As expected, NBC has decided not to move forward with a second season of AD: The Bible Continues. The 12 episode mini-series wrapped on June 21st and has now been cancelled.
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 Jesus 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 ratings saw severe drops in the weeks that followed. The finale hit a series low with a 0.7 demo and 3.56 million.
Though NBC doesn’t want a second season, the story isn’t over. Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey have said that their writers have been working on scripting season two for some time.
Now that NBC has cancelled the show, the producers see it as a tentpole for the launch of OTT. They have been working on the online channel since partnering with MGM to form United Artists Media Group last fall. The online channel is envisioned as a base for faith and religion-based content but won’t be launched until 2016 or 2017.
The castmembers of AD are being released from their contracts because the next incarnation won’t be filmed for awhile. As a result, there may be some recasting when production resumes.
What do you think? Should NBC have cancelled this show? Will you watch the next season online when it becomes available or prefer to watch on DVDs. Would you pay to watch this kind of programming?
I honestly can’t afford to watch this for pay for view. But I loved the series and would consider purchasing it, saving up my nickels and dimes if they would please continue it. I would like to be able to view multiple times because there is so much to see and catch and absorb! It would be nice to own too, so it could be shared with friends and family. It is so well done. Visually stunning, in depth characterization, and informative beyond biblical perspectives into political and social portrayal of that time. I will be looking for it and… Read more »
Oh NBC , ye of little faith. You should renew for as many seasons as possible. A great series and such a disappointment not to renew. I will continue to watch for news on a second season with or without NBC.
I just finished watching this on my DVR. I enjoyed it very much. I am so sad they have chose not to renew. I will watch another network to see this again. The characters were so good and we need all the Bible we can get even if it is embellished. The message of Jesus was clear and powerful.
A horrendous mistake by NBC. I was waiting all week for the next episodes to air during season one. It presented the history of the bible with a truly unique view of the apostles and the Romans, particularly that of Pilate. I have no doubt Roma and Mark will find another network but shame on the Peacock for making such a knee jerk decision.
Very good show. Great for NBC to show that they have a conscious and want to air the truth of all cultures and religions. I would watch a serious of history of all religions if the did a series.
The word of the Lord can NEVER be cancelled! Roma and Mark did a great thing when they decided to air this program. I looked forward to watching this series. It gave me hope and in this world; hope is all we have. God has been removed from the schools and God has been removed from the Pledge of Allegiance; but He can and will not be removed from our hearts! Proverbs 8:5 says, “O simple ones, learn prudence; O fools, learn sense.” To God be the Glory!
NBC, PLEASE BRING A.D. BACK!!!!! YOU have NO IDEA how this tv series has touched and changed lives, including MINE!!!! This show has KEPT ME from going back to doing the things I used to do (ex: intoxication) as I have dealt with addictions in my past… And watching this show every week got me not just back into church again, but has KEPT ME FROM doing the things I have been freed from and have overcome, because knowing and watching what Jesus did FOR ME was a daily visual and reminder that I am so special that Jesus saved… Read more »
At first I didn’t really get the show. After watching it I really wish they would have promoted it better. Yes I will pay to watch it anywhere. I wish I could dvr it like I did the first season (I just got around to watching it) so that way I could share it. I am saddened that they did not see the vision to keep it running.
Yeah, well, go figure. It’s NBC. They have to keep the time slot open for the same ol’ same ol’. More cops, sex, the undead, and stupid sitcoms… I think they can’t broadcast anything that’s considered GOOD! It’s a no wonder that people are leaving their TVs. But, it’s not just NBC!
Unbelievable …. why does NBC constantly do this? They have cancelled some of the best shows and left some of the worst!!! So ratings drop… what about those people that stay… those that pay for a cable pack separately on monthly basis just to later find out the show has been cancelled… what those of us aren’t counted???? Most people have a life to attend to…. they can’t sit and wait to watch a show simply cos NBC has reputation of switching times… so those people that have a job record the show to watch later on when they do… Read more »
This series had me on the edge of my aeat and I already know what happens. I do believe NBC has made a mistake….now only filth remains.
It never fails with NBC. Theycancell some of the best shows on tv. If it’s not a cop show, drama or just plain stupid show they cancel them like they did with Smash. I hate NBC especially the Today show.
please continue AD the Bible continues. You always cancel good clean shows
loved the show very sad to here it will not have a second episode I don’t watch much TV but this one was worth my time worry to here this
Stupid – Stupid – Stupid. NBC making a big mistake by not doing a series 2. Doesn’t surprise me though. I trust Roma and Mark will find a better network to show the rest of this series on.