HOLLYWOOD - After just two episodes, HBO has decided to renew Alan Ball’s vampire series True Blood for a second season.
Production will begin early next year, with season two slated for a summer 2009 premiere.
The quick decision to renew can be largely explained by the second episode’s incredible 24 percent increase in viewership over the pilot episode.
Most new series actually tend to suffer a ratings decrease after the first episode airs. A recent example would be The CW’s 90210, which fell 32 percent after week one.
"I am thrilled to be able to continue to work with such a talented group of writers, cast and crew to explore the characters and world created by Charlaine Harris in her novels," Ball said. "It really is a joy to go to work every day and I couldn't be happier to be back home at HBO."
Ball created Blood (based Harris’ wildly popular book series) and also serves as a writer, director and producer. His previous HBO show, the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning Six Feet Under, ended in 2005.
Blood centers on modern-day vampires who coexist with humans thanks to the invention of a synthetic blood called TruBlood, which enables them to resist human blood.
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