NBC pulled off a major coup on Monday, snagging producer Mark Burnett’s The Bible sequel and giving it the green light.
Burnett and his wife Roma Downey shocked Hollywood when their original 10-episode miniseries The Bible premiered to over 13 million viewers on the History Channel in March. The series continued to pull in strong numbers until its run wrapped on Easter. In April, at NBC’s press day event, Burnett revealed that he was already thinking about a sequel and it looks like those plans will come to fruition.
In a press release today, NBC said that it will co-produce A.D.: Beyond The Bible, which is listed as its working title. The event series will start after Jesus’ crucifixion and focus on the dark days following his death. Jesus’ disciples will have to fight against Rome and others who stand against their beliefs.
“NBC is thrilled to bring this highly-anticipated sequel to Mark and Roma’s The Bible to network television,” said Jennifer Salke, NBC Entertainment President, in a statement. “There was huge interest in this project within the television community and NBC is gratified by Mark’s confidence in our ability to partner with him and position this miniseries as true event television.“
“We are thrilled to be working with Bob, Jen and Quinn Taylor to bring the follow-up to our hit cable series The Bible to broadcast television with NBC," said Burnett and Downey. "Our new series,A.D.: BEYOND THE BIBLE, is another massive project and a major commitment, but it’s a story that has to be told. It’s a story that changed the world. We look forward to making this an enormous television event on NBC."
NBC already has a strong relationship with Burnett. He currently produces ratings juggernaut The Voice and Celebrity Apprentice. He’s also a producer on CBS’ Survivor and ABC’s Shark Tank.
The Bible is currently available on Blu-ray and DVD. NBC did not say when A.D. would begin or how many episodes it will include.
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