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…
Make season 2, we have not missed 1 episodes!
I would LOVE to see a Season 2. This, for me, has been the best of television. I look forward to watching it every week.
Please have a season 2. This is the best series i’ve ever seen. It really brings the bible to life. The actors are awesome! !
Please keep it going!!!
I think this show was very well done. I learned a lot about early Christianity even if it was not a direct translation of the bible. I believe there is a wonderful message in this series…to be a good Christian or person you must first trust in your maker -be it God or Christ. That living in harmony with others rather than in hate and violence is the way to be. I truly hope that Season 2 and dare I say 3 will be produced and shown on NBC, Cable or even another network. I will be sending positive thoughts… Read more »
When they showed the first manifestation of The Holy Spirit it was so moving. You could almost feel the love radiating from the screen. Please keep this show on the air. This is what this country needs. When the government kicked God out of the country is when things started to go to hades. We NEED this show more than ever.
I loved this show. There have been so many about Jesus life up to the crucifiction but not many as to happened after. They did a good job of sticking very closely to the New Testiment and I pray they will make more. A more powerful message of Jesus Ideals of Love and acceptance I have never seen on network TV.
This was an AWESOME series. If people (especially Christians) were not watching, they were missing out. My kids (ages 8 and 10) watched the series COMPLETELY and loved it. They asked questions after, they asked for meanings of certain things….it brought more conversations about God and BELIEVING into our home. I would have loved to have shown these episodes to the kids in Sunday School but I didn’t have access to WiFi to be able to do that. I think the series sends a very strong message….the message we, as Christians, need to start looking at again.
Will be very disappointed if cancel love the show can not wait for sunday hight
I would definitely watch it!! I haven’t missed an episode and I look forward to it every week!
I love the series AD, The Bible Continues and really hope it will be back for another season. This is the first show I have watched on NBC for quite a while. It’s an awesome show. I want more!
I Really Enjoy this Series. Please continue , acting is Supurb.
I Misspelled Superb. Sorry.
I love the show so mi just! I really hope they don’t cancel it !
I loved AD. It would be great to see a season 2. The Bible mini-series was a big ratings success for the History channel. They should give AD: The Bible Continues a chance if NBC drops this mini series because of ratings.
How come there are so many commercials and it even got picked up by the Canadian local channels.. It means the viewership is high ! Please bring it back ! Thanks
Please have a season 2 for the bible a.d. this is my son and I Sunday show. We look forward to it every week. We are so sad it is over especially to end the season like that in suspension. We want more JESUS!!7