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 would watch a 2nd season, absolutely. I loved this season, and I think there is still so much more to be told in the many chapters in the book of Acts. I really enjoyed watching and it helped me learn so much, and dive into the bible. I really really hope they bring it back.
Our family tuned in faithfully every week. We don’t have DVR, so we sat through commercials… And we don’t watch much commercial TV, but this is one show we never missed. We looked forward to it all week long. This is quality programming with characters we truly care about. A delight to watch because it is not agenda-driven (iow, stays true to history) and the writing and acting are top-notch! We MUST have a second season! With the same actors, of course.
I would absolutely love it if there was a season 2 of AD The Bible Continues. If the networks don’t want it please put it on cable. Finally, Jesus on TV. Love it!!!
Please, please, please keep the programing of A.D., The Bible Continues. A.D. came at a special time in my life, verified all of my Sunday school teachings from 55 years ago and cemented my belief in Jesus Christ. My love for this series over road the number of commercials but may not have been the case with other viewers. I cannot help but think the viewers who may have tuned out did not enjoy the level of commercials. All that said, please renew the series in some form or fashion. It may very well turn out to be a very… Read more »
I Love it. If you do too, please everyone call, write and email NBC and let them know. That will really make a impact on there decision on season 2. Do it today and everyday until it gets picked up.
Please continue the A.D. series another season!
It is a great series and I would be very disappointed if it was not renewed.
I’ve really enjoyed watching this. There’s nothing like it on public TV. I would watch it on cable but unfortunately I can’t afford cable. I hope it comes back again on public TV.
Great show – cliffhanger ending with Peter being summoned by a centurion via a knife to his throat will be quite the let down if there is no season 2.
I loved AD the Bible Continues. It is sad to hear the ratings dropped so drastically through the season. I felt the series got better and better as it went on! The men who played Peter and Saul/Paul are absolutely amazing actors and are truly gifted in sharing the Gospel in this way. It would be sad if the series didn’t continue is one way or another. I would buy a second season DVD in a heart beat! Thank you for sharing the message of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!!!
I think the A.D. Series is amazing it’s a wonderful way to get the word out about Jesus Christ to humanity. People don’t like to read anymore. Reading is fading away and the Lord Jesus is finding many many ways to deliver his messages. No matter what time and age we are in his word will evolve with the word meaning it will always find a way to his people. Tremendous actors I love the series if there were not to be another series I would be truly disappointed.
I want to see a second season, Please, Please, Please. Please keep the series going its a wonderful show and its bringing so many to Jesus please keep it going. In Jesus name, Amen…
I really want to see a second season.
This is a wonderful series. Keep your sitcoms and reality shows for financial gain, but keep this show for spiritual gain. It’s important for people to know these stories, not only for their spiritual value, but for a secular historical purpose, as well. The same conflicts exist today and this series tells where it all began. Maybe, just maybe, people can learn something from it, no matter what religion they practice.
I agree wholeheartedly, Robin ! Unfortunately everything is all about money.
This was the best TV show we ever watched! My family did not miss an episode. It is a great teaching about the disciples’ lives. We love it. Please keep it on TV.