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…
It’s not surprising if they cancel,
something that’s your able to watch
they take off. I would love to see it
it continue.
Totally agree! I don’t want season one to end. So I would look forward to future seasons.
I love the show! Pls keep!
Absolutely amazing series, please bring season 2!
I broke down and cried like a baby after Johanna was murdered by Cornelius. And was shocked he showed remorse by crying also. This shows has shown me things I never knew. And I grew up in the church. But I never read the bible cover to cover now I want to. I admire Peter for his genuine love for Jesus and his teachings. I’m just wondering why saul/Paul is still missing in action. Because Peter and Paul are the original dynamic duo
Yes please do a second season The BEST show on TV…I love it and watch it faithfully on Sunday nights……Thank you…..
I love this show, but I’m unable to watch it on Sunday evening so I have watched it faithfully via the NBC app during the week. Would love a season 2.
Quality Television. Best show on TV Please continue
Strongly in favor of this Bible AD to CONTINUE. DO NOT Cancel this show. Best on TV
Totally agree!! It is as good as “The Bible” and we both look forward to Sunday evenings. We’re also sorry “the series/season” is ending so soon. Well done and the acting is superb!!
Sharon and Mark Hug
Las Vegas, Nv.
Keep Keep Keep. If NBC doesn’t keep it, we will go where it plays. It presents an opportunity for people to find hope in a hurting world. It sends a very good message of hope and purpose.
They need to continue this great show. I don’t know why people don’t watch quality TV anymore. The ratings are steady but not spectacular. Hard to believe.
Please continue next year. This series really brings the New Testament Book of Acts to
Life . Just as if we were there .
My family loves the series. This has to be the first series at addresses what happened after the resurrection of Jesus. It really brings to life the struggles the Apostles had in getting the message of Jesus out to the world. It has really made me think about that chapter in Mans history. It is good TV- it is a very weel down depiction of what really went on during that time. We look forward to watching it – every Sunday night. It brings back Sunday family TV night for me. Please bring it back next year…
I also pray that the show continues. It is much better than other options on TV . I would certainly watch a 2nd season on whatever channel it would be on.
Please do the second season. This is a wonderful show. I have enjoyed it so much. May God Bless!
I would love this series to return. I’m learning sooo much and it has led me to read my bible and see for myself if what is told is true.
i would love to see another season!!! AD makes me look forward to Sunday’s- I have learned a lot watching this and have had a lot of great conversations… During the summer there is hardly anything to watch on tv… I would definitely follow another season!