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 would really like to see a second season, excellent drama and storyline, I only found it by accident, would watch on any channel
Please continue A.D. THE BIBLE CONTINUES. IT IS AN AWESOME PROGRAM.
I absolutely loved it, but I so didn’t like the way it ended. Please, let there be a season two. People need to know what happened to Peter. You cannot leave your audience hanging like this; especially those who are just getting to know Jesus. I love, love, love how the events of the bible have been presented thus far. Please, keep up the good work. This is a Blessed, and much needed project. Cannot wait to see more.
This show attempts to honestly portray The Book of Acts though it does take some artistic license with it’s characters.
Still, there is enough interest. I enjoy it . I’ll watch it.
I paid for the entire season package on Amazon to see it.
Bring it back to cable if ratings hungry NBC can’t hang.
Yes please, this has been excellent. A very accurate portrayal of real events.
Please continue this mini series, I absolutely love and looking forward to season 2, it would be a shame to stop this min series
Please continue bible ad. If we have more programs like this tv would be worth watching. I hope nbc renews series.
Love it! Please continue the series. It brings joy to me!
Please do a second, third, season. Finally something worth watching. It is a wonderful tool to learn with a fabulous cast. Don’t end the series like this, much more needs to be said. I travel, so I always made sure to record the show. It was something to look forward to to. Sorry to see the end. Please continue
My husband and I sat down every Sunday night to watch it together. YES! Please have a Season Two! I know MANY who watched (or recorded when they were not able to watch live”.
Yes, please have another season of this wonderful show. Interesting that this show is up for debate about having a 2nd season, but shows that continue to feed the hatred and disrespect that is happening in this world get multiple seasons.
NBC, take a stand and have another season of this fabulous show air next year.
This is one of the best series on the Bible I have ever seen. There was a bit of “Hollywood” in the program but it has been very accurate to the Holy Bible. I would definitely like to see another season……tell the story out to the writing of The Revelation as written by John. I look forward to seeing this back next season.
Absolutely ! Please we need season 2
I really want the show to come back. I enjoyed it.
Loved the show. I liked it better than “The Bible”. I think it would have done better if it had been scheduled to conclude on Easter, rather than Easter be the start date. Powerful, thought provoking, the actors given real plot lines were excellent. It showed the fears, doubts, and spiritual journeys of less than perfect people. I have recommended it to people as one of the best Bible based shows I have seen. I don’t usually buy DVD sets but this one I do intend to buy. It’s that good.
Please, please continue the story!!!!
YES Yes! Please bring it back for more episodes! It really got my 16 year old interested in the Bible. That’s a miracle! We never missed it!