Martin Scorsese’s ambitious dive into the lives of Catholic saints is far from over. The acclaimed filmmaker’s eight-part docudrama series, Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints, will return with its second installment in April 2025, exclusively on Fox Nation, Variety has learned. Following a well-received debut late last year, the series’ remaining four episodes promise to continue its blend of cinematic storytelling and thoughtful reflection, spotlighting a fresh slate of historical figures who shaped religious and cultural history.
For those who caught the first half of The Saints in November and December 2024, the series has already proven itself a unique entry in the faith-based programming landscape. The initial four episodes—profiling St. Joan of Arc, St. John the Baptist, St. Sebastian of Rome, and St. Maximilian Kolbe—offered a mix of naturalistic reenactments and roundtable discussions led by Scorsese himself. Now, the upcoming chapters will shift focus to St. Francis of Assisi, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Moses the Black, and St. Thomas Becket, set to air across April and May 2025. It’s a lineup that underscores the series’ mission to explore the diversity and complexity of sainthood.
Scorsese doesn’t just lend his name to The Saints—he’s deeply embedded as host, narrator, and executive producer, infusing the project with the same gravitas he’s brought to films like The Last Temptation of Christ and Silence. His involvement is no surprise given his well-documented fascination with faith and morality, themes that have threaded through his career for decades. Here, he’s joined by a roster of experts—poet Mary Karr, scholar Paul Elie, and Fr. Edward Beck among them—who unpack the saints’ stories alongside him, offering insights that bridge historical context and modern relevance.
The series hails from creator Matti Leshem, an Israeli-born Hollywood filmmaker known for tackling Jewish history, who teamed up with Lionsgate Alternative Television to bring this vision to life. Leshem’s collaboration with Scorsese is a fascinating cultural crossroads—a Jewish producer crafting a series about Catholic saints, guided by one of cinema’s most iconic auteurs. It’s a dynamic that adds layers to The Saints, elevating it beyond a standard docudrama into something more introspective and universal.
While Scorsese’s presence is the headline draw, the series isn’t short on talent in front of the camera either. Israeli actress Dar Zuzovsky takes on the pivotal role of Mary Magdalene in the upcoming episodes, a casting choice that’s already generating buzz. Zuzovsky, a rising star, brings a fresh perspective to the enigmatic figure, grounding her story in a way that feels both timeless and timely. The reenactments themselves are a standout feature, shot with a cinematic polish that reflects Scorsese’s influence and sets The Saints apart from the often low-budget fare in the faith-based genre.
Fox Nation, the streaming platform hosting the series, seems an ideal fit. Known for its conservative-leaning and faith-oriented slate, it’s carved out a niche that aligns with The Saints’ reverent yet probing tone. The platform’s growing subscriber base—coupled with Scorsese’s star power—positions the series as a potential breakout hit in a crowded streaming market.
So far, The Saints has quietly built momentum since its fall debut, with early chatter online praising its respectful approach and high production values. Exact viewership numbers remain under wraps, but the series’ pedigree and subject matter suggest it’s tapping into a burgeoning appetite for faith-based content that doesn’t skimp on quality. For Scorsese, it’s a natural extension of his oeuvre—a chance to explore the human struggles behind the halos, much like he’s done with flawed protagonists on the big screen.
The April 2025 return of The Saints isn’t just a win for Fox Nation; it’s a testament to Scorsese’s enduring ability to evolve as a storyteller. At a time when religious narratives are often polarized or oversimplified, this series dares to dig deeper, presenting its subjects as real people—flawed, courageous, and profoundly human. With Leshem’s creative spark and a cast poised to shine, The Saints is shaping up to be more than a history lesson—it’s a meditation on faith that could resonate far beyond its core audience.
Mark your calendars: come spring, Scorsese and his saints will be back to inspire, provoke, and captivate anew.
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