Spring has arrived, but something more than May flowers is blossoming. Encouraging signs of a spiritual revival are also emerging. One of the most unexpected moments came on Easter Sunday, when American Idol, a cultural staple, aired a “Songs of Faith” episode. Contestants and judges performed gospel classics and worship anthems.

“One performance after another pointed viewers to God,” wrote Bunni Pounds of The Washington Times. “The show didn’t shy away from the message.” In a media landscape that often downplays faith, the boldness of this broadcast stood out — and viewers didn’t respond with outrage, but with gratitude.

As Pounds put it, “It’s a movement of the Spirit, a moment of revival” in mainstream entertainment.

The Pride Pullback

This same desire for cultural re-grounding may explain the growing corporate retreat from Pride sponsorships and DEI campaigns. Companies that once loudly promoted the LGBTQ agenda are now backing off. Anheuser-Busch, Comcast, Diageo, and Citibank are just a few who have recently dropped support for Pride events.

Organizers are feeling the impact. Suzanne Ford, director of the San Francisco Pride Parade, noted that corporate pullback has resulted in a loss of more than $300,000 in funding.

Why the shift? A recent study from Gravity Research reveals that corporate leaders are responding to backlash from conservative customers. “Conservative scrutiny is the top driver of change,” says Luke Hartig, president of Gravity Research. In other words, Christian conservative consumers are making an impact.

Hollywood’s Quiet Pivot

The entertainment industry is also undergoing a shift. After years of declining box office returns, studios are rethinking their approach. In 2024, PG-rated films accounted for a third of U.S. ticket sales — the highest since 1995, according to Axios. Four of the top-grossing films of the year were animated, family-friendly stories.

Even Disney, long known for its progressive stance, has taken noticeable steps back. The company recently replaced a transgender storyline in its Pixar series Win or Lose with a character who openly prays on screen. This marks the first time in over 30 years that a Disney production depicted prayer so explicitly.

Disney explained the shift, stating: “We recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline.”

In response, The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation criticized the lack of LGBTQ representation in kids' content. The organization also noted a sharp drop in LGBTQ characters across all studio content.

Faith in Hollywood?

Faith-based content is also on the rise. Networks like Great American Family (GAF), launched by former Hallmark CEO Bill Abbott, are responding to the demand for family-friendly programming. GAF’s streaming platform, PureFlix, surpassed one million subscribers back in 2020 and has only grown from there.

When asked about their success, Bill Abbott attributes it to their mission: “Everything we do is to uplift family and portray faith authentically.” Candace Cameron Bure, one of GAF’s most prominent stars, echoes the sentiment: “We’re not afraid to talk about God and God’s hand in our lives instead of fate or providence.”

An even more recognizable success story is The Chosen, the multi-season series about the life of Jesus. With over 600 million views across 175 countries, and its fourth season earning more than $35 million at the domestic box office, the crowdfunded, faith-based TV series continues to defy industry expectations. The show has a whopping 12 million social media followers and has partnered with major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, The CW, and Netflix.

The Shift Is Real

We have a rare and powerful opportunity to share our faith with a culture that’s more open than it’s been in years. When hearts are willing to listen, even small acts — like handing a tract to a friend, neighbor, or stranger — can have an eternal impact. The door is open, but it may not stay that way. Let’s take advantage of this moment to speak truth and share the hope of the gospel.