The 10-part History channel miniseries The Bible is not done surprising Hollywood insiders. The series, produced by reality TV mogul Mark Burnett and his wife, actress Roma Downey, earned an Emmy nomination on Thursday morning, validating the series’ stunning success.
The Bible was only nominated in one category, but it’s a big one - Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. Its competition includes the HBO movies Behind the Candelabra and Phil Spector, Sundance’s Top of the Lake and USA Network’s Political Animals.
“It's such a validation for all of the love and the sweat and the tears and the hard work,” Downey said in a statement to TheWrap. “It's really a great big pat on the shoulder for our team.” Burnett, whose The Voice and Shark Tank also scored nods, said that Downey always believed that the show would get nominated. “We’re just thrilled,” he added.
The first episode of The Bible drew over 13 million viewers. Its success lead Burnett to say that he hopes to make a new cut of the film for theaters.
Earlier this month, NBC signed on to air a sequel, titled A.D.: Beyond The Bible. It will be set in the years after Jesus’ crucifixion, the dark days that followed and how his disciples take a stand against the Roman Empire.
If The Bible pulls off a shocking win, it will follow in the footsteps of Hatfields & McCoys, History’s first original miniseries and the winner of five Emmys. That program earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Movie or Miniseries and stars Kevin Costner and Tom Berenger both won Emmys for their performances.
The Emmys are handed out on Sept. 22 on CBS.
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