When it comes to defining beauty, some may argue that it lies in “the eye of the beholder,” a phrase that suggests a shared standard of what it should look like.
Henrie, 36, serves as curious storyteller for the adventure series as he makes his way through the heart of Italy, bringing human experience, architecture, and history to the forefront as he uncovers layers that give them meaning.
During his journey, he blends travel, culture, and faith into a theme that reframes how beauty is viewed and serves as a universal bridge to a deeper understanding of the world.
From Rome to Florence, Venice, Subiaco, Vatican City, and Milan, Henrie takes viewers on a quest that extends beyond a digital postcard and confronts the question of whether beauty is subjective, objective, or both.
“Beauty is the language of the divine. It’s the fingerprints of God,” Henrie told The Epoch Times in an exclusive interview.
“They built these things back then because they were trying to give glory to the Creator. And you see that in the creation, you see that is what sustains it. That’s why it still gives it resonance. That’s why it’s still there.”
Aside from enjoying authentic Italian cuisine or exploring sacred art and scenery, Henrie doesn’t shy away from discussing faith throughout the series. Firsthand takes from both locals and experts leave a lasting impact on the filmmaker.
“The faith of the people in the past really hit me, and helped me understand the essence of beauty is that which is poured into it,” he said.
Reaffirming this thought, Henrie recalled one instance in which he was touring the top of a cathedral, a spot no one could reach in ancient times. It was there he saw a beautiful, intricate statue with veins on the forearms, detail that one could only see in person.
“I turned to the expert, and I was like ’surely when they built this, they thought no one would ever see this?‘” Henrie said. “’You can’t see this from the ground; we are hundreds of feet up in the air. Why is this up here, on the roof?'”
“The interviewee smirked and said, ‘Because, David, some things are just forgotten.’ ... That is the faith of the people that built these things.”
The framework of how he perceived beauty changed and it became less about discovering the places themselves, but rather the stories that are carried with them across centuries.
“The importance of beauty has risen to a place of prominence in my mind. I was just struck that all of these places are still attracting visitors, millions of visitors, from all over the world, because of the sheer beauty.
“But beauty is nothing if you don’t recognize the author of it,” he continued. “You can look at nature, you can look at art or architecture, and it all has the same effect. You pause, to contemplate; you’re led to a higher thought, with something truly beautiful. It can be the beauty of a soul too.
“I think beauty has an objective reality that impacts everybody,” Henrie noted. “I used to think beauty was subjective. I don’t so much believe that anymore. We all have a decision to make on beauty individually, but I think whether or not someone thinks something’s beautiful or not doesn’t take away from the fact that it objectively has a beauty to it.”
Henrie is widely known for his television and film credits including “Wizards of Waverly Place,” its sequel series “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Little Boy,” and others. Taking on the role of host differed from his traditional medium.
Ultimately, he found a common denominator with each experience. Whether it’s television shows and movies or music and a canvas, artists in their craft have a story to tell and contribute to how the world was built.
“At St. Peter’s church, there’s these big arms that first welcome you called Bernini’s arms, which come out. I got to learn the whole story about why it was oriented that way, that the arms are a hug to the world, and they were trying to create a little welcome place, a little welcome map, to heaven.
“They’re trying to create a heaven on earth here,” he added. “These big circular arms were literally the church saying ‘I love you’ to the world. They’re grasping out and hugging, welcoming pilgrims into the arms.”
Henrie hopes the series, which premieres Jan. 19th on EWTN+, will inspire others to explore the world, feel connected to the past, and welcome beauty into their everyday lives.
“I hope the [viewers] go, ‘You know what, I want to invite beauty into my own life and learn more about it and try to bring it into my soul and into my home,’” he said.
Expanding the journey beyond Italy, season 2 of “Seeking Beauty” recently wrapped up filming in Spain, and its release is anticipated at the end of this year.
