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 please bring back AD. We love it and look forward to it every week. Was sad it was not on this past Sunday. just googled to see when season2 will start again and found this. Very upsetting it might not restart.
It has become a very important part of our spiritual walk and learning of the bible stories.
Please bring it back
DeDe and David
Absolutly. Not only is this a wonderful series, but educational and informative for young people to give thought as to what Christianity is and was during the times of Christ. It also provides an opportunity for children to learn about Christ, who his deciples were and how they dealt with the rigors of the Jewish council and the brutality of Pilate and the Romans.
In my opinion the series if continued would be a wonderful success that it’s followers like myself would always continue to look forward to watching.
Yes, Please bring it back……I was so disappointed this past Sunday when it was not on.
Please, please, please, please, continue the series. It was absolutely inspiring and I could not wait for the next episode. If the viewing was low – advertise more! We need this more than Hannibal, etc.
Enjoyed the series and look forward to its return next season. It brought the Bible to life.
I watched every episode and loved it. It was the only show me and my family watched 🙂
I Loved the series and I am so sad it’s over. Please Please make more. It is the best thing on TV. Everyone in the world should care enough to watch the Bible come alive. There is so much bad stuff on TV and I looked forward every Sunday to watch a meaningful program. I live in San Diego and go to Shadow Mountain church. And I loved the producers interviews and loved that Dr. David Jeremiah was a part of it.
I hope they can film more episodes for next year.It along with Washingtons Spies were my 2 favorites but AD was my ALLTIME favorite.I couldn’t believe that a liberal biased networklike NBC would broadcast a Bible show.I LOVED the format and the setting and is the most inspiring show that i have seen the Bible series on the History Channel.I don’t understand why they called the last show the series finally.PLEASE BRING BACK AD:The Bible Continues!
Please, please, please make a second season. I know many people who watch it & love it. The casting is fantastic!
I love this show, please have another season. It’s a cliff hanger for sure. Thank the good lord there is a spoiler called the Bible that I can read and learn their outcome, but I love it, please bring it back.
Please keep it, its the only show I watch weekly, I cant wait for it. I do not watch any series, but this, as it is I dont want to wait till next year!
Loved it. Can’t wait for season 2. Please bring it back.
Please keep this on. We enjoy the subject matter and the attention to the detail of the actors as well as the settings. The actors bring dimension and life to many of the events so everyone can understand.
Please bring this show back I need a few more seasons. I’m missing my Sunday bible lesson.
Yes, please bring it back. The best TV Program so far that we couldn’t miss it every Sunday.
PLEEEEEASE bring back A.D. The Bible!!!! It’s the BEST!!!! Please…please…please!!!!