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…
Definitely renew. The series got stronger as the episodes went on, and now we are very eager for another season. The later stories, such as what happens to Paul, would be wonderful to watch. Even if NBC does not want the series, they should still proceed with it on cable, and also get great DVD sales.
Yes! Keep this series! I love it and find it refreshing and informative. One of the better tv shows on the air.
Please renew! We need this…
Would love to see second season. Best series on TV. I Agee with Belinda the world needs these kind of shows.
I have learned so much as most historical religious series end at the crucifixion and do not show the historical development of Christianity. I feel there is a great need to continue to try and reach out and teach. Please do not be discouraged by the ratings. I have religiously watched each week and will be re watching the series. Thank you!
Please renew. We look forward to it every Sunday night.
The series has been remarkable. All of the acting is superb. The character actors are as good as the main subjects. Please renew this very worthwhile series.
Please continue the show! It is wonderful and we love watching it.
How can you not have a second ,third even fourth season?! This is a great show.
Renew for a 2nd season.
Love this series. Please renew!
Yes it’s a great show I want a second season
Most definitely a second season.
Would love there to be a season 2.
Yeah, please!!!!! A.D. Is my favorite show right now. I cannot wait for new episodes!!!!