HBO Renews True Blood

LOS ANGELES: The hit vampire-themed series True Blood has been renewed for a fourth season by HBO, with 12 fresh episodes slated for summer 2011. 

The show, created by Alan Ball, will go into production on its fourth season early next year. The 12-episode third season launched June 13 on HBO. The series is based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. 

“The new season of True Blood is off to a terrific start, as enthusiasm for this unique show continues to build among both subscribers and critics,” said Michael Lombardo, the president of HBO programming. “We’re looking forward to more chills from Alan Ball and his gifted team next year.”

“I am beyond thrilled to be able to continue working with this amazing cast and crew,” commented Ball. “This is the most fun I have ever had.”

The season three premiere delivered 5.1 million viewers, a 38-percent increase on season two. Combined with the 11 p.m. rebroadcast, the episode scored 6.4 million viewers. Season two averaged a gross audience of 12.6 million across linear, DVR and on-demand play