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 love to see the second season of A.D the Bible continues second season. I don’t watch television often, but the little time I do I like to watch Bible shows.
loved it and very disappointed that it was cancelled. make more please.
Please continue the series with or without NBC, God bless you, Great Great job. Thank You.
Please keep the bible series going! It is nice to have something on tv worth watching and the whole family can watch it! Love it!
I don’t care for the level of violence/sex much but YES, continue the series! Thanks! God bless!
Loved it keep it on
We loved it…. and always made sure to be home to watch the show!! Please keep it going I think it is very informational and brings us closer to God!
Please keep AD going. I am addicted to this series! If early viewers could have seen the finale, they would be hooked too!
Please continue the bible series, my husband and I loved it and hope there is more, much more.
I love the A.D.: The Bible Continues Episodes! I am looking forward to seeing Season 2; also would love to see the Ethiopian Eunuch take the gospel to Ethiopia. When will the producers develop this gospel viewpoint about Ethiopia? I ask that producers continue to produce good long lasting value shows to be shown on TV. May God continue to bless your creativity and your willingness to get the gospel out unto the world!!!
Please keep this show on! Loved it!
Best show ever. We need more bible exposure to those who may not otherwise get exposure.
we loved these series! pvr’ed each episode! so informative and educational.. we felt closer to Jesus after each episode! very well directed and produced! we want more!! thank you!
I think the reason for the drop in viewers was that this show was on at different times. One week it was on at eight and the next at ten. Keep the show! My family and friends love it!
Would LOVE to see more. The show is well done and I didn’t miss one episode. Excellent work.