On April 8, A&E renewed Bates Motel for a second season. Same order as before–10 new episodes will premiere in 2014.
A&E president Bob DeBitetto: “Bates Motel has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first few weeks. With superb writing and exceptional acting, led by the critically acclaimed performances of Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore, we’re incredibly excited to see where Carlton and Kerry take Norma and Norman Bates next.”
On April 26, NBC renewed five dramas including freshmen Revolution and Chicago Fire, Law & Order: SVU (for a fifteenth season), Parenthood (for a fifth season), and Grimm (for a third season).
NBC entertainment president Jennifer Salke: “On the verge of our 2013 fall scheduling decisions, we’re pleased to renew five drama series that will be important to our new season line-up. We’re proud and very appreciative of all of the actors, producers, writers and directors who work so hard to deliver such high-quality work week in and week out. These complex shows represent a broad range of genres and tones, and all of them stand out for us in a television landscape now filled with one-hour series. We’re especially pleased to be renewing Revolution and Chicago Fire — two first-season successes — and there will be more returning series announcements made in the next couple of weeks.”
For more renewal news, jump after the break.
Over at FOX, musical dramedy Glee was renewed on April 19 for not one season but two! Seasons 5 and 6 will push the show into the year 2015.
FOX chairman Kevin Reilly: “Glee debuted as the first and only successful musical comedy series on television, and more than four years later, it continues to defy genres, break new ground and have a significant impact on popular culture.”
20th Century Fox TV chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman: “Ryan, Brad, Ian and Dante have created something that is far larger than a television show; it’s a global entertainment brand which continues to touch millions around the world.”
CBS finally renewed Two and a Half Men on April 29, but they might want to rethink the show’s title for next season. Angus T. Jones will not be returning as a series regular. “The renewal comes after new agreements were reached for next season with series producer Warner Bros. Television as well as cast members Ashton Kutcher and Jon Cryer,” CBS said. “Producers are in discussions with Angus T. Jones about a recurring role next season while he is attending college.”
And then there’s The CW; CBS’ sister network is bringing back The Vampire Diaries, Beauty and the Beast, and Hart of Dixie. They also decided to pick up Vampire Diaries spinoff series The Originals. The news was announced on April 26.
CW president Mark Pedowitz: “As soon as we saw last night’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, we knew we wanted more of The Originals — Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson have done a fantastic job with The Vampire Diaries, which is as fast-paced and well-written as ever, and Julie has created an equally compelling world for The Originals. We’re also very excited to bring back Beauty And The Beast and Hart Of Dixie for next season — both series continue to be creatively strong and compelling, and their fans are incredibly passionate.”
On May 1, HBO quietly renewed Veep for a third season.