“AD: Beyond the Bible,” the follow-up to the blockbuster History series “The Bible,” is set for NBC in the coming months with the reappearance of husband-wife hosts Mark Burnett and Roma Downey.
This series will track events after the crucifixion of Jesus.
“I followed the development process of ’The Bible’ closely with Mark and knew that the story was far from over after Christ’s crucifixion,” said Bob Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, in a statement reported by Newsmax. “In fact, what happened in the aftermath — which is essentially the beginning of Christianity — is utterly fascinating.”
NBC bills the story this way: “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 … and in the face of terrible odds and brutal persecution, the small band of Jesus’ disciples stand.” As turmoil swirls, the “fate of Israel, of Rome and of their faith is decided.”
Mr. Greenblatt said the new show will be “attention-getting in every way.”
“The Bible” drew in 13 million viewers — a new record for the History channel — and received top reviews from a diverse audience that included Sen. Marco Rubio, Oprah Winfrey and LL Cool J.
Mr. Burnett and Miss Downey said in a statement: “Our new series … [is] 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.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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