The Christian consumer group Faith Driven Consumer has reviewed "A.D. The Bible Continues," which begins airing on NBC on Easter Sunday. The organization has given the Bible-based series 4.5 out of 5 stars.
In a press release issued by Matthew Faraci, the review only covered the first episode of the series. The review was also based on "access to detailed materials" surrounding the primetime miniseries created by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett.
"We believe A.D. is going to be a mega-hit," Faith Driven Consumer founder Chris Stone said. "It has the potential to be the most successful faith-based TV franchise in history."
Stone added that Hollywood has failed to appeal or resonate to faith-based audiences, which included films such as "Noah" and "Exodus." However, he argued that "A.D." managed to get the "magic formula" correct.
"Tell the story in a way that is consistent with the biblical narrative and message and give it the highest production value possible," Stone said. "A.D. will prove this point, and NBC will reap the rewards for respecting the audience and getting it right."
The "certified brand strategist" contended that the show could even appeal to those outside the Christian faith.
"The story is so gripping and compelling that people of all backgrounds will want to tune in just to see what happens next," Stone said.
The review, which is available on the organization's website, argued that NBC's upcoming miniseries "leans strongly toward a biblical worldview." The show is also based on "the amazing story of the first followers of Jesus as recounted in the Book of Acts and the Gospels."
"The writers remain largely true to the biblical depictions of Mother Mary, Mary Magdalene, disciples Peter, John and Judas Iscariot, Jewish leaders Caiaphas, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, and key Roman authorities such as Pontius Pilate," Faith Driven Consumer wrote.
Faith Driven Consumer contended that the miniseries was "biblically orthodox" and "depicted in ways that accurately represent the biblical narrative and the central question of the person and works of Jesus." While the series is generally family-friendly viewing, the organization argued that younger views may find some images distressing.
"Care and discernment must be taken with younger children who may not be old enough to fully understand the harsh reality and excruciating suffering associated with a Roman crucifixion," Faith Driven Consumer wrote.
Faith Driven Consumer also noticed that the timing of the miniseries coincided with important dates on the Jewish calendar.
"Viewers will see how appropriate it is that A.D. The Bible Continues runs from Easter through early-June-largely overlapping with the Jewish feasts of Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot, when the Bible records that the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples at Pentecost to go forth and spread the Gospel of Jesus," Faith Driven Consumer wrote.
"A.D. The Bible Continues" will start airing at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on NBC. Online viewers may be able to stream the series on NBC's website the day after it airs on TV.
