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…
We thought it was wonderful. Please keep it coming!
Yes, please continue with this show. The season ended in a cliffhanger and I’ve been patiently waiting for the next season to start. Considering my work schedule, I had to watch this through my cable company’s On Demand option, but that is the way it is with all prime time shows for me.
Yes, please continue the series. I watched every Sunday night and loved the show. I will definitely watch whether on NBC or on another station.
Yes please bring on season two of this series
Really hope this show is renewed by NBC or on cable–We very rarely watch network TV but we DVR’ed and watched every episode of “AD.” The production values, acting and writing (even with some of the “loose” Biblical interpretations) make this series worth watching!
recorded and watched every episode. Keep it
With a HUGE cliffhanger like we just saw, now they HAVE to keep it going! I hate the way this series ended. I thought “finalel” ment final. Of course I guess there could be no happy ending as this IS the Bible.
I have thoroughly enjoyed each episode! When I could not watch it I recorded it to watch later. It gives you a real sense of the time and what the people endured. The actors are amazing. I would love to see another season. When the finale ended, I yelled, “Wait! What happens next?” Yes, I know I can just read my Bible but it is different to watch the events on a big screen! Thank you!
PLEASE KEEEP IT!
I looked forward to it every Sunday… I stumbled upon it the first night however I fell in love it, please keep it.
Although the ratings plummeted as the article has stated, the importance of this series continuing at this time in history is critical. The low ratings is an indication of how far America has fallen from its Christian founding. Going back to cable is a good option; In theaters and Mega Churches are good options; DVD is a good option. Many of us would purchase the DVD’s, and show them in our homes like a home Bible Study. By their own testimony in many interviews, this series came together with the Spirit’s help. I’m sure they’ll find a way and medium… Read more »
Yes! Please have a 2nd Season! We watched every episode. We missed part of the finale b/c of bad weather. 🙁
It helps to restore and strengthen our faith!
Great, great, great show. Please keep it going. Love the actors and the stories are awesome.
The show is a keeper. Thank you for having the courage to make it and air it!
please keep this series going. i love it. so educational. very well done. nothing better to watch on t.v. than this show. i watch and it brings tears to my eyes. please don’t cancel it. thank you
I would watch it no matter the channel!!! Please please please make season 2 and on!!! To many loose ends…
I hope that NBC renews AD: The Bible Continued for a second season. I think it is well-written and well-acted. I have to admit that I was skeptical about a “christian” series on NBC, but was pleasantly surprised. There are so few programs in which the cast stays clothed and the message is one of hope.