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…
My family would watch continued episodes.
Keep it going . My husband and I love setting down on a sunday night and watch this series of AD the bible continues . We cant wait for the next sunday to play .
I’d love to see A.D. continue. It’s a great show and want to see more of what happens.
This series was excellent, would love a second season. Will watch on any channel! Nice to have something that brings hope to this world!
We need more shows like this it is such a joy to see shows about the greatest man who ever lived and his teachings and his followers truly great TV
Would definitely tune in for another season series. I thought it was terrific, and the acting superb. Am hoping to see it continue next Easter season.
Please keep this show coming! It is the only thing I look forward to on Sunday nights. Whatever network airs season 2, I will watch. The world needs programs like this one.
Just do it another season, and advertise! What happens to Peter?
Yes , please!
Have enjoyed the series very much . Would definitely tune in for a second season regardless of which net work.
Please continue this wonderful show. We really need this in our world. It has really encouraged my faith in Jesus and I am sure for others. Also the acting is wonderful along with everything else.
Yes, keep the programs going, I cannot wait for Sunday night to come so I can watch. We need to get back to basics with TV programs that are positive
On what ever network I hope there is a 2nd season. Good Sunday evening viewing ,this mini series was a Light in the darkness.
I really enjoyed the series and wish that every book in the bible could be brought to life in this manner. Yes, I want a second season–especially since viewers were left hanging! Maybe if it were shown in the winter instead of spring, more people would have watched. I had to record the series so that I could watch it at a more convenient time.
Please continue. It does not matter what network its on. This country is falling apart as I text this, if just a small number have a change of heart its a win for the producers, myself, and the Lord.
AMEN!!!!