THE CHOSEN IN THE WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS: Episode 1.3: “Dallas Jenkins”
A wilderness adventure that uncovers unexpected strength and faith.
Should You See It?
Here’s the good news upfront: Families who love adventure and survival stories will find plenty to enjoy here, but the episode offers much more than thrills. Dallas Jenkins talks candidly about faith, family, and personal growth, which gives the adventure a deeper emotional punch.
The wilderness challenges keep the tension high. Roaring whitewater rapids and nerve-racking rope crossings create real danger, and younger or more sensitive kids may find some scenes scary. But the danger also sets the stage for some of the episode’s best conversations. The challenges push Jenkins to consider what happens when we stop trying to control everything, trust God, and focus on what truly matters.
The episode also leaves room for redemption. Jenkins’ honesty about his own struggles and growth shows that faith does not mean getting everything right. It means recognizing where we fall short, trusting God, and choosing to grow. That message gives families a natural opportunity to talk about grace, humility, second chances, and the kind of person we want to become.
The gorgeous cinematography makes the wilderness feel both breathtaking and intimidating, while the dramatic music adds extra punch to the adventure and more emotional moments. Families looking for a Christian adventure with real substance will find plenty to discuss. However, parents should consider the intense peril and brief upper-torso nudity before watching with younger children.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBear Grylls takes Dallas Jenkins, creator of THE CHOSEN, deep into New York’s Adirondack Forest for an extreme wilderness adventure along the Ausable River. Dallas faces roaring whitewater, steep drop-offs, rope crossings, and grueling obstacles as he tackles a three-mile trek to the extraction point.
As Grylls pushes Jenkins beyond his comfort zone, their adventure turns into a deeper conversation about faith, family, and trusting God when life gets hard. Jenkins opens up about his desire to be a faithful husband and father and to one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” To reach the finish, he’ll have to rely on more than physical strength; he’ll have to draw on his faith, too.
Is It Any Good?
This episode earns all four stars and delivers from start to finish. Close-up shots put viewers right alongside the adventurers, while sweeping landscape and aerial shots showcase the breathtaking Adirondack wilderness. The pace stays strong, moving easily between heartfelt conversations about faith and family and high-stakes challenges.
Their honest discussions about failure, overcoming obstacles, and surrendering to God add real emotional weight and make the episode easy to connect with. Beautiful scenery, crisp visuals, exciting challenges, meaningful conversations, and a powerful soundtrack all work together to create a well-rounded adventure that highlights faith, courage, and perseverance.
The Worldview
This episode puts faith in God at the center of its message about hardship, failure, and success. Bear Grylls and Dallas Jenkins speak openly about their faith, while the breathtaking forest offers a natural reminder of God’s amazing creation.
Jenkins also shares how God has guided him through past failures and continues to use his story to share His Word. His honesty gives the episode a hopeful message about grace, growth, and redemption. He talks about trusting God, surrendering control, and allowing Him to lead rather than letting failure define him.
The episode also reflects a strong pro-family worldview as Jenkins talks about wanting to become a better husband and remain faithful to the people God has entrusted to him. Ultimately, it reminds viewers that true success comes not from accomplishments or status but from staying faithful to God and the people we love.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
A strong Christian worldview through candid conversations about faith, Scripture, and personal experiences with God. Their honesty makes the message feel genuine and gives viewers a chance to reflect on how faith can shape their choices, strengthen them through hardship, and point them toward hope, grace, and redemption. A strong pro-family worldview as a character talks about wanting to become a better husband and remain faithful to the people God has entrusted to him
No foul language. A character briefly mentions his groin following freezing water
Mild peril as they battle the elements on a survival setting
No sex
One scene of male upper torso nudity
No alcohol use
No smoking or drug abuse,
No other objectionable content.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The show is filled with stunning scenery that showcases God’s creation. What caught your attention as something that displays the majesty of his creation? Psalm 19:1
The Final Word
Families who love the outdoors, a good challenge, and a little adventure will find plenty to enjoy here. The stunning Adirondack wilderness showcases the beauty of God’s creation, while the physical challenges and honest conversations dig into faith, surrender, perseverance, and staying faithful to God. Dallas Jenkins’ openness about failure and growth adds a hopeful message of grace and redemption. Beautiful cinematography, a fitting soundtrack, and strong pacing round out this heartfelt, inspiring episode.
