new king (1 Samuel 16:11). However, the series emphasizes a rebellious and doubtful disposition that contrasts with the biblical account, which presents David as confident and faithful from a young age. In the Bible, David expresses trust in God, notably during his confrontation with Goliath,[36] declaring that "The Lord… will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:37), a level of conviction not reflected in the series.[37]
The series introduces a fictional narrative in which David's mother is depicted as a Gentile, and David is portrayed as being viewed as illegitimate by his family and blamed for her death (House of David, Episode 1). This portrayal does not appear in the biblical account, which neither identifies David’s mother as a Gentile nor implies his illegitimacy. The depiction may draw loosely from certain Jewish traditions or interpretations of passages such as Psalm 69:8–12, where David describes being alienated from his brothers. The series references the biblical figures Ruth and Rahab—David's great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, respectively—as Gentiles (Ruth 1:16; Joshua 2:1–21), but the connection is speculative and not explicitly made in the biblical text. These creative additions provide a dramatic backstory that differs from the scriptural narrative, which focuses on David's humble origins and his selection by God (1 Samuel 16:7).[38]
King Saul and His Family
The depiction of King Saul, portrayed by Ali Suliman, follows the biblical narrative in several key aspects. His disobedience regarding the command to destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3–9) and subsequent rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:26) are presented in accordance with the scriptural account in House of David (Episode 1). The series also reflects the biblical portrayal of Saul’s decline into paranoia and instability, described in 1 Samuel 16:14, with Suliman's performance emphasizing this transformation. However, the series incorporates dramatized elements not found in the Bible, such as Saul attacking his wife, Ahinoam, and fighting with his son Jonathan, which serve to heighten the character's instability for narrative purposes.[39]
In House of David, Queen Ahinoam is portrayed as a politically ambitious and scheming figure, a characterization that differs significantly from her limited mention in the Bible (1 Samuel 14:50). The series also diverges from the biblical narrative by depicting Saul's son Eshbaal (Ishbaal) as attempting to claim the throne during Saul's lifetime, whereas in the Bible, Eshbaal's short reign takes place only after Saul's death (2 Samuel 2:8–10). In contrast, the portrayal of Jonathan aligns closely with the biblical account, presenting him as a devoted son and loyal friend to David (1 Samuel 18:1–4). The series further alters the timeline of events by showing Saul's daughter Michal developing a romantic relationship with David before his rise to fame, whereas the Bible states their relationship begins following David's defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 18:20–27).[40][37]
Other Figures
The portrayal of Goliath and the Philistines in House of David blends elements of historical context with creative interpretation. In the Bible, Goliath is described as a giant from Gath, equipped with armor and weapons that suggest Mycenaean Greek influence (1 Samuel 17:4–7), consistent with scholarly theories that associate the Philistines with the "Sea Peoples" originating from regions such as Crete or Cyprus (Deuteronomy 2:23; Amos 9:7).[41][42] The series reflects this historical background by accurately portraying Goliath's bronze greaves and spear. However, it introduces fictional elements, including a backstory in which Goliath is the son of a woman named Orpah—a character linked to Ruth's sister-in-law in rabbinic tradition—and part of a family of giants living in a cave. These additions draw from non-biblical sources such as 1 Chronicles 20:5 and various mythological interpretations. The dramatized battle scene in which Goliath hurls a javelin at David is also a creative addition; the biblical account only describes David defeating Goliath with a single stone from his sling (1 Samuel 17:49–50).[3][38]
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References
External links
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