The Ambitious Biblical Drama About King David

"House of David," a new biblical drama series streaming on Amazon Prime Video, brings to life the epic story of King David, one of the central figures in the Hebrew Bible, who established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and laid the foundations for a united kingdom. The series, which premiered on February 27, 2025, consists of an eight-episode first season, with the first three episodes released together and the rest dropping weekly until April 3, 2025. Boasting 22 million viewers in its first 17 days, the series has already been renewed for a second season, with filming beginning in Greece during Easter 2025.

Created by Jon Erwin and Jon Gunn, the series traces David’s (Michael Iskander) rise from a humble shepherd to the legendary warrior who defeats Goliath (Martin Ford) and eventually becomes king. Alongside David, the series delves into the character of King Saul (Ali Suliman), whose descent into madness and struggle to maintain his throne create a deep and complex drama. The prophet Samuel (Stephen Lang) serves as a spiritual anchor, bringing theological depth to the story.

For the Jewish community in Iceland, the series offers an opportunity to connect with a pivotal biblical narrative rooted in Jewish tradition. David, traditionally attributed with the Book of Psalms, is portrayed as a multifaceted character blending faith, passion, and inner struggles. However, the series has faced criticism for casting Iskander as David. In the Bible, David is described as red-haired and strikingly handsome, but the series presents him as dark-haired with an unremarkable appearance, prompting accusations of inaccuracy. Nevertheless, critics praise Iskander’s performance, which emphasizes David’s heart and faith over his outward appearance.

The series features Israeli and Arab-Israeli actors, such as Ali Suliman, who delivers a powerful portrayal of Saul, capturing the king’s inner conflict. Ayelet Zurer, as Ahinoam, adds a commanding presence as a scheming queen. The diverse cast, including actors of Middle Eastern and North African descent, contributes to the period authenticity, though varied accents have drawn some criticism for inconsistency.

With high production values, stunning cinematography in Greece, and meticulous costume design, "House of David" vividly recreates the biblical world. However, it’s not without flaws. Some critics argue the series takes significant creative liberties, such as adding fictional subplots (e.g., an early involvement of the Witch of Endor) and emphasizing a romance between David and Michal (Indi Lewis) that deviates from biblical chronology. These choices may frustrate viewers seeking strict fidelity to the source material.

Overall, "House of David" is an impressive drama that blends a biblical story with high-quality modern production. It successfully sparks interest in David’s story while maintaining themes of faith and humility, even if it occasionally strays from the source. Highly recommended for those seeking a connection to Jewish tradition through a contemporary cinematic lens, it is available to stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.