"The Bible" delivered huge numbers for History. Its premiere had more than 13 million viewers and the finale on Easter Sunday had 11.7 million viewers. Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment, and Bob Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, praised Burnett.
“I followed the development process of 'The Bible' closely with Mark and knew that the story was far from over after Christ’s Crucifixion. In fact, what happened in the aftermath -- which is essentially the beginning of Christianity -- is utterly fascinating," Greenblatt said in a statement. "The day after 'The Bible' premiered, I told Mark we were on board with no hesitation for the follow-up miniseries. This will be attention-getting in every way, and we're proud to continue our association with Mark which has just grown exponentially from 'The Voice.'"
"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 Roma 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."
According to NBC, the project, which has the working title "A.D.: Beyond The Bible," begins after Jesus' 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," NBC's press release reads. "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."
A premiere date has not yet been released.
