Get ready for more drama from the Ewing family. Coming just two weeks after the season 2 finale in which we found out who shot J.R., TNT has officially renewed Dallas for a third season, set to air next year.
“Dallas has built a passionately loyal following with its expertly woven storylines, clever twists and turns, and numerous outstanding performances by a cast that spans generations,” said Michael Wright, the president and head of programming for TNT, in a statement. “Although we said goodbye to Larry Hagman and his iconic character J.R. Ewing this year, Dallas has many more stories left to tell, and the Ewing clan will continue to honor J.R.’s memory by keeping its audience surprised and delighted.”
Hagman died from cancer on November 23, 2012, at age 81. Following his death, his family said in a statement, “Larry was back in his beloved Dallas, re-enacting the iconic role he loved most.”
Dallas is the sequel to the long-running primetime soap opera of the same name that ran for 14 seasons from 1978 to 1991. TNT has ordered 15 episodes, with season 3 expected to premiere in early 2014.
Fans can breath a sigh of relief at this announcement, after season 2 averaged 2.6 million viewers (3.8 million with DVR playback), down from a season 1 average of 4.5 million viewers when it debuted as the #1 new drama on basic cable in 2012. In the all-important 18-49 demographic, season 2 garnered an audience of 1.4 million.
As for TNT’s other scripted shows, nothing has been announced as of yet for Southland or Monday Mornings, but it’s unlikely either will be renewed. The cable network’s upfronts are coming up on May 15 (the same day as CBS), where they’ll make final announcements on current shows as well as picking up new series for next season.
Want to add Dallas to your very own watch-list? Download BuddyTV Guide for free for your phone.
(Image courtesy of TNT)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
