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 keep this series going. I really learned a lot about the bible watching this series!!! I’m so tired about all the sex and violence shows on television.
I loved this series, and it is not finished yet, there is more to it, I can’t wait to see the rest of the story. Please give us season 2.
I love the show! Please keep it.
I was so sad it ended tonight. I welcome a new season and 2 hours at a time would be awesome. The acting is good the message rings true. We need more shows like this on TV.
Thank you for showing me your special movie . Yes I want to keep to show it on tv next fall 2015-2016. I love it so much. I want to order a.d. Bible continue DVD when you get ready then let me know. Ok. Thanks to nbc all… Patsy
Please continue the series. I like the stories and the actors are doing a great job.
A can’t miss event each week for me. Such a welcome alternative to most regular programming. A third effort will be welcomed as well, whether broadcasted on NBC or cable.
It can’t possibly end the way it did. There MUST be a season 2! I eagerly await the episodes every Sunday. Our church even teaches from the Book of Acts while the series is on. Please have a season 2!!
I love this series. I hope this continues. I never missed an episode,,and I miss it already.
Please have a second season I love the show
please go forward w season 2 ! It takes time to be great – just ask great Players in sports . You gotta give series time to build a base and grow – it’s gets old when every body wants instant huge ratings from the starting gate . Some of the greatest TV series in history took a few years to gain traction . NBC needs to stay the course and BUILD on season one foundation that was laid . I’m invested in the characters – C mon- somebody at NBC have some MORE courage and think outside the box… Read more »
Please continue the series!
Yes. Most defenetly make a 2nd season. Great Series. the Finale let everyone in suspense. what happened? It’s just the beginning. Bravo Keep it going The Acts of the Apostles is a Great Story to tell
Please keep A.D. for a second season and beyond. There’s so much of our history needing to be told.
My husband and I really have enjoyed watching this series and don’t want it to end! The accuracy, interpretation and events have us talking about the bible in a way we never have before. The series is so well done I think more people would watch it if it had a different title. There is so many of the features (suspense, intrigue, action, love stories etc…) That it is hard to believe more people haven’t tuned in.