Common Sense Media Review
By Fernanda Camargo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Some violence, blood in Costner's retelling of Jesus' birth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas
What's the Story?
The well-known story of Jesus' birth gets a fresh perspective as KEVIN COSTNER PRESENTS: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS. The actor invites viewers to delve into the history of Mary (Gia Rose Patel) and Joseph (Ethan Thorne), as they risk their lives and reputations to fulfill a mission from God: giving birth to the true messiah, who is promised to rescue the people from King Herod's (Anthony Barclay) oppression and paranoia. As the young couple nears their goal, the stakes grow higher, and violence erupts. But so does hope and faith that will change the world.
Is It Any Good?
This holiday special offers a fuller view of the religious tale surrounding the birth of Christianity in a way that should engage both believers and skeptics. Through the retelling of scholars and experts, Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas generally manages to be convincing yet not preachy. This special could be an interesting conversation starter for families to discuss religion and the role of faith back then, and in the world today.
Note that the special doesn't shy away from portraying the ugly sides and violent acts of the time. While the content may be too explicit for young kids, it's not too different from what teens might be used to seeing in many action films.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the oral tradition of stories. In Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas, the actor proposes a detailed retelling of the story using historical context and insights from various experts. How do you think this influences the credibility of the special?
What happens when you retell a story through a movie? Does that reach a larger number of people?
Kevin Costner appears in a movie set, talking to the camera about his own experience with the Nativity before the story begins. Why is that? Does it add relatability or authenticity to the movie?
The story includes portrayals of violent acts, from crucifixion to death. Why do you think some of these are shown while others are just described? What are the different impacts of each option?
TV Details
- Premiere date : December 9, 2025
- Cast : Gia Rose Patel , Ethan Thorne , Anthony Barclay
- Networks : ABC , Hulu
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Faith ( Christianity ) , Holidays ( Christmas )
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 10, 2025
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