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…
no reason to cancel.. im not a bible thumper but since i know how things r the series has had a great dramatizartion of what could be and while none is real i would like to see it into season 3.. alot more stories and please for gods sake include more cornelious…. btw not alot of plp get it.. just watch it for what it is.. jeeesh…
We really enjoyed this informative series. I would definitely watch more episodes whether on NBC or on cable.
Please consider a season 2.
I will be deeply saddened if there is not another season or 10 more. It’s funny to me that shows like survivor can last for decades yet a historical story of Christianity is being talked about being canceled . I would ask you to look past profit and continue to bring the bible alive to a much needed society in a downward spiral
YOU CAN’T JUST END THE SERIES IN THE MIDDLE OF A CLIFFHANGER. THIS IS ONE SHOW THE FAMILY COULD WATCH WITHOUT SEXUAL INUENDOS LIKE” 2 BROKE GIRLS” IIn the past hit shows started off poorly but when given a chance became ratings hits. Get it out of Sunday nightsbut bring it back. One of the best series this year
Yes please I’m praying for season 2
Please renew for season2. The mini series is a great educational tool for believers and nonbelievers.
YES, This series is awesome & needs to be shared with as many as possible. I would continue to watch it if it should be moved to another network.
A good series, with some embellishment and creative story-telling. I would welcome another season with a focus on Saint Paul’s missionary trips to Asia Minor, Greece and Rome.
I have been dvr the series, so I don’t know if that counts on ratings. I watched the first 3 live but I was slightly disappointed that some of the details were a little off. I have enjoyed the last 5episodes I have watched them on dvr .
Bring on season two, this was a great series, thanks NBC for promoting this series
loved the series AD. Sad that it is over. Will purchase the dvds
yes, need a season 2! We watch it online at NBC.com every week.
you have to come back with a season 2. You cannot leave just when it was getting really good and so many more bible stories to tell.
Definitely renew the series. Followed Acts & easy to understand.
Definitely need a season 2! It has been an excellent show and something we need to see more of in our television viewing!