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?
NBC should have kept this show. I’m not Christian. In fact I’m Wiccan(pagan), but this show has captivated me. Don’t start singing hallelujahs yet. I’m not a convert. I am a lover of history and world religions and this show has nailed it for me. I think its good for people to see the human side of the beginnings of Christianity. Regardless of your belief in the faith aspect of the story, it is amazing to think of those living in that time and fighting for their beliefs. I’m gonna miss this show. I hope it does get picked up… Read more »
It’s a shame! It’s a story that needs to be told especially for this time.
I am very disappointed that it has been cancelled. I really think it was bringing people back to Our Lord! How said.
Yes we would pay to watch this movie.
I am disappointed that A.d. Bible continues off of your programing list. You take interesting programing off your channel and put awful reality shows on.
Lind Tucker
I enjoyed the show very much, and I would watch season 2 if I hear about it. I normally do not watch the standard channels.
What a shame really enjoyed the series, Yes i will watch it if season two is avaliable some where.
Finally, something on TV worth watching! Roma and Mark, you did a fantastic job! I wish this country would wake up before it’s too late…..He’s coming back!
Damn shame the story line and show was great to watch. Would watch is another channel picked it up.
So sorry to see that NBC has decided to drop this show. Need more family shows such as this on TV! My husband and I would definitely watch another season of it! I hope to see it on another network or DVDs.
This was a great show. I loved every episode. finally a family and faith show that the entire family can sit down and watch together and learn the true definition of Love and sacrifice. but I guess it wasn’t enough sex/ fighting and immorality to continue it. But when we look at the news we wonder why things are the way they are.
Just learned the series had been canceled & I immediately started a petition…asking for your support. Please go to http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/continuing-the-bible?
Thank you
It was entertaining but inaccurate. I would have to sit there after each episode & educate my children on what was real & what wasn’t. As a Christian I enjoy having biblical based shows to watch, but honestly the best part of this Whole series was the passion the actors! Casting was great!! “Peter” & “Saul” we’re my favorites. The inaccuracy is probably why God allowed it to be cancelled.
Even with the differences, it encouraged people to study the Bible and, like the Bereans, search the scriptures to see if what was said was the truth. You did the right thing.
There was stuff in there taken from contemporary historians such as Josephus that was blended with scriptural accounts. What exactly was inaccurate?
Shall we start with the depiction of Cornelius. In the Bible, he was a Roman soldier, but was also a God-fearing man, gave generously to the poor, and knew there was something better. In the show, he was an ordinary Roman soldier who didn’t change until having to kill Joanna. The best way to find out is to watch each episode while consulting the Bible. It will show you the discrepancies.
It was entertaining but inaccurate. I would have to sit there after each episode & educate my children on what was real & what wasn’t. As a Christian I enjoy having biblical based shows to watch, but honestly the best part of this Whole series was the passion the actors! Casting was great, “Peter” & “Saul” we’re my favorites.
Oh please keep this going!!! We watch this with our children, and it’s great for reference when we do our studies!!! Love this series!!!!
Disappointed in the cancellation, especially how they left it. I will watch it wherever it ends up being aired. I just really hope they can get the original cast back. I hate when they change up casting and this cast was very good.