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…
What a great history lesson! I keep going online afterwards to look up more details and then refer to the Bible. Such a great show! Can we please have more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Super upset that there hasn’t been a season finale… Has it just been cancelled?! Without saying anything?? I love this show, very upset it’s not on!!
Very little on network TV is worth watching. But my husband and I could hardly wait for the next episode of the Bible Continues. As for the low ratings, a lot of people we know did not catch the beginning episodes, and were hesitant in starting in the middle of the season. They will be watching when the show comes out on cable or DVD.
I already miss the series. Not sure I believe the low ratings. The series was excellent. Better to watch something that can help understand God’s word than watch demented shows that warp the mind. Please bring this show back – quickly.
Please bring it back !!!!!!!!
I don’t like the garbage that is on TV now.
Bring back AD the Bible stories !!!!!
I have really enjoyed watching the A.D. series. If I missed an episode I would watch it On Demand. Great actors, great screen writing. I was so pulled into the story! You just have to keep this series going. I will watch it on whatever channel decides to carry it.
This series is pure gold among so much fools gold. There are so many shows that give nothing except for suggestive themes, nonsensical violence and cheap entertainment. The world needs uplifting shows like this one teaching courage, faith and love. They may not sell eyeballs, but fill hearts instead. NBC please keep AD: The Bible Continues!
Great comment. Keep it up.
YES I will watch this show wherever it is shown. I record every eposodand will be purchasing the DVD.
Please please continue this show. because of this show, I am now reading and Learning The bible. 35 years old and I feel more connected with my lord and savior. Thank you for helping me.
Yes please bring A D. The bible continues very heart felt, loves this series!!! Cried with some of these shows. Please dont cancel it there is so much evil in the world and this was such an awesome series about Jesus and his followers!!
You would have left us hanging on a cliff if you don’t intend to continue the series. You have Peter being taken by a Roman again probably to prison.
Please continue with the SUNDAY NIGHT BIBLE SHOW, Really missed not seeing one tonight
Yes, I wish you would comtinue! Love Sunday night
Yes, please continue. With everything that is going on in the world right now, we really do need shows like this to remind us about Faith , Hope and Love.
Yes, I watch the show and love it!
My husband and I love this show and really looked forward to Sunday nights. I really pray they bring it back. If they choose to not bring it back I would definitely buy the series.