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…
Please keep it going!!!
This is the endtime!! We need this in the world we live in today
Please keep the series. I don’t have nor do I intend to get cable any time soon and this is the only way that I can see truly quality programming.
I am so sorry it was final episode. We need more shows with historical and religious meaning. I hope it continues!!!
I loved the series! Great job!!
Absolutely love this series. Recorded each one and watched all of them. Would love a 2nd season.
I loved it! I think its important that we incorporate God in our culture. Thank you NBC and thank you heavenly Father!
Love AD BIBLE mini series!!! I like it because it is based on true stories according to the Bible. Hope there is a season 2.
I hope they continue the series for season 2. My family has really enjoyed watching and will definitely continue to watch. I have encourage everyone I know to watch also. Thank you so much for airing A.D. the Bible Continues! I can’t wait till season 2!!
I would love another season. I have watched each episode.
What is going on here, one of the best shows on TV we have seen for many years. There are many more people than you think who really enjoy a wholesome and uplifting program. You need to reconsider NBC. Christian values are what have made our countries great. We are so disappointed in the choice that you have made. We love this program and looked forward to seeing it every week. You should be more in tune with the whole spectrum of your audience. Please bring back AD The Bible Continues.
Yes! I looked forward to it every Sunday night and am so disappointed the season is over already. I didn’t watch much of The Bible–didn’t care for that series nearly as much as I enjoyed A.D. PLEASE continue this. There have been other shows that gained an audience over time and ended up being big hits. Why not one that matters? LOVED this show!
Hello,
My family and I are big fans of AD the Bible. My husband has now decided to come to church after watching every episode. This Movie is amazing every character in the Bible becomes alive. Please continue with season two.
WHAT??? I find that hard to believe ..
We recorded them all so we can watch them when we can but haven’t miss one yet
This is when the world need this type of shows even more!
Yes, I would definitely watch the next season. Please keep it on.
Absolutely.
Of course I would watch a 2nd season…and a 3rd, 4th, 5th, …!!! My husband and I LOVE watching it together and we miss it now that it’s over! I live in Charleston, SC and we love this series!