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 loved the series, and would love to see another season!
Yes, please!!!! I will even sit through the commercials.
My friends and I watched this every week with great anticipation. I would love to see NBC renew it, but if it goes elsewhere, we will watch it on whatever channel it moves to.
I really hope NBC renews A.D. The Bible Continues. There is still so much more of the story to tell! I have been so pleased with the quality of acting and the accuracy of the writing. Several times, I have picked up my Bible to read more about a specific event that I watched on the show. Please keep it!
I would love to see a second season, but would prefer that they air it in 2 hour blocks like the original miniseries, The Bible. The 1 hour air time was too short and I believe a lot of viewers were frustrated and lost because of this. With only 1 hour it seemed that the episode would end just as it was really taking off. Also, I think a cable network is much better than the big broadcast networks for increasing viewership. Cable networks allow for multiple showings of each episode throughout the week instead of a one shot chance… Read more »
Please Please Please keep this show on I watched every episode and love the story I would be very sad to not see the second season and please don’t make me wait till next year to finally start watching it again I am praying within three months anything longer than three months of waiting will kill me it’s like watching a really good movie that you never want it to end I love all of the actors they do such a great job I’m a huge fan of this show please don’t cancel it like others have mentioned cancel a… Read more »
I think you are exactly right on both counts. I think two hour blocks would be better and it is true; word of mouth has really gotten around about this series, and if it were on a cable network that repeats shows, it would reach many, many more people. I love this show!!!
Absolutely need a second season. I’ll happily watch it anywhere it is broadcasted.
Please renew this show! I have loved every episode! We need more shows like this!
I want to see this continue! I pray they decide to continue. No matter what network or cable station I will follow this series!
My household would love to continue watching more episodes of A.D. …. This program is wonderful! Continuing episodes throughout the entire year would be fantastic. We want more.
I believe, in my own Honest opinion, A. D. THE BIBLE CONTINUES should be renewed annually as a mini series. I truly loved watching it. It would be a shame not to continue this Series. Please, in the Name of God.
Yes, please continue it and get rid of reality shows like Survivor. That has been on long enough and it’s the same thing over and over. I last show ended like it was going to have more. Don’t leave us wondering about Peter.
YES, PLEASE!!! My husband and I have enjoyed this series SO very much!! We read aloud the scriptures prior to the episode and have gotten SO much more out of it!! Please, please consider a 2nd season!! If not on NBC, then on cable!
My wife and i love the show. We have not missed a show. Please give us a second season!!
Loved this series I hope there is another series. My spouse has never been interested in this type of TV but he hasn’t missed a show and is beginning to ask questions about the Bible.