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, I recorded every episode. Excellent series, bring it back next season
I watched every episode. Loved it so inspirational. If NBC doesn’t renew, I pray another network will. Was left in limbo. I NEED to see more!
My husband and I really enjoyed watching the series every week. If you don’t bring it back for a “season two” at least do one last show that doesn’t leave a person hanging so much. But would enjoy seeing a season two.
Bring it back for a second season
This is a great series and i love watching it as it gets better ever episode. Please keet it coming we need programs like this
Thanks
This has been a great series. Watch it every week and am praying for a second season. Please continue this series.
I loved it. Please continue it. If it moves to another network, I will move with it.
God Bless!
Cynthia
Please bring back A.D. The Bible Continues season 2. If God has called you to make this series then He will see it through. He is able to make it happen. Nothing is impossible with GOD. Amen. I hear good things from all over about this wonderful mini series. Satan would like nothing more than to see this program cancelled so please don’t give him the satisfaction. God bless you all & keep on pressing on by sharing The Greatest Story Ever!
Please please continue the series! Loved this show…my favorite. Watched every week. We need more disciples to spread Jesus’ word and we can reach more people through this series. Praise God!
I enjoyed the series, although there were obviously other sources than the actual Bible. Still, anything that presents The Word with Jesus Christ presented as the son of God and helps educate the unreached is accomplishing good things, in my opinion. I would love to watch more episodes.
Yes,Bring back season 2 This is one of the best things on tv today it beats all reality TV the bible is the best story ever and people need to see and hear this NBC should go all the way with this how ever many seasons it takes.
I love this series but I was disappointed at the finale unless its not a finale. It didn’t give you an ending. I do want to see a Season 2!
I want there to be a season 2. I would like to find out more about Paul’s road in sharing Jesus’s teaching. This mini series is coming at a very important time in our lives.
Love the series, will be waiting for 2nd series be it wherever its played.
I don’t care who hosts it….but all in all we would be saddened if they do not continue with a season 2… I would hope that they would keep the same actors too.. We shall see.