(CNN) — Everything gets a sequel these days, and that includes “The Bible.”
The Mark Burnett miniseries, which aired on The History Channel in the spring to record ratings, is now getting a second act on NBC.
“A.D.: Beyond the Bible” (a working title) starts “in the dark days after Jesus’ betrayal and death,” a statement from NBC says. “A perfect storm brews in the Holy Land, fueled by social injustice, Roman military oppression and religious unrest. … 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?”
Burnett will again executive produce the follow-up to his original 10-part miniseries with his wife, Roma Downey, and Richard Bedser.
“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,” Burnett and Downey said in a statement. “It’s a story that changed the world. We look forward to making this an enormous television event on NBC.”
NBC is looking forward to airing the project – and likely to reaping its potential ratings – as well.
“I followed the development process of ‘The Bible’ closely with Mark and knew that the story was far from over after Christ’s Crucifixion,” NBC Chairman of Entertainment, Bob Greenblatt, said in a statement. “In fact, what happened in the aftermath — which is essentially the beginning of Christianity — is utterly fascinating. 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.'”
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