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?
Please find a way to continue A.D.: The Bible Continues. It is the message so many are desperately needing to hear (& see). If possible, keep the actors when you continue the story to maintain continuity. I love it and will seek it out on whatever media source it is provided on in the future. Unfortunately, it is the quiet viewers who support this show, and since we value peaceful interaction with others and quiet servitude, our voice is not always heard. Also keep in mind that April through June is a busy time for many and as climates warm… Read more »
Prophecy coming true more every day. Jesus said that satan would be working very hard to keep the word of salvation from being spread to everyone. But, Jesus is all powerful and with these two wonderful people on this project, it will get done.
Ratings declined because it was a fair show. Most know the story so why waste an hr. Movies would be better and meatier that eliminates wasted fillers.
Good riddance! Watched this mythology yet again. Added nothing to the tale. A horrible lead-in for American Oddessy and probably why that terrific show was canceled too.
I’m really frustrated, you leave shows on that are crap, which o would never watch, but take away the ones I actually want to see, I think this is a politically motivated move in light of the dismantling of Christianity!
I was very excited to have the book of Acts on TV. The production was well done but the depiction of scripture was so off the mark that I have trouble even identifying the actual story. It seemed to be the story of Caiaphas and Pilate. Caesar coming to Jerusalem murdered by Caligula????? You could have stuck to scripture and knocked it out of the park. Try again please!
Another boneheaded decision by NBC. Obviously, only inane reality shows created to attract people with IQ’s of 89 or less will suffice. Pathetic. AD was one of the finest and most socially significant projects in years, beautifully done on every level. I sincerely hope that the series will continue through some other means. Best wishes to Mark and Roma … carry on!
I’m so disappointed that NBC has cancelled A.D. The series was proof of how good network television can be. The cast and production were stellar. The series is greatly needed. For me , it was a balm to the mind-numbing reality and homocide -centric dramas networks continue to schedule. My viewing on NBC was already decreasing, at least I will watch Lester Holt on The Nightly News but that’s it for me and the Peacock Network.
I have loved watching this production, never missing an episode even tape them for review. It was well done in all aspects. People need the Bible and it’s teaches.. It is sad that “all” TV companies would rather show hate, blood, violence, and evil rather than a movie with value both as life style and history. Jesus is the redeemer of this world and as he predicted, straight is the gate and few thereby that find it… can be said of NBC. I am totally disappointed.
I am really not surprised that it was cancelled. It goes to show how many people do no even care about their religion or God.
The shows that seem to make it are the ones that are totally full of violence, that give criminals ideas on how to torture people, or the reality shows that are so far off base, that they do not make any sense.
There is just no reason to watch television anymore.
Amen, Cheryl!
Isn’t the bible also full of hate, blood, and violence? Based on the time period in which its set, which were brutal times.
Yes, they were violent times, thanks to the Roman occupation. But, nothing encourages the spread of the truth more than persecution. Look at what the apostles suffered to spread the Gospel. Jesus said that we would be hated even as he was hated. He never promised it would be easy, only that it would be worth it.
It wasn’t just the Romans. Doesn’t the bible tell stories of god himself ordering the slaughter of hundreds of women and children on more than one occasion? Murdering the first borns in Egypt and ordering entire cities destroyed?
Yes, there were many instances of God telling the Israelites to destroy the people living in Canaan. That was the land He led them to and intended for them to occupy. Unfortunately, it was populated by races so sinful that He didn’t want them to be influenced by their practices. And as for Egypt, Pharaoh was refusing to release the Israelites and was denying God’s power by mocking the evidence, which is still being done today (evolution). That being said, my original comment was in reference to the time period around the beginning of the New Testament, specifically, after the… Read more »
Fair enough. I’m certainly no expert, as I am not a believer, but I do enjoy some of the stories. Thanks for the info.
As far as the secular side: Neither Caligula nor Tiberius ever went to Judaea historically and Pilate was recalled after 10 years as governor. So I’d assume he would have been written out of the story in Season 2.
Sam, you truly have no knowledge of the Bible nor insight. If you truly want knowledge you must seek knowledge first. You must meditate on God’s Word and have the true understanding of the word. Reading the Bible is not just looking at the pages in the words but understanding the reasons behind the violence behind the bloodshed. God’s people were protected against their enemies all God asks for people is to obey His law. They were warned and they choose their path to go their way. And war is countries do not cooperate with each other what happens war… Read more »
It’s a sad fact that the channel schedules reflect the moral character of the country (which has been steadily going downhill). While some parts of the story lines were off or incorrect, the story was amazing to watch. Seeing the Bible stories put into view puts a strong feeling into what we’ve read over the many centuries since the Bible was first printed. It’s just like when The Passion of the Christ came out. When you see the story acted out you really feel what it was like. I never missed an episode of A.D. and would jump for joy… Read more »
I agree 100%!
We were surprised that NBC even aired a great family moral show. Evil, unrealistic shows is their main objective. Heaven forbid NBC only look at a rating number to decide what’s best for wholesome families (what’s left) to watch. If they had the power to remove bible’s from us they sure would try.
TV really needs to clean up it’s act.
Someone PLEASE continue this series. We will support it any way we are able. We would purchase if released like the original series and encourage others to do so. This is our story and it is having emense impact in our lives. Please don’t stop now!
I agree!! I would support this program in any way!!
yes boss don’t o what t say like he show ok
In so disappointed ! My husband and I loved the series . Ill buy it on DVD if you make it but don’t leave the story unfinished . do bummed out
I totally agree. Finally there was something encouraging telling about our Lord. Please let me know if this or any like it will be aired on a different channel. Better yet please film it and allow us to purchase the whole thing. If this is possible I pray 10 fold back to the ones who can provide this
There was so much more to tell in the stories of Acts and the early Christians. Also, I was caught up in the fictional story of Pilate and sorry to be left hanging.
Sad, but not surprising given the low ratings. Which is unfortunate because the show, despite a few flaws, was quite good. Hopefully Mark Burnett and Roma Downey will bring it back on their upcoming digital channel.
Yes, I will certainly watch if they continue the series, the Bible and it’s message is not an interest to many of the viewing audiences. They want to be entertained through the stimulation of the senses, not something that will question what they believe and why they believe it.
I’m very sad that this series was cancelled. I enjoyed it and looked forward to watching it after church on Sunday evenings. I will certainly watch if it is aired on another channel or online.
Me too I felt the same way .