Ratings: ‘A.D. The Bible Continues’ solid, but smaller; ‘American Odyssey’ lost in the desert

Easter Sunday can at times be a tough night for original programming, and yet NBC really gave it an effort last night launching their much-hyped miniseries “A.D. The Bible Continues.” Not only that, but they decided to attach to it “American Odyssey,” an interesting series with a terrible name that seemed tacked-on at the last minute.

Let’s start here with “A.D.,” which at least can boast about getting a 2.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 9.5 million viewers. While that is a decrease from what the original miniseries “The Bible” drew for History two years ago, we figure that NBC is probably still reasonably happy with that. If this project keeps the majority of these figures in the weeks ahead, they will feel like they got their money’s worth with the property, and probably look to continue bringing religious stories to the small screen.

The same cannot be said for the Anna Friel series, which was originally just titled “Odyssey,” which we liked more because it reminded us more of Homer. The show premiered to a dismal 1.2 rating, which is another reminder of how difficult it is to air a series these days Sunday nights at 10:00 p.m. Eastern. “Battle Creek” is sure to be canceled due to its own low numbers, and despite faring slightly better, “CSI” is starting to kneel nervously before the executioner itself.

CBS is the only network who attempted to air new programming on Sunday, and both “Madam Secretary” (1.1) and “The Good Wife” (1.0) were pretty poor in their own right ratings-wise. This is a network in need a vast overhaul; we just wish that the network would move back “The Amazing Race.”

What do you think of these ratings? Share with a comment, and head over here to read some other news about the future of “American Odyssey.” Also, sign up to get some further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)