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…
Definitely, IT NEEDS TO COME BACK!! its left out so much good biblical telling when it ends so abruptly.. Need this to go all the way and complete the Book of Acts at least..
Would also like to see other biblical stories since this series has shown such great writing and acting ..
Absolutely ! I would love to see the series continue. I frankly am not sure on the authenticity of the Pilate depiction, however the actor is fantastic ! You love to hate him. Here is a show your entire family can watch and better understand some of the stories from the Bible. NBC please give us more of this quality television. We certainly don’t need anymore mindless reality babble that seems to be on every channel you flip on.
Bring back A.D. The Bible Continues! I agree with the above, Larry. This is a great show for families. Sad, but often shows with value and any depth at all are often dropped…and this is is actually truth, not fantasy. The writers have done a wonderful job of adding script that is very close to Scripture and in keeping with the actors’ character as it is in Scripture and in history. The acting is absolutely long to wait! I will be watching for A.D. The Bible Continues Season 2 on Easter 2016. If it is not continued, I will definitely… Read more »
This was great drama. We hope there will be a season 2 and 3, etc. The critics who say that this was just material that has been done before are wrong. I can’t think of a single example of a TV series or movie that has covered this period in early Church history in such detail and with such honesty. Bring it back on cable.
Bring back A.D. The Bible Continues for Season 2!!!!!! We loved it. Plan on buying the series as well.
I like the way the series made me curious to look up facts and history of that time. Thought the characters were interesting. Had hoped to see more of Paul and his ministry. Bring it back!
I enjoyed AD The Bible Continues so very much! I looked forward to watching it every Sunday. I hope and pray there will be a season 2. Please consider making this happen. Thank you!
I would like to see season 2 on NBC, but if it goes elsewhere I won’t watch NBC. I go wherever it takes me .
Will definitely watch season 2. Have not missed an episode.
I loved the show, yes I would like to see more. I would like to buy the seres. If you know anything about the Bible, how could you not love it..
I hope there is a season 2. The portrayal of the apostles has been interesting to say the least and strong enough acting to keep you interested in the next episode!
Please, Please, please have a season 2, these show really touch my heart a lot,
Yes!!! Season 2. I have waited each week to see the series. I vote yes,
our family would love a season 2 of AD. my kids are obsessed and want to see a proper ending to this incredible series which it deserves.
Please make season 2! I have enjoyed watching every episode! I even got the NBC App so I could watch it on my iPad. Thank you.