Hugh Bonneville reveals how a perfect storm of political intrigue, power struggles and clashing religious passions combined, in a single week, to cause the event that changed the world: the killing of Jesus.

Regardless of one's religious beliefs, there is no denying the impact Jesus of Nazareth has had on world history, particularly the events surrounding his death. In JESUS: COUNTDOWN TO CALVARY Hugh Bonneville, well-known actor and a Cambridge theology graduate, travels to Jerusalem in search of answers. Meeting with academic experts and spiritual leaders, Bonneville deconstructs the week leading up to Jesus's death and untangles the complex factors that resulted in his crucifixion. Exploring questions that have provided more than 2000 years of debate, the documentary offers fascinating insight from both religious and historical angles.—American Public Television