FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For More Information: Kevin Wandra, 866-777-2313, ext. 701 or [email protected]

CNN New original series ‘Finding Jesus’ blends science and archeology to offer fascinating insights into well-known biblical relics Academics and theologians examine the value and authenticity of six objects which could shed new light on the historical Jesus in show premiering March 1, 2015

ATLANTA, Feb. 4, 2015 – Loved and worshipped by billions, Jesus of Nazareth is, unquestionably, the most famous person of the last 2,000 years. His influence on art, politics, education, literature, music, law, language, philosophy and philanthropy continues to this day. But he left no physical trace.

Or did he?

That’s the question at the forefront of Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery, a CNN original series premiering March 1 at 9 p.m. ET/PT that discovers fascinating new insights into the historical Jesus, utilizing the latest state-of-the-art scientific techniques and archaeological research. Part documentary exploring the marvelous and mysterious artifacts emanating from the world of the Bible, the series is also a thrilling and emotional drama, examining the Gospel characters and stories connected to these artifacts — the baptism, the betrayal, the Passion, the Resurrection and after.

Watch the teaser trailer for the series: http://youtu.be/NQjYdcqeFkY.

Each episode of the six-part series investigates the value and authenticity of a historical object which could shed new light on Jesus: the Shroud of Turin, relics venerated as part of the True Cross, the gospel of Judas, relics believed to be of John the Baptist, the burial box of Jesus’ brother James and the gospel of Mary Magdalene.

A first-class panel of on-screen contributors will provide expert commentary – academics from the world’s best universities, including Yale, Harvard, Princeton and Oxford, provide historical and theological insight, while the likes of Father James Martin SJ (the editor of ‘America’ the United States’ national Catholic magazine), the Rev. Paul Raushenbush (executive religion editor of the Huffington Post), and Erwin MacManus, senior pastor of MOSAIC Los Angeles, help bring our characters and their emotional journeys to life for our audience.

Also offering expert analysis throughout the series is David Gibson, an award-winning journalist and filmmaker who specializes in covering the Catholic Church. He is co-author of the series’ companion book from St. Martin’s Press, also titled Finding Jesus, due to be released Feb. 24.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with one of the contributors, please contact Kevin Wandra (866-777-2313, ext. 701 or [email protected]) of Carmel Communications.

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About Nutopia Productions: Founded by Jane Root, former President of Discovery US and Controller of BBC2, Nutopia is known as the creator of the mega-doc. Shows include the Emmy-winning America The Story of US, Mankind the Story of All of Us and The British. The Story of Us format is now being made throughout the world with Australia: The Story of Us in production and series planned in Brazil, China and Korea. Other mega-docs include How We Invented the World for Discovery and The 80s: The Decade that Made Us for National Geographic. Nutopia are currently in production on The 90’s: The Last Great Decade?, How we Got to Now with Steven Johnson for PBS and BBC and new projects for A&E, ITV, Syfy, Travel Channel and Esquire.

About CNN Original Series: The CNN Original Series group develops non-scripted programming for television via commissioned projects, acquisitions and in-house production. Amy Entelis, senior vice president of talent and content development, oversees CNN Original Series and CNN Films for CNN Worldwide. Vinnie Malhotra, senior vice president of development and acquisitions, works directly with filmmakers and producers to develop original projects for CNN Original Series and CNN Films.