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 would have to agree with all of the comments. I so look forward to watching this program and would be so disappointed if there weren’t more.
Yes, Yes, Yes……….. We need more Bible based television!!! I can follow this with my Bible and learn so much about all that my Lord and Savior did for His children and how His followers sacrified their lives to built the Church. I feel so Blessed when I watch this program!
Please bring season 2 it really helps make me stronger in the Lord Jesus.
Please bring it back!! Very well written!!
Yes!!! Please keep them coming till we get to Revelations. Please please please!!! GOD bless
Yes please bring it back, So looked forward to watching on Sundays. Loved it.
So disappointed when it ended
Yes Pease Please bring The Bible AD back for another season. I so looked forward to watching it on Sundays Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Please bring it back.
YES, please have a 2nd season. We look forward every week to this show and NEVER miss it. Great show!
I was so disappointed it had ended. It was the highlight of the week for me looking forward to Sundays nights watching AD. You must renew for a second series. I was the best show on TV as far as I am concerned. PLEASE RENEW, PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEE.
We were disappointed when it ended. We would certainly watch a second season. Well done and inspiring.
BRING IT BACK!!!
Yes, I would love to see a second season…my 10 year-old son loved it! Something decent we can watch together.
I would defintely wan to see a second season of AD. I have watched all the episodes of Seaon One several times ON Demand.
If not NBC Im sure there is a cable networ that would want to have AD.
Yes, please bring it back! It’s the only show we watch & is very encouraging!
Yes, please bring it back!
Please bring back A.D. T
Please bring back A.D. Thank you.
i SO LOOKED FORWARD TO THIS EVERY WEEKEND, I WAS SO EXCITED FOR SUNDAY TO COME. PLEASE, PLEASE BRING IT BACK.