Spike TV is investing big in tattoos.
The male-themed network has renewed unscripted entries Ink Master and Tattoo Nightmares for a third and second season, respectively.
The network on Monday announced that Ink Master would return for a third season of 13 episodes, with Tattoo Nightmares receiving a larger commitment for 26 installments. Both series will return in 2013.
The second season of Ink Master has averaged 1.8 million viewers over eight episodes and has improved its time slot among the advertiser coveted adults 18-49 demo by 105 percent. Judged by Jane's Addiction's Dave Navarro, the series hails from Spike and Original Media (Swamp People, NY Ink, Comic Book Men, The Rachel Zoe Project) with Charlie Corwin and Andrea Richter as exec producers.
For its part, freshman entry Tattoo Nightmares has averaged 1.5 million viewers and posted a 187 percent gain in its time slot among adults 18-49. The series hails from 495 Productions (Jersey Shore, Snooki & Jwoww) with SallyAnn Salsano and Joel Zimmer on board as exec producers.
"The real stakes and compelling drama that both Ink Master and Tattoo Nightmares deliver resonates with our ever-expanding audience,” said Sharon Levy, Spike TV executive vp original series.
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