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 have enjoyed AD the bible continues more than any other show. I think if the series were to start during Lent and finish shortly after Easter the ratings would be higher. As for me, it could be a yearly, weekly series and I wouldn’t miss an episode. If it moves to cable, so will I.
It has become a weekly event for me & my family. Please bring it back!
This is a great show, please another season!
Continue with Season 2 !! on any channel !!
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed both The Bible and AD. Look forword to the next chapter. The filming in the desert brings the authenticity and brings the story to life, rather then SFX and sounds stages at WB or Universal. Coudos to Mark and Roma for going the extra mile.
This show has been amazing!! Great job to the makers and NBC for airing it. Please bring it back for another season.
Yes, please have a second season. Look forward to watching it on Sunday nights.
I hope and pray that the series continues. My husband and I just loved and looked forward to each week of A.D. Please bring on the next season. The world needs more and more of Jesus!!
YES, please keep the series going. My whole family loves it! It is beautifully done, and we have looked forward to it every week!!
My husband and I watched every episode together. We would discuss it together. We would definitely watch more on any channel. Thanks to Roma Downey and her husband for bringing the scriptures to life. Keep them coming! God bless you!
Very fine show. Watched 12 episodes and enjoyed every one!! Thanks for putting it on. Hope it continues!!
Our house rarely watches TV. We as a family with 2 small kids really enjoyed AD and would love to see it continued. It was fun to have a regular tv show that with guidance through the gory scenes, the whole family could enjoy together. I wish these series would never stop… although the commercials were overwhelming…
Yes!! I would watch it on any channels
I would watch every week of a second season, but if it goes to cable or DVDs, I’ll find it. I loved comparing my bible study to the movie. Oh my! I’ve turned into my dad.
yes!
My whole family and our church watches it!