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 am so disappointed!!!! I have only just found the series on Netflix and simply cannot believe that such an excellent, beautifully acted, gripping and wonderful series did not continue – and what a cliff hanger. I don’t understand why audiences ‘dropped off’ as the several strands of the story were excellent. Some of the effects were a little ‘hoky’ but apart from that it was wonderful. Shame on Netflix
Such a stupid decision to cancel such an excellent top quality series for some other typical banal program.
NBC just lost our entire clan of viewers.
Not worth watching them any longer.
Oh rats! Ended on a major cliffhanger! What a great series! I’m so disappointed! Just finished binge watching AD Kingdom and Empire! Oh man! Loved this miniseries! Maybe Roma and Marc could get Netflix to pic it up . RATS RATS RAAAAAAATS! I’m so disappointed!
Just finished watching Season 1 on Netflix. This was a wonderful production. I have faith and pray that Roma Downey and her husband will continue with another season.
Please continue with Season 2, my husband and I binge watch this Easter. Very well presented.
My husband and I finished watching Season 1 of “A. D. – Kingdom and Empire” prior to Easter week. It is an exceptional, brilliantly-acted movie. The factual, historical account gives such helpful understanding to the Biblical account. I regret this wonderful series was cut by NBC. It’s so sad that the series was cut because of low viewership. It was created with such power and skill to rival any movies in this genre. I passionately request that the series be given a green light and be allowed to continue. I’m so thankful Roma Downey and her husband were inspired to… Read more »
It is hard to believe that there still is no Season 2! Please work on getting this done ASAP. Thank you.
Yes, I would watch the second season, third fourth fifth sixth seventh eighth as many seasons as they will write I will watch. Yes, I would pay to watch. I paid to watch the first season on Netflix. It doesn’t surprise me that NBC canceled this great show
Yes, I would watch the second season, third fourth fifth and on if they would write it. Yes, I would pay to watch it. I already pay for Netflix and that is how I watch the first season. I loved it, but it figures NBC would cancel it
It requires a second season. If this was any other syndicated tv show with scenes that should be censored, viewing would be an all time high. This film was brilliantly done. Certain Scenes had me praying, crying, and speaking in tongue as the Holy Spirit of God’s touched me. Please, it can not end like this! We want more.
This is one of the best biblical movie ever made. Please reconsider making the 2nd Season
Definately continue! This was an excellent series that needs to be completed!
Please continue to create Season 2. I watched the 1st Season and I watch it over and over.
We just finished watching season 1 and are so disappointed there is no season 2! Yes, bring it back please!
I watched the whole 1st season and was upset that there was not a second.. want the rest.. and keep all the same characters!!!!!
Really loved the series.. want more .. every exciting actors were amazing .. you bearly hit much of the story please we want more