NBC greenlights ‘Bible’ sequel series ‘A.D.’

“The Bible” was a hit for History this year, so it only makes sense that more would be coming. On Tuesday, NBC announced the sequel -- “A.D.” -- is making the leap from cable to broadcast. It will air on NBC sometime in the spring of 2015.

The 12-hour miniseries, executive produced by “The Apprentice” creator Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and Richard Bedser, is expected to take up the story of the New Testament after the crucifixion of Jesus.

NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke said in a statement, “Everyone’s lives were completely altered in an instant and the immediate aftermath of Christ’s death had an impact on his disciples, his mother Mary, and key political and religious leaders of the time. In the first episode alone you see the last moments of the Crucifixion, Judas taking his own life after betraying Christ, Peter denying Jesus three times, and then the miracle of the Resurrection.”

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British playwright and screenwriter Simon Block will write the series. A director and star have not yet been set.

“The Bible” premiered its 10-episode run in March and grabbed 13.1 million viewers. The series averaged 13.2 million viewers per episode when live-plus-7 figures are factored in. The series was the third most-watched cable series or miniseries of the year.

Burnett and Downey are also working on a feature film spinoff, titled “Son of God,” which will chronicle the life of Jesus. It will be released in theaters in February of next year.

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