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…
Thoroughly enjoyed the first season of this series. With all that is going on in the world today, insight into the impact that Jesus had on so many lives is essential. This format is a modern day avenue to spread the Word. Please consider extending A.D. The Bible Continues for future seasons.
We watch this series every Sunday and enjoy it very much. We feel they have done a very good job presenting the series. We look forward to the next season.
I love this series! PLEASE keep it!
I would love and really hope to see a second season. Really enjoyed it!!! Thank you!
PLEASE renew AD The Bible Continues. It is a great series which we really enjoy watching every week.
Yes, loved watching this series. Please continue to a second season. Don’t let us down.
I love this show. Please approve Season 2
I would love to see AD The Bible Continues come back next season.
Please continue!! My family looks forward to to watching every week!! Excellent family TV, and there’s not enough of it. Not to mention the discussion that occurs from watching the bible come to life.
Please renew the next session of series. This was so entertaining and faith building as I watched the bible being unfolded before my eyes. it was accurate and very well done. I am so sad that it will not be on next Sunday, June 28th and will miss the series. I am hungry for more, please give us more. I think that many people did not understand what this show was about with the title AD, not sure why we did not get a better rating. More publicity maybe?
Kudos to Barnett and Downey for their outstanding work!
Please keep the show going. It cannot end today as the finale. so much more of a story to tell. I would like to see more of Cornelius’ transformation, Peter’s journey and Saul’s teachings.
Although it is tough seeing how the followers of Jesus was treated it is a must show to continue. It makes you think and realize how blessed we are now to be as be to worship Jesus as we can now.
AD wasn’t only informative but inspirational! We take for granted the freedom of religion in America. The series show a real picture of the high price that many Chrstians had to pay in order for us to have the Gospel brought to us.
Absolutely more episodes are needed. I definitely vote yes.
I pray for a second season, this is the best positive series of biblical truth. I will be looking for the continued series wherever it may debut.