Even as all eyes are on the major networks, speculating about which new series will be the first to land on the chopping block (my money’s on Fox’s DOA Mulaney), Starz has brightened up the week by ordering additional seasons of two original series. Pirate drama Black Sails will return for a third season, while freshman basketball comedy Survivor’s Remorse has earned a swift second season renewal just days after its premiere.
Starz won’t premiere the 10-episode second season of Black Sails, which serves as an action-packed prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, until January of next year, but the network is clearly confident in the showrunners’ long-term vision for the series. In an official statement, Starz Managing Director Carmi Zlotnik said:
“The incredible world that Jon Steinberg and Robert Levine have created continues to unfold in Season 2. Flint’s journey is riveting, and around him, Jon and Robert have woven an intricate web of conflict, betrayal, and redemption for the other characters that we believe will keep fans of the show coming back for more. We think that Season 3 will bring even more of the drama and lore that has made it a hit both in the U.S. and internationally.”
As for Survivor’s Remorse, the pro-basketball comedy, produced by LeBron James, proved to be a critical hit in its October 4th premiere. Centering on two basketball players who went pro and left the mean streets of Philly behind, the series had a six-episode first season order that has been brought up to 10 for its sophomore run.
CEO Chris Albrecht said of the series, “We’re thrilled with the overwhelming critical acclaim Survivor’s Remorse has received and we look forward to continuing our partnership with such an all-star team.”
Black Sails will return to the high seas on January 24th. Survivor’s Remorse is currently airing on Saturdays at 9/8c.
