HBO Renews The Deuce

HBO has renewed the drama series The Deuce, which comes from George Pelecanos and David Simon, who previously collaborated on The Wire and Treme, for a second season.

Titled after the local slang for New York’s fabled 42nd Street, The Deuce stars James Franco (127 Hours) and Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart). The series began its eight-episode season on September 10.

“We are thrilled to continue our creative collaboration with master storytellers David Simon and George Pelecanos,” said Casey Bloys, the president of HBO Programming. “Their unique gift for immersing the audience in their dark and edgy worlds brings a brilliant verisimilitude unlike any other. With the remarkably talented Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Franco leading an exceptional cast, we look forward to delving deeper as this captivating story evolves.”

“Everyone involved with this project is genuinely grateful to HBO for the chance to take the narrative where it needs to go,” added Simon. “We knew the theme and purpose of the story, but there are many people in the entertainment industry who might not have it told, or worse, would have told it for the wrong reasons. HBO is a serious outfit. And they don’t scare.”

“Many thanks to HBO, our longtime partners, who’ve now given us the opportunity to continue to tell this compelling story,” added Pelecanos. “We’re ready to get back to work with our amazing cast and crew.”