Variety's Report on the Impact of Faith & Media in 2025

Variety has released its second Faith & Media Impact Report, shining a spotlight on a vibrant part of the entertainment industry that embraces creators from diverse religious backgrounds. This sector is marked by artists and executives producing uplifting, value-driven content that resonates with audiences across faiths.

On December 4, the Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors, organized by the Coalition for Faith and Media, recognized individuals who champion underrepresented spiritual themes. Honorees included Bridget Everett, star and executive producer of Somebody Somewhere; Mo Amer, creator and lead of Mo Amer: Wild World; Thomas Paa Sibbett, creator of Chief of War; Tiffany Haddish, star of Tiffany Haddish Goes Off; and Zahn McClarnon, star and producer of Dark Winds. The event was hosted by author and podcaster Jay Shetty.

Mo Amers Netflix series Mo draws from his Palestinian American upbringing, exploring the challenges faced by Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S., while his new stand-up special, Wild World, examines free speech and social absurdities. Meanwhile, Youssefs animated series #1 Happy Family USA follows a Muslim family in early-2000s America, addressing societal challenges with humor and heart.

Angel Studios has emerged as a leader in faith-based cinema, proving that values-driven narratives can achieve mainstream success. With over 1.5 million members, their projects, including the animated biblical feature The King of Kings, have generated more than $60 million domestically, demonstrating the demand for family-friendly, spiritually uplifting stories.

Streaming platforms are increasingly embracing spiritual storytelling. Amazon Prime Videos House of David achieved notable success, and the platform secured U.S. streaming rights for the Bible epic The Chosen along with its unscripted spinoff The Chosen in the Wild With Bear Grylls. These projects aim to deliver meaningful entertainment that resonates deeply with faith-based audiences.

Creators like Bob-Waksberg explore spirituality in nuanced ways, with series like Long Short Story depicting Jewish traditions and personal growth within modern family dynamics. Apple TV+ series highlighting Hawaiian history and culture, starring Jason Momoa, demonstrates the universal appeal of Indigenous spiritual stories and the healing power of shared narratives.

Zahn McClarnons work on Leaphorn & Chee, adapted from Tony Hillermans novels, presents Native American culture and spirituality from authentic community perspectives. Lionsgate, Tyler Perry, Netflix, and CBS are producing faith-forward films and series, including Ruth & Boaz and Relationship Goals, aiming to inspire and uplift audiences.

Future programming like The Faithful, airing over Easter/Passover on Fox, emphasizes strong female-driven biblical storytelling, connecting timeless themes to contemporary life. Bear Grylls continues to merge adventure and faith, making spiritual stories accessible to mainstream audiences.

Collaborations between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington in Highest 2 Lowest tackle moral and ethical dilemmas, while Stephen King and Mike Flanagans The Life of Chuck examines life, hope, and redemption. Faith-centered storytelling also thrives in series like HBOs Somebody Somewhere and Task, exploring personal struggles, ethical challenges, and complex characters navigating faith in modern life.

Docuseries like the one based on Amanda Knoxs story highlight reconciliation, resilience, and spiritual growth through real-life experiences. Films like the third installment of Knives Out integrate faith as a central theme, creating thought-provoking narratives that balance moral inquiry with entertainment.

Platforms such as Wonder and Lionsgate continue to expand faith-based content, with shows like House of David and specials documenting real-life journeys of inspiration and spirituality. Their mission underscores the enduring impact of courageous storytelling that resonates with global audiences.

Across film, television, and streaming, faith and spirituality are increasingly shaping mainstream media, demonstrating that stories rooted in belief, ethics, and human resilience have a significant place in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

Analysis: The Growing Influence of Faith-Based Storytelling

The latest Faith & Media Impact Report from Variety confirms that faith-centered content is no longer a niche market. Creators from diverse religious backgrounds are producing series and films that combine spiritual themes with mainstream appeal, demonstrating both commercial viability and audience engagement.

Events like the Faith and Spirituality in Entertainment Honors highlight the importance of recognizing underrepresented voices. Honorees such as Bridget Everett, Mo Amer, and Zahn McClarnon illustrate how storytelling can explore cultural identity, moral questions, and community experiences through a faith-informed lens.

Streaming platforms and studios, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Angel Studios, Lionsgate, and Netflix, are increasingly investing in values-driven projects. From animated features like The King of Kings to docuseries and dramas like Leaphorn & Chee, there is clear evidence that spiritual narratives resonate widely and contribute to meaningful entertainment.

Faith-based content is also expanding the diversity of perspectives, addressing Jewish, Muslim, Native American, and Indigenous spiritual experiences. These stories blend cultural authenticity with universal themes such as resilience, redemption, and ethical reflection, appealing to both faith-based and general audiences.

Overall, the report and recent industry developments indicate that faith and spirituality are shaping mainstream media more than ever. They are no longer confined to traditional religious channels but are influencing contemporary entertainment across genres, platforms, and audience demographics.

Sources:

• Variety’s Faith & Media Impact Report 2025