THE CHOSEN IN THE WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS: Episode 1.6: “Jonathan Roumie”
Jonathan Roumie braves the wild with Bear Grylls.
Should You See It?
Families who love the Lord and enjoy outdoor adventures will absolutely love this episode. Bear Grylls pushes Jonathan Roumie of THE CHOSEN past his limits. Along the way, Roumie shares the hardest parts of “making it” in Hollywood, which adds to the adventure.
Roumie faces challenges not just in front of a screen but also on the mountain. Grylls thrusts Roumie into the adventure by tossing him out of a helicopter to begin their trek through the forest in the Adirondack Mountains. The camera captures vivid and vibrant landscapes.
One scene may make viewers squirm. Grylls and Roumie discover a dead animal. Instead of walking on, Grylls cuts out the animal’s tongue to eat later. At this moment, Roumie struggles to keep his breakfast in his stomach.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESBear Grylls takes Jonathan Roumie on a “go big or go home” adventure through Willsboro, Essex County, deep in New York’s Adirondack Forest. Throughout the episode, Grylls and Roumie share one wild adventure. Grylls tosses Roumie out of a helicopter, asks him to eat a bug, and tells him to scale a mountain cliff, among other challenges.
As Grylls pushes Roumie to conquer his fears, they pause to discuss what truly matters in life: the Lord. Roumie opens up about his upbringing, shares his experiences in Hollywood, and explains how he stays grounded.
Is It Any Good?
Four stars, and this episode lives up to all the hype it's received. The stunning landscapes, vibrant forest colors, and intense moments of anxiously watching Roumie conquer multiple fears will captivate viewers. The show’s pace slows only during deep faith discussions between Grylls and Roumie, but Roumie’s insights keep the audience engaged throughout.
Roumie’s candid conversation about his doubts in God reveals that no one, not even the actor portraying Jesus, possesses everything figured out. Life involves pursuing Christ, striving to become more like Him daily, and remembering that this life centers around Him, not us. The combination of beautiful scenery, thrilling challenges, profound discussions, and honest reflections earns this episode every star and more.
The Worldview
A strong biblical and Christian worldview drives this episode. As Grylls and Roumie adventure through the wilderness, they stop to talk about a life shaped by faith, and the episode touches on real-life hardships; hunger, financial strain, and the fight to conquer personal fears.
Roumie shares that at one point in his career, he doubted God. He questioned whether acting fit God's plan for his life. Then three months later, he booked THE CHOSEN. Roumie's honesty pushes viewers to take an honest look at their own lives and ask whether they glorify God.
The episode also carries a strong pro-family worldview: Roumie speaks of his parents with the highest regard. He thanks God for their sacrifice, and for the faith they raised him in. Ultimately, the episode reminds viewers what matters most in life: not us, but God. In this life, we have one job: know God, love God, and share that with others.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
A strong Christian worldview about faith and personal challenges. A strong pro-family worldview as a character credits his parents for his life
No foul language
One scene that shows a dead animal and a character cutting out the tongue to eat later
No sex
No nudity
No alcohol use
No smoking or drug abuse;
No objectionable other content.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
Jonathan Roumie is tossed out of a helicopter and pushed to scale a cliff face, forced to confront his fears head-on. What does it look like to trust God when we're pushed into something that scares us? Joshua 1:9
Roumie opens up about the doubts he's wrestled with in his own faith, even as the man known for playing Jesus on screen. Why can it be hard to admit we don't have it all figured out, even when others assume we do? 2 Corinthians 12:9
In the middle of wild physical challenges, Grylls and Roumie stop to talk about what really matters: the Lord. What would it look like to make space for that kind of conversation in the middle of your own busy, adventure-filled life? Matthew 6:33
Roumie reflects on "making it" in Hollywood and still staying grounded, reminding viewers that life isn't about us but about Him. How do we guard against letting success change who we are or who we're living for? Philippians 2:3-4
The Final Word
Families who love wild adventures in the outdoors and engage in solid biblical conversations will find plenty to enjoy in this episode. The beautiful forest and the suspenseful scenes of Roumie facing his fears head-on motivate viewers to do the same. Roumie and Grylls discuss faith, perseverance, doubt, and more, sharing a message of hope that God stands with us through life's challenges. The amazing landscapes and exciting content will keep you and your family engaged.
