Netflix has secured worldwide distribution rights to “The Passion,” a live TV musical event narrated by Tyler Perry about the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, following Fox’s U.S. broadcast Sunday.
“The Passion” aired on Fox on March 20 (Palm Sunday). On March 22, the special will be available on Netflix internationally with the exception of the Netherlands, where the format originated. The special will air in the Netherlands March 25.
Netflix acquired the rights to the special from Dick Clark Prods. Under the deal, it has streaming rights for 13 months for non-U.S. territories. In the States, Fox is offering replays of “The Passion” to authenticated users of pay-TV partners.
“The Passion,” written by Peter Barsocchini (“High School Musical”), tells the story of Christ from the Last Supper to his crucifixion and resurrection, set in the modern day. The two-hour special features music sung by the cast and arranged by exec producer Adam Anders (“Glee,” “Rock of Ages”) and will be shot at nine locations in New Orleans before an audience of more than 25,000.
Gospel singer Yolanda Adams will kick off the show with a special performance. “The Passion” cast members include Cuban-American singer Jencarlos Canela (Jesus Christ), Chris Daughtry (Judas), Prince Royce (Peter), Seal (Pontius Pilate), Trisha Yearwood (Mary, the mother of Jesus) and Christian singer/songwriter Michael W. Smith as one of Jesus’ disciples.
