History Channel, The Bible: $22M Mini-series Premiere Draws 13M Viewers, Mixed Reviews; Airs Repeat Mar. 6

History Channel's "The Bible" series did very well in TV ratings, drawing 13 million viewers to the surprise of many, but perhaps the figures meet the expectation of its husband-and-wife team of producers. Mixed reviews praise the production while critics are saying the $22-million production is twisting "God's Word." Those who missed the premiere Sunday can tune in again Wednesday night for the rerun.

"Survivor" producer Mark Burnett and "Touched by an Angel" actress Roma Downey wanted to produce an epic miniseries that will "outlive" them. They knew "The Bible," a $22-million presentation of bible stories on History Channel, would draw massive viewership.

Why produce "The Bible?" Because people would watch, is the summed up answer. "We wanted to create something that was visually fresh and exciting and compelling, that your grandmother would enjoy but that your kids would enjoy," says Downey, who also plays Mary in the History Channel series.

The 5-part "The Bible" mini-series premiered on History Channel on Sunday, March 3. It will (aptly) culminate on Easter Sunday, Mar. 31. Episode 2 "Homeland" airs Mar. 10. Joshua conquers Jericho, Samson gets betrayed by Delilah, and King David is faced with great challenges.

History Channel: 'The Bible' Draws Mixed Reviews

History Channel's "The Bible" drew mixed reviews. Some praised the "Game of Thrones" level of production. Others slammed the production for prioritizing artistry and cinematic effects over "the Word of God." The cable channel already has its own skeptics to begin with. Add to that the fact that The Bible could very well be the oldest and most controversial written work of all time.

"My recommendation, people should skip the artistic, story-telling revisionism or license and actually read Holy Scripture," writes Michael Lawmaster in a blog's comments section.

"We know they are going to twist, add to and take from, the word of God. For some people, the visualized error is going to stick with them long after the show is over. Why risk it?" Julie writes in the same blog.

This is how History Channel's The Bible played out in the TV ratings game, according to Nielsen records (Feb. 25-March 3):

1. "NCIS," CBS, 20.69 million viewers
2. "NCIS: Los Angeles," CBS, 17.02 million viewers
3. "American Idol" (Wednesday), Fox, 13.30 million viewers
4. "The Bible," History, 13.10 million viewers
5. "American Idol" (Thursday), Fox, 12.56 million viewers

"The faithful will find it, but there's an opportunity for this to be exposed to people who maybe necessarily wouldn't read the Bible, [who] will turn the TV on and realize how amazing this story is," Downey expresses her hope for "The Bible," adding, "We know that this will long outlive us."

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