E! Renews The Royals, House of DVF

LOS ANGELES: Ahead of its series premiere, The Royals has already received a second-season order from E! Entertainment, which is also giving a sophomore run to House of DVF.

The Royals, which stars Elizabeth Hurley, is E!'s first original scripted series. The show makes its first season premiere on March 15 at 10 p.m. It is a co-production of Lionsgate and Universal Cable Productions and will begin production on season two this spring in London.

“To renew this freshman series before its highly anticipated first season premiere underscores E!’s commitment to the scripted genre and our confidence and support of this groundbreaking and rule-breaking original series,” said Jeff Olde, the executive VP of original programming and development at E! “We’re thrilled to have Universal Cable Productions joining Lionsgate as a co-producing partner as we announce a second-season pickup for this scandalously fun series.’”

“Lionsgate has been a great partner throughout the years, and they really delivered for us with The Royals. We’re excited to be working with Jon Feltheimer, Kevin Beggs and their strong creative and production teams on this regal and excellent show,” added Jeff Wachtel, the president and chief content officer at NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

“We’re very proud that E! chose The Royals as its first original scripted series and delighted about this early season two pickup,” said Kevin Beggs, the chairman of Lionsgate Television Group. “The cast and creative team are exceptional and E! has been a tremendous partner in supporting the creative direction of the series from day one.”

E! also announced the original series House of DVF will return for its second season with eight new episodes, which will also premiere on E! in 100 countries. The second season starts production during New York Fashion Week and will give viewers an inside look at the challenges and triumphs Brittany Hampton—who was named DVF Global Brand Ambassador in season one—experiences during her term as she continues to be mentored by Diane and the rest of the DVF team.

“When hopes and dreams are on the line and in the hands of one of the most recognizable fashion tycoons in the world, the result is good television, and fans are invested in the process following the freshman series run,” said Olde. “This aspirational series fits right into E!’s wheelhouse as the go-to destination for all things entertainment, fashion and beauty, and we are excited to expand unique multiplatform experiences around season two that will serve to further engage our media savvy audience.”

“I am excited to film a second season of House of DVF,” added Diane von Furstenberg. “The show is about my fashion world and while it is entertaining and informative, I will also continue to provide empowering messages to a generation of young women.”