HISTORY Slates Vikings for a Second Season

NEW YORK: HISTORY has renewed Vikings, a hit scripted drama series, for a ten-episode second season.

The family saga chronicles the adventures of the historical warriors from the perspective of their own society. Travis Fimmel (The Beast), Gabriel Byrne (In Treatment), Katheryn Winnick (Bones), Jessalyn Gilsig (Glee), George Blagden (Les Miserables), Clive Standen (Camelot) and Gustaf Skarsgard (The Way Back) lead the cast.

Vikings, which currently airs on Sundays at 10 p.m., is co-produced by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. MGM Television distributes the show internationally, excluding Ireland, Canada and the U.S.

Dirk Hoogstra, the executive VP of development and programming for HISTORY, said: “Vikings is a win win for us. As our first scripted series, Vikings has paid off in a big way with critical acclaim, strong ratings and a passionate, loyal fan base. It came out of the gate strong and has stayed on top, solidifying HISTORY as a major player in the scripted genre, just as we are in reality. We could not be more proud of the entire cast and crew and everyone involved in the making of Vikings. Michael Hirst has captured audiences with his complex, compelling characters and brought the unknown, epic world of these warriors to life. Season two will begin production this summer to air in 2014.”

“We are very excited that Vikings is generating so much attention worldwide,” said Roma Khanna, the president of the television group and digital at MGM. “MGM is thrilled to have the continued support and enthusiasm of our partners at HISTORY and to work with an amazing international team as they bring Michael Hirst’s vision to audiences around the globe.”