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…
yes yes yes ! Please continue the series! As long as it is on regular tv, not cable, we can and will watch it! Pretty pretty please!
I certainly agree with MJ, I would gladly watch this quality production on any channel. Lets face it, the production is only half way through the book of Acts. Moreover, AD: The Bible Continues appears to be both Biblically and historically accurate. Kudos to the producers!
Yes, please do continue on with as many episodes as Burnett and Downey can write. We all need God in our lives, now more than ever.
Please please return A.D. for a 2nd season. I am following along in the Bible, consequently, I am reading Acts in my study bible at this time, so I am greatly enjoying the episodes. Please consider as the essence of Jesus Christ needs to be spread about the community so we don’t forget who our Savior really is. There is only one Lord, and his name is Jesus Christ.
Thank you
June 15, 2015
My husband and I have really enjoyed the series. We are recording the series because of so many spring evening commitments but we watch it faithfully. The quality of filming it excellent and often times after watching I am pressed to investigate more on the stories or on the Bible characters. Please continue the series, it is one of my favorite shows on tv!
I hope there is a second season. It’s a surprisingly good show, despite a few flaws. The acting is very good. And it has, overall, good production values. At it’s best it can be riveting and moving. At it’s worst it can be over the top and historically inaccurate. I hope NBC picks it up for a second season. If they don’t then I hope History Channel or some other station picks it up. I am surprised more people aren’t watching it. But then again some may be watching it on line or on demand. There may be a bigger… Read more »
I’ve been watching A.D. from the very beginning; I love it. From down through the years the production of the depiction of Christ would end up with the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and His ascending into Heaven. People are seeing what happened thereafter; the persecution of the Church, all what the early church had to endure for the cause of Christ. The actors are great; they bring alive each character. This is so rewarding!!!
Please bring back next season! The production value and acting are superb! The program airs at 8:00pm in my area. I have not missed an episode, however, I believe it would have garnered a larger repeat audience if shown at an earlier time such as 6:00pm or even 7:00pm. I think it got a little lost in the Sunday night shuffle being shown at 8:00pm.
I hope there is a second season.
Brings the Bible to life! Excellent actors.
One issue: Due to ongoing commercials, I only enjoy 5 minutes of A.D. before another commercial break. I find myself changing channels …. could be a reason for low viewership, very annoying.
Do you have DVR OR recording options, you can also watch online…
Would love to see another season of AD. The production, acting and storylines are top quality. Even when the story is not specifically taken from the Book of Acts, it is respectful and compelling. Please bring it back!
The series has basically gone up every week against the NBA playoffs and NHL Playoffs. It is safe to say that the young demographic is watching these games. So the fact that the series still pulls in the numbers that they have, during the highly watched nba and nhl playoffs says that it should be renewed for season 2.
Wonderfully put!!
PLEASE renew for a second season. As a Christian this series has answered a lot of questions for both me and a dear friend. We need this kind of programming. I would watch even if it went to a cable channel. Thank you.
I would certainly follow the 2nd season on any channel
I pray that it continues. I love it and it completes my week. I look forward to seeing it every Sunday. Great actors, great scenery and most of all, it makes you think how this works really hasn’t changed that much.