NBC might have found a savior in the form of Mark Burnett. The ratings hungry network has acquired the follow up to the tremendously successful History miniseries, The Bible, which premiered to an astounding 13.1 million viewers back in March. The sequel is momentarily referred to as A.D.: Beyond the Bible, and the official synopsis is as follows:
“A.D.: Beyond the Bible begins in the dark days after Jesus’ betrayal and death. A perfect storm brews in the Holy Land, fueled by social injustice, Roman military oppression and religious unrest. High priests and the Herod Dynasty vie for power. Zealot revolutionaries turn to violence to regain what they believe is their promised land. And in the face of terrible odds and brutal persecution, the small band of Jesus’ disciples stand against the combined might of Rome and their own local authorities. In a generation of rebellion, war, famine, and carnage, who can they trust? Who should they fear? Will tomorrow bring a violent death? For many, it does … but others survive, and as the storm around them breaks, the fate of Israel, of Rome and of their faith is decided.”
With the success of The Bible, NBC is surely looking at this new project as a way to climb out of its ratings slump, hoping it does just as well as its predecessor and treating it as a potential television event. NBC president Jennifer Salk states, “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."
