Showtime Gives Second Season Order to Nurse Jackie

NEW YORK: Nurse Jackie, a Lionsgate production starring Edie Falco that premiered on Showtime on Monday, has already been renewed by the premium network for a second season.

Distributed worldwide by CBS Studios International, the dark comedy marks Falco’s return to series television, featuring The Sopranos star as a strong-willed and brilliant, but very flawed, emergency room nurse in a complicated New York City hospital. Announcing the renewal—with production on 12 new episodes slated to begin this fall—Robert Greenblatt, the president of entertainment at Showtime Networks, stated: "Nurse Jackie was a home run for us when Edie Falco decided to come aboard over a year ago. We’re thrilled that the critics, our affiliates, and the public in general have had the reaction to the show that we hoped they would. While Showtime was already in the pink, we’re grateful to get a big shot in the arm from this feisty little nurse."

"We’re delighted about Showtime’s early pickup of Nurse Jackie and the terrific response the premiere has received," added Lionsgate’s Kevin Beggs, the president of television programming and production, and Sandra Stern, the executive VP and COO of television. "It’s a testament to the brilliant work of Edie Falco and the extraordinary supporting cast and creative team. Showtime has been a great partner on both Nurse Jackie and Weeds and we look forward to extending and expanding our relationship in the years to come."