Following the ratings success of The Bible mini-series on History, NBC ordered a sequel — AD: The Bible Continues. Has this mini-series been the answer to the network’s prayers? Will they want a second season?
Produced by Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, AD: The Bible Continues tells the tale of the later chapters of biblical history (following the Crucifixion of Christ). It focuses on the disciples who had to go forward and spread the teachings of Christ to a world dominated by political unrest. The cast includes Juan Pablo Di Pace, Adam Levy, Richard Coyle, Vincent Regan, Greta Scacchi, Babou Ceesay, Chipo Chung, Emmett J. Scanlan, Jodhi May, Joanne Whalley, Ken Bones, Kevin Doyle, Helen Daniels, and Fraser Ayers.
The series debuted on April 5th to a respectable 2.33 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 9.68 million viewers. Unfortunately, the numbers saw severe drops in weeks two (falling 28%) and three (falling 31%) and the rating have kept coming down nearly every week. AD has hit series lows of a 0.7 rating in the demo and little more than four million viewers.
Though this was billed as a mini-series, the producers have said that their writers have been working on scripting season two. Just in case the network wants a second season, they need the additional lead time to have episodes ready for next Easter.
Still, based on the ratings, there doesn’t seem to be much reason for NBC to order a second season of AD. They could make the show an annual event but the audience numbers really aren’t big enough for a network.
Burnett and Downey could however choose to take the project back to cable where The Bible was a big success for them. That also did very well with DVD sales. In today’s ever-shifting marketplace, they could find enough outlets to keep producing Bible-based series for years to come without being on a network.
What do you think? Would you like to see a second season of AD: The Bible Continues on NBC? Would you watch it elsewhere?
7/3 update: NBC has cancelled the series. They won’t air a second season but…
I would definitely watch another season!
I can not express enough that this show is currently one of my favorites. I reminds me of watching the Disney programs when I was a child. Its compelling, its entertaining and it is great how it intertwines the Roman history and politics (even with them possibly being very liberally modified from what may have happened since there are not many conversations recorded of the times) with the bible giving a clearer view of the times.
This is the only show that I make a point to be home to watch.
I would watch another season.
it has to continue ! thats the title !!! its so great! i haven’t missed any of it and rematch it when I’m bored ! my bible study group gathers and watches it together, and we love it ! please continue ! but next easter will be too long to wait !
“What is truth” — P. Pillite
I have been very impressed by the writing, acting and production values of this show. I would love to see a Season 2. I am surprised it has not garnered a larger audience.
I love the AD series. I definitely want a season 2!
Fabulous production and acting! PLEASE bring us season 2 of A.D. The Bible Continues. This show has brought to life the disciples work following the death & resurrection of Jesus. Let’s see this mini-series through the glorious book of Revelation and let our Lord be magnified and souls saved through the process!
I would definitely watch more seasons of this series, regardless of the channel. I so hope they decide to keep running it!!!
KEEP!! Here is the email I sent NBC: Hello, I see that no decision has been made about season two of this great and most needed show. This show has made a big impact on my life! I have always been a Christian however I have always found it hard to understand fully the Bible as writing styles were so different 2000 years ago. To me and I’m sure many others this in much more than just a TV show. It has helped me so much with my faith and has given me a closer connection with the holy spirit!!… Read more »
I would like to see a second season of AD: the Bible Continues on NBC, as it is intriguing and much of it is inspiring. However I would request there be less grisly violence and that it follow the true Biblical account more accurately. Thank you.
i love this show and was very disappointed to find out tonight that it’s ending. I truly hope that another season comes out.
Yes! Definitely. .. i love the series! I dont miss an episode. I watch every Sunday! Please make season 2!!
We look forward to watching the show every single Sunday. It is so exciting and we look forward to each episode.