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 absolutely would watch it, where ever and however it becomes available. It is sad that ratings aren’t over the top for a clean, family friendly show that answers questions and offers the truth.
I loved it and can’t wait for season 2. I will watch on the Internet and yes, I would pay for it. Excellent, terrible it was canceled.
Why is it that every time a good show is on, they are cancelled . What do they have for brains. Instead they keep stupid animated shows. Please bring back this show. I enjoyed every minute of it and was looking forward to seeing the next season. If they do bring it back, please no recasting. Bring back the original cast.
Out of all shows, why would you pick “animated crap”? NBC doesn’t even show it!
Why is it that every time a good show is on, they are cancelled . What do they have for brains. Instead they keep stupid animated shows. Please bring back this show. I enjoyed every minute of it and was looking forward to seeing the next season.
Finally a good show and they cancel it! I was one of the 3.56 that watched every week. I don’t understand. Yes I would pay to see season 2!
I’m glad I’m not alone.
Meant to mention the lame music and effects usually associated with Bible stories. I really appreciated the professionalism and creativity for this series.
I’m sorry to hear that this show will not be continuing on TV, but am hopeful the online productions will actually happen. I can connect to computer to the TV and continue to enjoy a great, great series. Bible story production is usually so lame, costumes, added story line, acting. They’re usually not at all reflecting the dynamic people and activities of the Bible. This series was incredible.
No one–or not many people– have mentioned the secular concurrent storyline. I was just as interested in that as the Biblical story– particularly Pilate and Claudia. I thought the actor playing Pilate did the best; I liked is interpretation; I liked his interpretation of the part. I liked how the Biblical stories fit into the storyline and helped me visualize the Bok of Acts better.
Good point. This is the part I was more interested in actually.
i want to see season two so bad
I was soooo looking forward to the second season, and now heartbroken that it was cancelled by NBC. I am extremely disappointed with NBC. How do they cancel a Christian based show, yet still agree to show violence along with sarcasm and other less than Christ like qualities???? Maybe it would be best if the show were carried by another more Christian like station. Boooo NBC.
I watched every episode of season 1 and I am heartbroken to learn that there will be a second season on NBC….if Mark and Roma are successful in getting it aired on any network I will be a faithful follower. I love how the biblical story is portrayed with such historical accuracy that it brings to life the power of the first church, a power we need today.
I loved AD the Bible TV program…Let’s bring it back!
I loved the series and wish it would be continued.
This was a wonderful show. I would love for it to continue.