BIBLE NEWS: "American Bible Challenge" renewed

Last year, the Game Show Network premiered a new game show based on Bible knowledge called "American Bible Challenge".  The show got the highest ratings of any original programming from GSN, and now has been renewed for another season.  It is a good time for those of us who enjoy testing our Bible knowledge.

Host Jeff Foxworthy and musical co-host Kirk Franklin will both be returning for the nine-episode order.“We are proud of the breakthrough success of this atypical series,” said network executive vp pf programming and development, Amy Introcaso-Davis. “The American Bible Challenge is GSN’s flagship show that appeals to everyone in the family. 

BIBLE NEWS: 'The Bible' Coming to Theaters

The television series 'The Bible' was a smash hit on television, beating out all competitors in the ratings.   Now, the producers are working on turning it into a 3-hour theatrical movie focussing on the life of the Jesus that will show in the cinemas in the Fall.

"We're cutting a movie version right now, a three-hour version of Jesus and [we have] many, many offers from theaters globally," executive producer Mark Burnett told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday at NBCUniversal summer press day.  Burnett said the movie version will have a big focus on the Resurrection. He is eyeing a fall release.Burnett also shared that there is a distinct possibility that more stories will be told for The Bible, a passion project for he and wife Roma Downey.

BIBLE NEWS: "The Bible" Miniseries gains big ratings

Bible readers like us have known for years that the greatest book is full of drama.  From Adam and Eve to Jesus on the cross to Jesus triumphant at the end, it is a long love story between God and humankind stretching across thousands of years.  So, it's not a big shock that the History Channel's new mini-series "The Bible" is getting big ratings.

The miniseries' two-hour cable network premiere was seen by 13.1 million viewers and scored a 3.3 rating among adults 18-49. That's more viewers and a higher demo rating than any show on the major broadcast networks last night and ranks as cable's most-watched entertainment telecast this year. If you include the show's repeat, the viewership rises to 14.8 million for the night.

I haven't seen the show yet, so I can't say whether or not I'd recommend it to quizzers.  But it is nice to see the Bible getting the respect it deserves as the greatest story every told.

BIBLE NEWS: The Great American Bible Quiz

Hat tip to Coach Paul for this one!  Bible Quizzing (of a sort) is about to make it's television debut.  The Game Show Network has announced "The Great American Bible Quiz" which will be hosted by Jeff Foxworthy.  While not our brand of Bible Quizzing, it will help to reward Bible knowledge and perhaps bring some education to the average American about the Greatest Book.

“I am excited to be hosting a show about the best-selling book of all time,” Foxworthy, who already hosts GSN’s “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” said in Wednesday’s announcement.
“It will be interesting to find out what people really know, and an opportunity to present the Bible in a fun and entertaining way,” Foxworthy added.

Bible is coming to the BBC

There is one thing that even the most ardent atheist will agree on. The Bible has been a central book for European culture. Even those who don't believe its words know that the images and stories of the Bible have shaped Western civilization for thousands of years. Now, the BBC is ready to acknowledge the importance with a television miniseries set for release in 2009.

The international co-production, to be broadcast in 2009, will combine drama and computer-generated imagery.
The BBC plans to hire a well-known actor, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, to narrate the series.
According to the corporation, each episode will concentrate on the humanity, "miraculous experiences" and epic encounters in the Bible's stories.

Of course, there is no way to know how close to the Bible the Beeb will stay. Some past works have been faithful to scripture, and others have gone far afield in the name of "poetic license". Here is hoping they have learned from the "Passion of the Christ" and will try to stick to the Biblical narrative.