The ratings have spoken — and they’re telling television producers that a six-hour, $20 million miniseries on Jesus of Nazareth will prove as great a success as the recent History channel production “The Bible.”
“We believe the audience continues to have a hunger for life- and faith-affirming films,” said Michael Landon Jr., who is writing and producing the “Jesus of Nazareth” series with Brian Bird for Brad Krevoy’s MPCA, the Hollywood Reporter says. “The monumental success of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s ’The Bible’ just underscores that.”
Showtime is trying to cash in on spiritual fever, too, with “The Vatican,” under development now, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Also in the pipeline or currently playing: Lifetime’s reality show, “Preacher’s Daughters,” and GSN’s Bible-based theme game show.
Mr. Krevoy said he’s still awaiting a U.S. network agreement to air “Jesus of Nazareth,” but he is confident in an offer.
“I’m very comfortable we’re going to get plenty of takers,” he told the Hollywood Reporter.
SEE ALSO: EDITORIAL: The Good Book’s big numbers
“The Bible” began running on the History Channel on March 3. It’s proven to be cable television’s most watched program of the year with 13.1 million viewers, the Hollywood Reporter says.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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