Six-part series celebrates the bicentennial of the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth
This Sunday, Sept. 25, KBYU Television and BYU Television, in cooperation with Brigham Young University Religious Education, will bring viewers a new series focusing on the life and works of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the first president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The six-part documentary, titled "Joseph," was produced in honor of the bicentennial celebration of the Prophet’s birth in 1805. Beginning Sunday, "Joseph" will air on KBYU at 6 p.m. for the next six weeks, and on BYU Television at 7 and 9 p.m., as well as Wednesdays at noon.
In preparation for the series, co-executive producers Susan Easton Black and Andrew C. Skinner enlisted the help of eminent BYU Church history and doctrine professors, including Alex Baugh, Randy Bott and Dean Garrett. In all, more than 30 scholars contributed their knowledge and perspectives to the series. Many of the same scholars also contributed to the series’ companion book, which will be released by Deseret Book in September.
The series’ producer, Michael Hunter, explained that, rather than provide an exhaustive review of the Prophet’s life, the producers of Joseph set out to cover events that “have a lasting impact on those interested in the life of Joseph Smith, two centuries after his birth.”
“Hopefully viewers will take away an understanding that Joseph lived an incredible life. It’s a wonderful story that needs to be told again and again,” said Hunter.
The six episodes of "Joseph" cover the Prophet’s early years and the First Vision, the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon, the organization of the Church, the construction of the Kirtland Temple, the Saints’ trek to and subsequent expulsion from Missouri, and Joseph’s martyrdom at Carthage Jail.
The companion volume will enable viewers to “delve deeper into the different aspects of Joseph’s life,” said Hunter.
The series is being presented in high definition and will be available soon on DVD. For additional information, please visit www.byubroadcasting.org.
Writer: Jim Bell
