Holy Week TV Lineup: A Clear Guide to Religious Films and Specials in North America

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This blessed week is celebrated in many towns across the country, not only in person but also on television. Broadcasters have prepared special programming for these important dates, including religious-themed films and features designed for Holy Week viewers.

Religious cinema and classic narratives form a core part of the schedule. Films such as Ben-Hur, Life of Brian, The Passion of Christ, and Thursdays, a miracle are highlighted by channels including RTVE, TRECE, Paramount Network, and #0 Movistar Plus+. A review of the religious film lineups follows, outlining what audiences can expect on these channels during Holy Week.

RTVE

On Holy Thursday, La 1 airs Ben-Hur from 4:00 PM. The 1959 epic follows Judah Ben-Hur, a noble Jerusalem family member, whose life takes a dramatic turn after a misstep that pits him against a Roman governor. A pivotal moment occurs when Jesus of Nazareth offers mercy in the galleys, leading to new alliances and trials aboard ship. The film unfolds against the backdrop of ancient Rome, featuring chariot races and dramatic encounters with key figures of the era.

On Holy Saturday, Cine de Barrio presents Los Jueves at 6:00 PM. This 1957 film, directed by Luis García Berlanga, transports viewers to a spa town where tourism is fragile. The story follows a local mayor and a hotel owner who hatch a plan to conjure a Marian ghost, drawing visitors and devotees. The community eventually discovers a resemblance to a historic carving, a twist that reshapes the town’s fortunes and beliefs.

TO GO PAST

As the Episcopal Conference’s channel, TO GO PAST dedicates substantial Holy Week coverage to a wide array of religious films and specials. One of the highlights is The Passion of the Christ, directed by Mel Gibson, airing on Good Friday at 10:15 PM. The film traces the final days of Jesus of Nazareth in Judea as he preaches about the kingdom of God, gathers a devoted circle of followers, and faces escalating opposition. The narrative confronts the tension between divine mission and earthly politics, culminating in the crucifixion and the core moment of Christian tradition.

The drama brings to light questions that have echoed for centuries: how belief, leadership, and sacrifice shape communities under pressure. Audiences will encounter scenes that explore the choices faced by Jesus, the role of the Sanhedrin, and the political realities of Roman rule as the story unfolds.

Paramount Network

Paramount Network reserves a classic Easter night for a beloved comedy that sparked debate and fond memories. On Holy Thursday at 10:25 PM, Brian’s Life, a Monty Python film from 1979, unfolds with its trademark satire. The story follows a character born in a manger who remains caught in a web of absurd misadventures and mistaken identities, offering a satirical take on biblical narratives and social norms. The film’s playful tone contrasts with the solemnity of the holiday, delivering a unique viewing experience within the Holy Week lineup.

#0 from Movistar Plus+

Movistar Plus+ channels join the simultaneous broadcast of Ben Hur on Holy Thursday afternoon, with the Wyler-directed classic earning multiple Oscar recognitions. The scheduling reflects a concerted effort to provide broad accessibility to a well-known cinematic experience during this season.

Complete programming:

holy thursday

  • Esther and the King – 14:45 on TRECE

  • Ben-Hur – 4:00 PM on TVE and 4:10 PM on Movistar Plus+

  • Life of Brian – 10:25 PM on Paramount Network

you come holy

  • Ursus, the terror of the Kyrgyz on TVE’s La 2 – 12:30

  • Santa Barbara – 12:15 PM on TRECE

  • A story that started 2000 years ago – 14:45 on TRECE

  • The Passion of Christ – 22:15 on TRECE

  • Bible: Jeremiah – 0:35 on TRECE

  • John XXIII: The Pope of Peace – 03:55 on TRECE

holy saturday

  • San Pedro – 10:50 AM on TRECE

  • Sodom and Gomorrah – 14:50 on TRECE

  • King of Kings – 5:10 PM on TRECE

  • Thursday, a miracle – 6:00 PM on TVE’s La 1

  • Searching for the tomb of Jesus – 20:50 on TRECE

  • José – 2:00 on TRECE

Easter Sunday

  • David and Bathsheba – 12:20 PM on TRECE

  • Jesus of Nazareth – 14:45 on TRECE

  • Holy robe – 22:00 on TRECE

  • The sword and the cross – 0:20 AM on TRECE

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