ABC cancels the biblical epic ‘Of Kings and Prophets’ after just two episodes

These “Kings” didn’t live long.

ABC on Thursday axed its biblical epic “Of Kings and Prophets” after just two episodes, replacing the low-rated drama at 10 p.m. Tuesday with episodes of “Beyond the Tank,” its companion to “Shark Tank.”

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Just 3.3 million total viewers tuned in for the March 8 premiere of “Kings,” according to Nielsen. And this week the show lost nearly 40% of its already-meager audience in the key demographic of adults age 18 to 49.

In announcing the cancellation, ABC held out some hope for fans. “While ‘Of Kings and Prophets’ will no longer air on ABC, its future is being evaluated, both on-air and online,” the network wrote in a statement.

“Kings” tells the Old Testament story of King Saul (Ray Winstone) and his efforts to unite the tribes of Israel against their enemies.

Reviews were at best lukewarm, with many dissing the ABC show as a “Game of Thrones” wannabe. “Far from epic,” was the verdict of The Times’ Mary McNamara.

What did you think of “Of Kings and Prophets”?

Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT