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 too would like to thank NBC, Mark Burnett, and Roma Downey for airing this series. I watched all 12 episodes and was also a faithful “Touched By An Angel” viewer.
Please consider another season.
Thank you again.
Yes bring it back!!! Love it I would watch on other venues if I had to
I loved this series, and the first one. I hoped this show would resonate with the masses, but popularity and the truth often conflict. I’m grateful for what we were able to watch, andhope there is a season 2 in some form or another.
YES, I would definitely watch another season. Please RENEW it on any channel!!!! There are 3 to 4 million people that have stayed faithful to the show. There is never a wrong time for airing God’s word. His word will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish what He desires and will achieve the purpose for which He sent it. There will be people that are saved because of this show. That is more important than the ratings. Thanks for these special 12 episodes.
Yes please have another season…….so much more to be covered and ‘what’ a way to end it….not. The 50+ demographic is IMPORTANT. We enjoy shows with content not just fluff that seems to appeal to so many under 45. I am not bashing the younger set but everyone deserves programming that they enjoy and with all the reality and talent programs these days its wonderful to be able to watch true reality/history. You don’t have to be overly religious to enjoy AD! NBC…keep it on please. The actors are amazing.
Yes, it is a good show and I’ve watched it all. The characters on the show did well so I would like it to continue till the end of Acts, at least 🙂
I watched all twelve parts of the series. I liked it much better on the History channel with no commercials. Way too many commercials on NBC. I really enjoyed watching it on Sunday evening.
Love the show!!!!!
Season 2 Please!!!!!
Please keep this show on the air!Of all of the new shows that came out this season AD… is my absolute favorite. Finally a decent show to watch! I’m requesting that prayer warriors around the wr k d to start praying for the continuance of this show. I commend and praise God For Roma Downey and Mark Burnett for creating this wonderful show! I found myself anticipating the next weeks show during the whole series. Lltes pray that this show stays on the air,in Jesus Holy name. Coudos to NBC for allowing viewers the priviledge of viewing thi s wonderfu… Read more »
Absolutely enjoyed every episode! Each actor came across so beautifully and I was engaged each Sunday. Please keep as the world needs to know about Jesus!!! Hope, Love, and Forgiveness.
BRAVO, and THANK YOU to NBC for having the courage to air such a wonderful series in primetime!!!! You are to be commended for giving this show a chance to shine, and it really did shine!!!! It was brilliant!!!! The acting was superb, and everything about this gem of a program was special!!!!! A few times I wondered why the writing portrayed the stories differently, but overall I was so intrigued by every aspect of the show that it didn’t stay with me long and I was eager to see what would happen next. People are hungry for the supernatural,… Read more »
I watched every episode I love the series, I cannot wait to see the next season. I think a second season will be great I didn’t like the fact that the first season ended I want to see more! I would watch it on any channel cable or NBC. DO NOT CANCEL PLEASE.
Seriously, do you need to ask if a 2nd season would be worth it? The answer is yes!!!! I would watch on NBC, or wherever it has to be aired. I also watched it at NBC online when I did have to miss an episode, re-watched each episode a 2nd time and watched Beyond AD for more perspective. I am a believer and am thrilled that finally tv has decided to endorse a program that promotes truth and amazing content in a weekly show format. Everyone is not interested in filth, scandal, murder, lies, sex and all of the other… Read more »
Would be devastated if the series wasn’t renewed. We aren’t “live” watchers, due to the time on Sunday night, but it is a TOP PRIORITY on our DVR and would be missed along with American Odyssey. WTH, its the story of the Bible. It’s well written for TV, it’s well produced…who doesn’t want to watch it? MAYBE, this is what’s wrong with our society. These 18-49 people who are “polled” would rather watch idiots run around on an island for 40 days, watch 15 morons live in a house full of cameras or watch a family of crazy w**res who… Read more »
This is an excellent series. Please move forward with Season 2.