History’s The Bible Episode 2 keeps series ratings high

Over 50 million cumulative viewers have now seen at least a portion of History’s series The Bible since it began on March 3 (this includes nine telecasts across History and Lifetime). While The Bible Episode 2, which premiered March 10, didn’t quite hit the epic highs of the series premiere the week before (The Walking Dead was able to overtake it this time), it still did huge for History. The Bible Episode 2 made History No. 1 in all of television from 8-10pm, with 10.8 million total viewers, and in Adults 25-54, with 3.8 million. Additionally, The Bible Episode 2 garnered 3.2 million Adults 18-49.

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The Bible continues with premiere episodes on History Sundays through March 31 (Easter). This Sunday, March 17, The Bible Episode 3 will begin to cover the New Testament, and will see the arrival of the New Testament’s big-name star: Jesus (portrayed by Diogo Morgado, pictured).

Upcoming episode descriptions for The Bible:

The Bible Episode 3: “Hope” — March 17, 8pm-10pm ET. The Jews are enslaved in Babylon; Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den, but when his faith endures and God spares him, the Jews are allowed to return to Jerusalem; the Angel Gabriel tells Mary she will bear a child; Joseph takes Mary to Bethlehem for the census, where Jesus is born; the Holy Family escapes Herod’s order to kill Bethlehem’s male babies; Judea comes under the ruthless rule of Pilate; John baptizes Jesus, who is now ready to take on his mission.

The Bible Episode 4: “Mission” — March 24, 8pm-10pm ET. Jesus feeds the crowds in Galilee and brings a dead man, Lazarus, back to life; Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey – a declaration that he is the Messiah; Jesus turns on the money-changers in the Temple; Caiaphas coaxes Judas into betraying Jesus; Jesus throws the disciples into turmoil at the Last Supper; Jesus is arrested and condemned to death as the disciples scatter.

The Bible Episode 5: “Passion” — March 31, 8pm-10pm ET. Easter Sunday episodes will show the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus through Ascension, Pentecost and Revelation. During this last episode, Peter denies Jesus and Judas hangs himself; the crowd clamors for Jesus’ death; Jesus is crucified, but when Mary Magdalene goes to his tomb, a figure walks toward her – Jesus is back; Jesus commissions the disciples to “go and preach to all creation”; Paul has a vision and experiences a miraculous change of faith on a journey to Damascus; John receives a revelation – Jesus is coming back, and all who keep the faith will be rewarded.

The Bible airs Sundays at 8pm ET on History through March 31.

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© 2012 A+E Networks, LLC. Credit: Joe Alblas