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…
Why it is so hard for a Bible based TV show?I live on it so much. Transcribing the words into scenes really helped me get the message better, the joy can’t be compared to any other TV shows even like breaking bad. This love this message, it is more than anything in the world, the production of this TV show is priceless, it means so much for those who are unheard, bless those who strive for this
Bring it back!!!!!!! So disappointed NBC!!!
We want this series back. It is awesome. I will watch it and buy the Blurays when they go on sale!!! Christ’s message and story must be told to inspire believers and non-believers that he lives forever.
This series is excellent because it shares God’s Word and it give insight to the lives of 1st century Christians. The writers and the actors and actresses are truly wonderful. NBC should Not cancel this show.
Bring it back, I have the DVD and it’s awesome. #bringbackad
This series brings to the masses of people The Word depicted on film for all who hunger and thirst for Jesus in “all ways” possible to receive the truth. Please do not cancel this series.
I love this series, it helps people to get an understanding of who Jesus and his apostles are, please bring series back
I think it is full of purpose
please keep it going NBC do not cancel
please.
Please CONTINUE. We would love to watch AD season 2!!!!!!
Please find a way to continue the series. Quality TV is needed now more than ever.
Bring it back for new seasons we all need it kids these days don’t read they are alway gaming or watching tv it’s a good teaching and learning tool that should be air or be able to buy on dvd bring it back and Finnish off the story’s
I thought the series was well done and fairly accurate. Please continue. We need this.
Please continue.
I applaud the writers for such detail.