Penny Dreadful Renewed for Season 2 by Showtime

Showtime has announced that psychosexual thriller Penny Dreadful has been renewed for a second season, with its episode order being increased from eight to 10.

“Picking up Penny Dreadful was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made,” said David Nevins, President, Showtime Networks Inc.  “The series has had worldwide impact, drawing big, passionate audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, and more than any other show on our network has hit the bullseye with viewers who want to watch television in all the new ways that are available.  John Logan has deftly created an epic series that has drawn raves from a wide-range of audiences from quality drama lovers to critics, to hardcore genre fans. We look forward to working once again with our partners at Sky Atlantic and are extremely excited for what’s in store for season two.”

Drawing an average of 4.8 million viewers weekly, Penny Dreadful‘s series premiere  ranks as the biggest sneak preview ever and the largest online streaming sampling ever for Showtime, surpassing Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex’s premieres by half a million viewers through the premiere week. The series, created by Oscar nominee John Logan (Gladiator), also debuted as the second-highest-rated launch for an original commission ever for Sky Atlantic and will have special edition classic horror books boxed sets, cast action figures, and tarot cards hitting the market soon.

Starring the likes of Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down), Eva Green (Camelot), and Timothy Dalton (The Living Daylights), Penny Dreadful follows American marksman Ethan Chandler as he’s exposed to the darkest corners of Victorian London while searching for a missing girl. In addition to Logan, the series is executive produced by Sam Mendes (American Beauty) and Pippa Harris (Revolutionary Road).

Penny Dreadful airs Sundays at 10:00 on Showtime. You can check out a preview for the next episode below.