In utterly unsurprising news, Showtime has opted to pick up its successful dramas Masters of Sex and Ray Donovan for 12-episode third seasons, to premiere in 2015.
David Nevins, Showtime prexy, said in an official statement:
“Both Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex are quintessentially Showtime: bold, provocative, premium television with production values at the top of the food chain. These acclaimed shows are filled with complex and interesting characters and settings that will no doubt give audiences compelling television to invest in for seasons to come.”
Masters of Sex, about human sex pioneers William Masters (Martin Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan), has been roundly acclaimed since its premiere, and this year it received five Emmy nominations, including one for Caplan’s performance. Already, it won Guest Actress in a Drama for Allison Janney’s heartbreaking turn at Saturday’s Creative Arts Emmys.
Ray Donovan, whose titular character (Liev Schreiber) is a fixer for L.A.’s elite, has also been warmly received. Jon Voight is up for supporting actor during this year’s Emmys as well.
Both series have served the premium cable network well since it lost flagship drama Dexter. Whereas Homeland appeared to struggle creatively after its first season, Masters of Sex in particular kept Showtime on year-end lists and in contention for awards, and both have been solid performers in the ratings. On average, Masters of Sex pulls in 4 million viewers, while Ray Donovan attracts 5 million.
Tell us, do you watch either show? Do either deserve Emmy love at this year’s ceremony? Let us know below.
