Interview by Paul Salfen
What happens when you cross the Book of Exodus with the workplace comedy of The Office? You get The Promised Land, a new six-episode series that reimagines Moses and the Hebrews’ desert journey as a mockumentary-style comedy. Written and directed by Mitch Hudson, assistant director of The Chosen, the show premieres its first season on YouTube starting October 1, 2025, with new episodes rolling out weekly. A first-look trailer, released today, offers a glimpse into this clever blend of salty satire and surprising reverence.
Starring Wasim No’Mani as Moses, The Promised Land follows the Hebrews fresh out of Egypt, navigating the chaos of their newfound freedom. With the Red Sea parted behind them and 40 years of wandering ahead, Moses, alongside Miriam (Shereen Khan), Aaron (Majed Sayess), Joshua (Artoun Nazareth), and Zipporah (Tryphena Wade), grapples with leading a group prone to doubt, bickering, and quirky wilderness woes—think complaints about manna or laundry in a muddy river. The result is a show that’s as poignant as it is funny, revealing that life in the desert isn’t so different from a modern workplace, complete with messy coworkers and moments of unexpected grace.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine, Wasim No’Mani, who also appeared in The Chosen and SEAL Team, shared his journey stepping into Moses’ sandals. “When I first read the script, I was like, ‘Oh, wow, this is something special,’” he said. “Good material is so rare, especially in this space. I had this idea that faith-based shows were low quality, but The Chosen changed that for me. Then this script came along, and it was eye-opening.”
The show’s humor, No’Mani explained, comes from its humanity. “Mitch has done a brilliant job telling the Moses story in earnest and with reverence, but finding the comedy in the in-between,” he said. “Moses believes God is all-knowing, yet he keeps coming up with excuses why he’s not the guy. That’s so human—self-doubt is something we all relate to.” He added, “Playing Moses, you feel the weight of that responsibility. It’s immense, intense, and I think that self-doubt aligns with the character. It’s not a light thing to carry.”
The Promised Land doesn’t shy away from poking fun at human flaws while staying faithful to Scripture. From wilderness “trust falls” to Miriam sneaking into “Law School” in disguise, the series balances irreverence with heartfelt moments. “The comedy is a tool to let your guard down,” No’Mani noted, “so the wholesome, heartfelt moments penetrate deeper. I hope people are surprised that it’s funny, but also that it shows God has a sense of humor.”
Filmed in the stunning yet unpredictable landscapes of St. George, Utah, the production faced its own wilderness challenges. “It’s gorgeous—God’s paintings everywhere,” No’Mani said. “But the weather was schizophrenic—hot, cold, stormy, sandstorms. Trying to do an emotional scene with sand in your eyes and teeth? That’s a test.” Yet, those challenges only deepened the authenticity of the experience, mirroring the Hebrews’ own trials.
No’Mani’s path to The Promised Land wasn’t without its own “Hail Mary” moment. Recalling his audition for The Chosen, he shared a story of persistence. After missing a deadline for submitting audition tapes for multiple roles, he took a risk by emailing the casting director directly. “You’re not supposed to do that,” he admitted. “I was freaking out, thinking I’d messed up. But the next day, they gave me an extension. A month later, I got the role of Yanni. That persistence paid off.” His advice to aspiring actors? “Get better, always get better. No matter where you are, just climb. Be better than you were yesterday.”
Since its pilot debuted online last year, The Promised Land has racked up 82 million impressions, 2.9 million likes, and thousands of comments, with fans praising its relatable portrayal of biblical figures. As series producer Richie Johns put it, “People are laughing, but they’re also seeing themselves in these characters. The wilderness looks a lot like the workplace.” Hudson echoed this, saying, “We portray Moses, Miriam, Aaron, and Joshua as ordinary, deeply flawed people. That’s where the humor lives, but also where the heart lives.”
For No’Mani, playing Moses taught him a personal lesson. “Reading Exodus, I was surprised by Moses’ self-doubt—his ‘uncircumcised lips’ and refusal of the call,” he said. “I learned that self-doubt is a companion. The sooner you make friends with it, the better. Stop trying to rush your evolution. Just take up the task as best you can.”
The Promised Land offers more than entertainment; it invites viewers to laugh, reflect, and find new insights in a familiar story. As one early viewer remarked, “I learned more about the Bible as an adult watching this show than I did in all of my Sunday schools combined.” With its unique blend of humor and faith, the series proves that even in the wilderness, there’s room for laughter—and grace.
Watch the first-look trailer and catch the Season 1 premiere on YouTube starting October 1, 2025.
