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 love this show! I pray that this series continues. It is wonderful and beautiful. It is the best show I have ever seen other than the Bible series. I watch it every week or catch it on demand if I miss it.
The stories have touched my soul and heart–need to keep Jesus andHis followers on TV
I love the show. Makes me want to go back & read the book of Acts. Thank you so much for showing it.
This show is great and a blessing for the Nation. Go for the second season please!!! 🙂
Love the show please continue to show it on NBC
We need more religiou.s programs like the Bible AD to teach and show people some inspirational
Programing.
I love the show and I would watch future shows. The acing and directing are superb!
It’s about time they do this!!
The best thing to come to network television in years. It has made me come back every week thirsting for more. The actors are terrific and the story lines are presented so interestingly. I am truly surprised that the series has had low ratings.
I hope and pray that this series continue on network TV.
Thank you
I LOVETHIS SHOW!
There is NOTHIN like seeing history come t life as a living, breathing entity.
It also is great for young people, who are not avid readers of history.
Absolutely ready for more!!! It’s been awesome to see the story continue, and there’s so much more to tell. I would love to see them do a ‘mini-series’ on Paul’s journeys. Just imagine the story plus the beautiful scenery around the Mediterranean. And the Jerusalem Council would be something to behold. WE WANT MORE!!!
I am praying that this series continues!! This series is what i look forward to ALL week. God Bless!!
Yes! I certainly hope and pray it continues! It’s great and though I DVR it and catch later on, I would imagine in the summer tv ratings are a lot lower since ppl are always busy running around and enjoying great weather. So bring it back for a 2nd season!
Love the show! I love seeing the stories of the Bible come to life! Please renew for a 2nd season!
LOVE AD – please continue making more!!!! I don’t have a TV so online medium is working best for me – really hope they continue making more!!
I LOVE this show, the whole family watches it together. It is so well done, and the
actors are all great. Please continue this show!! I think it’s the best show on the Bible
I’ve seen.