BBC America Expands 'Nerdist' Talk Show With Full-Season Order

Chris Hardwick is getting a full season at BBC America.

our editor recommends

Legendary Entertainment Acquires Nerdist Industries

Chris Hardwick Previews BBC America's Nerdist Year-End Special With Nathan Fillion, Simon Pegg

BBC America Orders Five More Nerdist Specials

The podcast guru's comedy/variety talk show, The Nerdist (named after his popular podcast and website), has expanded from numerous pop-culture specials to a 10-episode season that will kick off in spring 2013 as part of the cable network's "Supernatural Saturday" programming block. Episodes will continue to be 60 minutes long.

Additionally, Hardwick will lead the block, which includes Doctor Who, the U.K.'s Being Human and the upcoming Orphan Black.

STORY: BBC America Orders Five More 'Nerdist' Specials

The Nerdist will be filmed in Los Angeles on a new set and will feature celebrity guests, U.K.- and U.S.-based correspondents, stand-up comedy and musical performances.

Matt Mira and Jonah Ray, frequent podcast contributors with Hardwick, will continue on the series. Celebrity guests who have appeared on The Nerdist specials include Nathan Fillion, Alison Brie and Kunal Nayyar.

This comes after Hardwick's The Walking Dead talk show, Talking Dead, was recently supersized from 30 minutes to an hour for the second half of season three, which returns February.

STORY: Chris Hardwick Reveals How 'Nerdist' Podcast Will Be Adapted for TV

"We could not be more pleased to be expanding our relationship with Chris by ordering The Nerdist series with an exciting new format, as well as having Chris host our Supernatural Saturday block," said BBC America GM Perry Simon in a statement. "Ever since early 2011, Chris has brought his loyal legion of fans to BBC America through his successful Nerdist specials and, as America’s  No. 1 Doctor Who fan, hosting countless Doctor Who-related events for our channel."

The Nerdist will continue to be produced by Nerdist Industries and Comcast Entertainment Studios. Hardwick, Alex Murray, Jay James, Gary Snegaroff and K.P. Anderson serve as executive producers.

E-mail: Philiana.Ng@thr.com
Twitter: @insidethetube