‘The Bible’ ‘sequel’ ‘A.D.’ gets 12-hour miniseries order from NBC
NBC has apparently decided that they want to be in the Jesus business. After making the move five months ago to get themselves affiliated with Mark Burnett and Roma Downey for a follow-up to the History miniseries “The Bible,” the network confirmed today that they have greenlit a new 12-hour miniseries, entitled “A.D.,” which is most-likely going to air in 2015 pending some sort of surprise. This is a series that is going to tackle a variety of different topics, with some of the primary ones being what happens after the crucifixion, and as the beginnings of the Christian religion start to form.
In a statement announcing this big news (while also probably thinking of all the money that he is going to make off of this), NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt had the following to say:
“Last year when Mark Burnett was launching ‘The Bible’ on cable, I told him, without hesitation, that if he wanted to tell more of the story, we’d love to do it at NBC. We are firmly in the ‘event’ business and nothing has more event potential than ‘A.D.’ as it continues immediately after the ‘The Bible’ ended. The heft of a broadcast network, combined with the promotional arms of NBCUniversal and Comcast, will push this miniseries to a mass audience. We value our relationship with Mark and Roma and know that no one could bring this story to life better than them.”
Meanwhile, the statement that just came out from NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke is a little more based on what sort of story that this special is apparently going to have:
“You might think the story is over at the Crucifixion, but as most of the world knows, that was only the beginning. Everyone’s lives were completely altered in an instant and the immediate aftermath of Christ’s death had an impact on his disciples, his mother Mary, and key political and religious leaders of the time. In the first episode alone you see the last moments of the Crucifixion, Judas taking his own life after betraying Christ, Peter denying Jesus three times, and then the miracle of the Resurrection. We feel so fortunate to be in the hands of Mark and Roma, who have proven that the greatest story ever told is still just that.”
What do you think after hearing this news: Are you excited that there is more of “The Bible” coming up in the near future, or do you think that this tale is really best left in scripture? Share what you think below, and we’ll have more on this miniseries as the news comes out.
Photo: NBC