First Look: CNN to Premiere Inspiring New Series 'The Redemption Project with Van Jones'

By Leah Marieann Klett
“The Redemption Project with Van Jones”
“The Redemption Project with Van Jones” CNN

An exciting new series highlighting transformative power of forgiveness, grace, and redemption is set to premiere on television later this month.

On Sunday, April 28 at 9p ET/PT, CNN will premiere its Original Series, "The Redemption Project with Van Jones." The eight-part series follows the victim, or surviving family members, of a life-altering crime as they journey to meet face-to-face with their offender in the hopes of finding answers or some sense of healing.

Van Jones, author of three New York Times best-selling books, will serve as a guide for the viewer throughout this transformational experience. The series, created and executive produced by Jonas Bell Pasht and Jonah Bekhor of Citizen Jones and Academy-Award®-nominated director Jason Cohen, is a powerful testament about our capacity for healing and forgiveness.

"I wanted to do The Redemption Project because I think we have lost our sense of grace and empathy and the capacity to forgive in our culture, at the highest levels," said Jones. "This series is my attempt to put some medicine into our very sick system and to uplift people who are doing extraordinarily courageous things every day."

In the series premiere, viewers will get an inside look at the first-ever dialogue between a victim and an offender in the history of the Alaskan prison system. Terria Walters, a mother whose son Christopher was killed in a drug deal gone bad, will meet Joshua Beebe, a former heroin dealer convicted for murder and serving a 60-year sentence at Spring Creek Correctional Center.

Below, get a first look at this exciting new series.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo