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…
This show was so well done. The acting, directing, scenery, costumes were all so impressive. Each episode was riveting and it kept me coming back week after week. I hope there is a season 2. Too much trash on TV and this was actually worth watching.
Yes…absolutely would watch another series. Would love to see more of Paul’s influence.
We all need to Know more and this opens up the BIble to a world where many will not seek or read a Bible, These Truths are GODS word to all that may Believe in JESUS the as the CHRIST and SON OF GOD, Can you set a Price on ones soul, I want to see more of the BIBLE AD,any network that is on the airways will be held accountable before GOD for not sharing and spreading the GOSPEL of JESUS when its handed to you like a treasure and gift, you chose to put the candle under a… Read more »
Please continue with the series on broadcast TV. Loved the show.
Yes. Pleaaaaseeee
The show has done more to help me understand the scriptures than most preachers could ever hope to. The casting and production are amazing.
Please renew this series. We need this now more than ever in today’s times. I love this show. It is informative and fills in a lot of the blanks during those most turbulant times. TAke this to a Cable network. With all the reality nonscense the televised shame on NBC. PLEASE TAKE RENEW THISE SERIES TO ANOTHER NETWORK. God has given you and your staff such a gift. DONT LET THESE MONEY RATING MONGERS GET THE BEST OF YOU. WE WANT MORE AD. Thank you ANDGOD BLESS YOU FOR ALL THE LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE GIVEN US. KEEP AD… Read more »
Yes I want to see a second season whether it be on NBC or the History channel. I want to see what happens to Peter
yes, continue with the series !!!! Really brings the bible to LIFE! Looked forward to watching every Sunday. Bring on season 2!
Yes I want to watch that again
Yes. I would very enjoy another series. The first one was done very well. Thanks you.
Yes, we would watch a second season, the series was very well done
Yes love the show would watch season 2 if there is one
Yes, please keep the series!!! I have been rereading the book of Acts and the show has been helping me understand it more.
My family enjoyed it and we are looking forward to a second season. We will watch it no matter what station they air it on.