NASHVILLE (BP) -- History Channel's "The Bible" miniseries was a hit on television and it's been a hit so far on DVD, numbering the most first-week sales of any television program on DVD within the past five years.
The five-part series, received well by its target Christian audience, also is the all-time fastest-selling DVD miniseries during the first week of release. About 525,000 units were sold the first week.
"We are humbled by the overwhelming response from audiences to The Bible miniseries," said co-executive producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett in a statement. " ... We feel incredibly blessed that we were able to bring this amazing love story to life on the screen. It is our hope that folks everywhere will continue to be touched by the message of the Bible and cherish these stories at home with their families for years to come. This is just the beginning."
During the five Sundays it was broadcast, The Bible finished either first or second among cable programs. On Easter Sunday with 11.7 million viewers, the series finished second behind the season finale of AMC's "Walking Dead" (12.4 million). All total, the five-week series drew 56.8 million viewers, with more than 10 million tuning in each week.
Downey told the radio program "For Faith & Family" that the "intention of making this series was to glorify God."
Compiled by Michael Foust, associate editor of Baptist Press. Get Baptist Press headlines and breaking news on Twitter (@BaptistPress), Facebook (Facebook.com/BaptistPress ) and in your email ( baptistpress.com/SubscribeBP.asp).
Copyright (c) 2013 Southern Baptist Convention, Baptist Press www.BPNews.net
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