Kevin Costner’s The First Christmas Earns Praise for Powerful, Unflinching Retelling of the Nativity

Kevin Costner has brought the story of the Nativity to prime-time television — and audiences are responding with overwhelming praise.

Airing on ABC, Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas offers a two-hour, in-depth exploration of the birth of Jesus Christ, blending dramatic reenactments with historical and theological commentary, all guided by Costner’s steady narration. Rather than leaning into the familiar warmth and pageantry of modern Christmas programming, the special focuses on the harsh realities surrounding the first Christmas.

The program presents Mary and Joseph not as distant religious figures, but as frightened, vulnerable young people navigating danger, uncertainty, and political unrest. Costner emphasized that perspective in a recent interview with The Christian Post.

“This was a pregnant, unwed teenage girl, and Joseph was just as young,” Costner said. “They were kids on this incredible journey. This story has lived for thousands of years, but at the time, it was fraught with danger.”

The special underscores the violent and unstable world into which Jesus was born, highlighting the threat posed by Roman rule and the fear surrounding the prophecy of a coming king.

“Babies were slaughtered over this issue,” Costner explained. “Life wasn’t valued the way we think of it today. They were fighting to protect their lives and their child — whom we now proclaim as the Son of God. For them, it was a fight for survival.”

Viewers Applaud ABC’s Unusual Programming Choice

ABC’s decision to air a faith-based program surprised many viewers, as major broadcast networks have largely steered away from explicitly religious content in recent years. That choice was widely praised by audiences who applauded the network — and Costner — for placing the focus back on the religious origins of Christmas.

Costner did not merely narrate the program; he also openly affirmed his own beliefs, stating plainly, “This is what I believe.”

Following the broadcast, viewers flooded social media with positive reactions, describing the special as “magnificent,” “profound,” and “deeply moving.” Many praised Costner for handling the story with reverence while grounding it firmly in historical context.

Where to Watch The First Christmas

Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas will air again on ABC on December 20. The special is also available to stream on demand via Disney+ and YouTube TV.

A trailer for the program can be viewed through Kevin Costner’s official social media channels.