AceShowbiz -

History Channel's "The Bible" will get a sequel treatment on NBC. The network has picked up "A.D.: Beyond the Bible", a follow-up to the successful 10-part biblical drama from Mark Burnett and his wife Roma Downey.

"I followed the development process of 'The Bible' closely with Mark and knew that the story was far from over after Christ's Crucifixion," Bob Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, says 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'."

"A.D.: Beyond the Bible" will pick up in the time following Jesus Christ's death. Burnett teases about the upcoming show, "It will begin in the dark days after Jesus' betrayal and death. 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 to regain what they believe is their promised land."

"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? Who should they fear? Will tomorrow bring a violent death? For many, it does ... but others survive, and as the storm around them breaks, the fate of Israel, of Rome and of their faith is decided."

"The Bible" delivered huge ratings for History Channel when it aired weekly between March 3 and March 31, averaging about 11 million viewers per episode.

Burnett, Downey and Richard Bedser will executive produce the upcoming sequel.