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 loved this series and was sorry I did not see the first series “The Bible” on the History Channel. I DEFINITELY want to see this come back!! It really deepened both my knowledge of and desire to read the Bible. I’ve never watched a show where I wanted to have the Bible right by my side or I wanted to (and did) read Acts every day because I wanted to read what I had been watching. Of course, their is some license given to a TV show. However, there were parts I thought couldn’t have really happened, but I… Read more »
Luv it. When is finale. Wood def watch season 2!
Awesome series
Yes! I would watch it on any channel. I also watched AD at NBC on demand if missed on Sunday night.
Please continue the show. This is the first show I have ever commented to stay on the air.
My family has truly enjoyed the series, and would be disappointed if not continue.
I absolutely would watch season 2. We need more quality programing on television. There is far to much garbage polluting the minds of today’s youth.
Yes they should have a second season I like it so much
My family would watch the series on any channel. We found it intriguing how the Bible narrative and the program characters interacted. Knowing that Peter, Paul and Cornelius have experiences that relate to today’s longing for hope and answers, I think A.D. serves in a timely fashion addressing the longing of a lot of people for a relationship with God.
I bought the whole series before it even began for my Kindle. I would buy next season now.
I bought the whole series before it even began for my Kindle. I would buy next season now. All season the shows were great! Thanks!
I love the series, I have been watching since the beginning. Please bring the series back next season, I especially love watching the miracles and angels. We need a good clean series that has some historical significance to it, please bring back.
The series has enhanced my reading and knowledge of the Bible. Our church has used it in our Wednesday night Bible study. My wife and I wold watch it on ant channel.
I have recorded every episode and watch it with my family. I would very much like for it to continue. Wonderful family friendly show that we look forward to watching and discussing every week.
Yes, another season please. It is great for a family to watch.
Yes, please another year. It is a great show I watch if on the internet from NBCs web site do they take that into account?
I love it for it to continue for season 2 I’m really getting into it.Its awesome.
YES!!! Keep it. I would watch it on ANY channel. I truly enjoyed the series!!!