Not that this should come as a surprise to anyone paying attention, but...
Sources said that USA Network has renewed its flagship action drama "Burn Notice" and breakout freshman hit "Royal Pains."
via THR.com.
Here is the USA Network press release:
THE SUMMER'S HOTTEST HITS SET TO RETURN
USA NETWORK PICKS UP HIT SERIES Royal Pains FOR A SECOND SEASON AND Burn Notice TO RETURN FOR SEASON FOUR
Network Orders 16 Original Episodes of Summer Season Thursday Night Ratings Sensations
NEW YORK, NY July 29, 2009 USA Network's newest original scripted series, Royal Pains, returns for a second season after its stunning debut as the #1 new original series on cable in 2009. Burn Notice, the #1 scripted series on cable in both P18-49 & P25-54 in 2009, will return for a fourth season after a record-breaking summer run. The announcement was made today by Jeff Wachtel, president, USA original programming & co-head, original programming, Universal Cable Productions.
A one-hour light-hearted drama, Royal Pains follows talented young doctor Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein), a disgraced New York City physician who reinvents himself as the Hamptons' hot new doctor-on-demand to the rich and famous. The series also stars Paulo Costanzo, Reshma Shetty and Jill Flint. Royal Pains is executive produced by Michael Rauch, as well as Rich Frank, Paul Frank and Jeff Kwatinetz. Jace Alexander, Andrew Lenchewski and John P. Rogers serve as co-executive producers. Royal Pains is the first original series from Universal Cable Productions for USA.
"We are thrilled to bring Royal Pains back for a new season," said Wachtel. "The show's stellar success has earned its prominent residency at USA, where viewers expect high quality programming and smart, character-driven storytelling." Wachtel added "Burn Notice is simply one of the hottest shows in all of television. It continues to excite us with the exceptional writing, acting and direction that has set the TV landscape on fire."
Royal Pains has been a ratings success since its debut, currently the #1 new cable show of 2009 and the #1 scripted P18-49 show on cable this year. Royal Pains is averaging 5.95 million total viewers, 2.7 million in P25-54, 2.4 million in P18-49 and a household rating of 4.37 to-date. Royal Pains also made ratings history being the only new show in all of television to grow from week two to week three in the last five years.
Burn Notice is a sly take on the spy genre starring Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, a burned operative who finds himself stuck in the tropical paradise of Miami. The series also stars Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell and Sharon Gless. Burn Notice was created, written and executive produced by Matt Nix. Mikkel Bondesen and Jeff Freilich also serve as executive producers. The series comes from Fox Television Studios and Fuse Entertainment.
Burn Notice continues to light up the summer in its third season delivering series highs week after week. Last week, Burn Notice brought in 6.8 million total viewers -- a series high -- and was the third most watched original episode ever on USA. The show delivered 4.76 million households, also a series high, and second highest household delivery ever for a USA Network original series. To date Burn Notice is averaging 5.9 million total viewers, 2.7 million in P25-54, 2.4 million in P18-49 and a household rating of 4.25
USA Network is the #1 network in all of basic cable and is seen in over 98.5 million U.S. homes. A division of NBC Universal, USA is the cable television leader in original series and home to the best in blockbuster theatrical films, acquired television series and entertainment events. The award-winning USA website is located at www.usanetwork.com. Characters Welcome.
USA Network is a program service of NBC Universal Cable a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.
Ah, now I can relax, I totally know what the Chuck fans were feeling!
seriously though, great news, these are highly entertaining shows.
I don’t think there was every any doubt both these shows would not get renewed. They got really high ratings right from the start of the season.
YES! Thank you, USA! Along with TNT, USA is my favorite summer network! I can always rely on the two cable channels to have at least one new show 6 out of 7 nights of the week. That is what I call brilliant television programming.
I wonder where they are on cable’s top 18-49 shows of the year. Probably close to #1. Jon + Kate did have some psychotically high #’s for a couple of eps though.
Ah, more Fiona!
Burn Notice is the NCIS of USA network. It is improving in the ratings year to year and is strong enough to launch new shows. What’s next Burn Notice:DC?
Ooooh, I would dread for there to be a spin off of Burn Notice!
A Burn Notice spin-off would work although it should either be about one of the main characters or a new character who is an associate of Michael and introduce him or her via an episode of Burn Notice.
I love Burn Notice… to be honest, I only started watching it because of this site’s rave reviews of it (or I suppose the ratings which caused that).
However… I’m slightly worried… How long can this go on, and how many hoops will Michael have to jump through in order to rejoin the CIA… Can they keep me entertained?
Why not have him become un-burned, but keep the show going as he’s in the CIA…
(wish I could edit…)
Smallville… now takes place in Metropolis, but is called Smallville. It wouldn’t be a problem for the show to be called ‘Burn Notice’ even if he’s no longer burned.
U cant really compare Burn Notice to chuck!!! Burn Notice was always 100% going to get another season!
Wonder if In Plain Sight will get picked up
Obviously not a surprise, just been waiting for the official word for a while. And as for In Plain Sight, its very likely to be renewed along with Law & Order Criminal Intent.
Glad to hear Royal Pains got renewed.
Congrats to Bn and RP, two wonderfully deserving shows!
Hopefully Law & Order CI gets a ticket to stay on USA Network instead of dying on NBC.
(Yes, I know they are owned by the same company…)
josh, look up sarcasm in the dictionary.
I think a Burn Notice spinoff should have the elusive Charles Finley as the main character. Art Vandelay can be his sidekick.
USA Network signed Jeffrey Donovan to a ten year contract last year. As long as anyone watches Burn Notice will be on.
I remember because they raised his per episode salary a large amount in the middle of a season which is very unusual.
Lizard
marenamoo says: “Burn Notice is the NCIS of USA network.”
Wouldn’t NCIS be the NCIS of USA? I know they don’t show the new episodes, but they show 3-4 repeats every weekday and have a marathon what seems like once a month.
I get what point you were making, but still…