Jesus of Nazareth (1977)
Franco Zeffirelli's sweeping biblical miniseries brings the life of Jesus Christ to life with an extraordinary international cast.
Jesus of Nazareth - Series Information
- Original Title: Jesus of Nazareth
- First Air Year: 1977
- Last Air Year: 1977
- Created by: Franco Zeffirelli
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 97 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 4
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Italian, French, English, Spanish
- First Air Date: March 27, 1977 (United States - TV-G), March 27, 1977 (United Kingdom - PG), March 27, 1977 (Brazil - 12), March 27, 1977 (Spain - TP)
- Networks: NBC, ITV1, Rai 1
- Production Companies: ITC Films, RAI, ITC Entertainment
- Production Countries: Italy, United Kingdom
Jesus of Nazareth - Plot
Dramatizes the Birth, Life, Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, largely according to the Holy Bible's New Testament Gospels.
Jesus of Nazareth - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the epic scope of this landmark miniseries:
The epic majesty of the life of Jesus as told by the Apostles.
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Jesus of Nazareth - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Franco Zeffirelli
Main Cast
- Robert Powell
- Olivia Hussey
- Yorgo Voyagis
- Anne Bancroft
- Christopher Plummer
- Anthony Quinn
- Ian McShane
- Ernest Borgnine
- James Farentino
- Michael York
Writers
- Anthony Burgess
- David Butler
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Suso Cecchi d'Amico
Executive Producers
- Bernard J. Kingham
Jesus of Nazareth - FAQs
Who plays Jesus in Jesus of Nazareth?
Robert Powell portrays Jesus Christ in the 1977 miniseries. His piercing blue eyes and serene intensity made the performance iconic. The cast also includes Olivia Hussey as the Virgin Mary, Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene, Rod Steiger as Pontius Pilate, and Peter Ustinov as Herod the Great.
Where can you stream Jesus of Nazareth?
Jesus of Nazareth is available to stream on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus, as well as BritBox and UP Faith & Family via Apple TV Channel and Amazon Channel. Free ad-supported viewing is available on Tubi TV, Plex, and Fawesome. It can also be purchased on Fandango At Home.
Is Jesus of Nazareth based on a true story?
Jesus of Nazareth is based on the New Testament Gospels of the Holy Bible, dramatizing the life of Jesus Christ as recorded in Christian scripture. While the historical existence of Jesus is widely accepted by scholars, the series draws primarily from religious texts rather than secular historical sources.
Why is Jesus of Nazareth considered a classic?
Franco Zeffirelli's meticulous attention to period detail, a sweeping score by Maurice Jarre, and an extraordinary ensemble cast elevated the production far beyond typical television fare. Critics praised its reverent yet humanizing portrayal of Christ, and it remains one of the most acclaimed biblical dramatizations ever produced for television.
When did Jesus of Nazareth first air?
Jesus of Nazareth first aired on March 27, 1977, broadcasting simultaneously in the United States on NBC and in the United Kingdom on ITV1, as well as on Italy's Rai 1. The miniseries was broadcast across multiple countries on the same date, making it a major international television event.
How many episodes does Jesus of Nazareth have?
Jesus of Nazareth consists of 4 episodes across a single miniseries season, with each episode running approximately 97 minutes. The series also has 3 additional special episodes. Together, the main miniseries offers roughly six and a half hours of storytelling covering the full arc of Christ's life.
Who wrote the screenplay for Jesus of Nazareth?
The screenplay for Jesus of Nazareth was written by Anthony Burgess, David Butler, Franco Zeffirelli, and Suso Cecchi d'Amico. Anthony Burgess, the celebrated novelist best known for A Clockwork Orange, was the primary scriptwriter, bringing literary depth and theological nuance to the biblical narrative.
What is the content rating for Jesus of Nazareth?
Jesus of Nazareth is rated TV-G in the United States, making it suitable for all audiences. The series was also rated PG in the United Kingdom. Its reverent, family-friendly approach to the life of Christ means it contains no content inappropriate for younger or sensitive viewers.
More About Jesus of Nazareth
Explore further details about this landmark miniseries on these authoritative resources: