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…
Yes !! My 7yr old daughter and I would watch the series together. I hope they bring it back.
Hi I can only hope the Lord will influence this and the show will go on. I think it is a great way for people to learnthe way of the Lord.
The series the bible was great on nbc and the acting terrific. Hopefully the series will be back on tv next season. Loved the entire series
YES please renew this show! I was so disappointed when this season ended. Reading the bible is too hard to understand…please continue with the AD series.
I really hope this wonderful series continues. My whole family enjoys watching it. God bless everyone who has had a part in making this program.
Yes please keep it going…I thought it was reamkable and informative
Thanks,
Stuart
Please!!! More Bible A.D. I teach Children’s Church and Love seeing the Bible Truths on tv. More people need to understand the Bible not just listen, and this show helped my daughter see how the culture was and understand why Jesus is so important! You should Cancel reality shows and add more Bible shows.
Yes please continue this wonderful series on network television. Even if a few are blessed by viewing then it is worth the costs. After television viewing then make available dvd options. As for us, we have recorded and watched again and again the amazing portrayal of the Bible. Truth is shown. History is better understood. Humanity is shown with its flaws and its only strength, that found in the Holy Spirit. The cable networks show sports which lure viewers. The network channels tease with talk shows, reality shows, and news. Little hope is offered. The Bible series is one of… Read more »
At the end of he finale, Peter gets arrested and that’s it? This needs to continue, and not leave us hanging!
Please keep making episode, this encourages me to seek Jesus and read my Bible more.. I love this show!!!!! Thank you I am so grateful!!
My family and I truly enjoyed this series very much. We would truly like to see more.
Please bring it back…we would watch it on satellite or network…our country needs to know of Gods love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to change peoples hearts and lives…i was really impressed that NBC even allowed John 3:16 to be said by chikdren but then that is the Power of God. He is in control.
Please continue this series. It is well done and very informative for all Christians.
Bring it back for season 2 it was interesting andI would watch again.
Yes…good show that we need at this time. Praise the Lord.