It's good news for Graceland.
Two months after the second season ended, USA Network has renewed the one-hour drama from White Collar creator Jeff Eastin for a 13-episode third season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
“This season of Graceland took viewers on a wild ride with unexpected character twists, and a heart-stopping cliffhanger that left a lead character’s fate in question,” said USA Network president Chris McCumber. “Jeff Eastin and the talented ensemble cast deliver on all levels, and season three will undoubtedly continue to keep us on the edge of our seats.”
“FTVS truly values the long and fruitful relationship we have with Jeff and USA. We could not be more excited to bring USA viewers another thrilling season of Graceland," added Fox Television Studios’ senior vp programming Nancy Cotton.
Graceland had a decent launch in June 2013, posting 3.3 million viewers in same-day ratings, before settling in around 2 million by the end of its rookie run. When it returned for its second season the show saw a dip in the ratings, averaging 2.6 million total viewers, 1.25 million in 18-to-49 and 1.4 million in 25-to-54 when DVR is factored in.
Graceland centers on a group of undercover agents from various U.S. law enforcement agencies (the DEA, the FBI and ICE), who live together in a beachside house. Daniel Sunjata, Aaron Tveit, Vanessa Ferlito, Manny Montana, Brandon Jay McLaren and Serinda Swan star in the production. Eastin, whose other USA series White Collar is in the middle of its final season, is an executive producer along with Sean Daniel.
Graceland ended its sophomoe season with a shocking cliffhanger with Sid (Carmine Giovinazzo) smothering a hospitalized Mike (Tveit) as Briggs (Sunjata) raced to try to save him.
The renewal news comes after USA gave a two-season renewal for veteran medical drama Royal Pains after ordering more Suits, a top five cable series in all key demos, and Satisfaction, which ranks among the top new original scripted series in 18-to-49.
Graceland remains an integral player in USA's scripted stable, joining Royal Pains, Suits, Satisfaction, Sirens, Benched, Covert Affairs, the final run of White Collar and the forthcoming Dig, with Playing House on the bubble. The network is prepping four drama pilots as it aims to add to its drama portfolio: Carlton Cuse's Colony, starring Josh Holloway; Jennifer Carpenter's Stanistan; hacker drama Mr. Robot with Christian Slater and Queen of the South, starring Alice Braga.
Email: Philiana.Ng@THR.com
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