HBO Renews 'Boardwalk Empire'

Abbot Genser/HBO

"Boardwalk Empire"

HBO has renewed Boardwalk Empire for a third season.

The period drama starring Steve Buscemi opened its second season to 2.9 million viewers last month, and has been a critical darling for the network, picking up eight Emmys, including outstanding directing for a drama for Martin Scorsese.

From Terence Winter and Scorsese, the Prohibition drama revolves around Buscemi's scheming Nucky Thompson as he rules over Atlantic City, battling fellow mobsters and other dirty politicians looking for a piece of the illegal alcohol business.

"Following a triumphant first season, I was eager to see what Terry Winter, Martin Scorsese and the rest of their stellar team had in store, and they continue to surpass our highest expectations," HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said Wednesday in announcing the news. "The response from the media and our viewers has been extremely gratifying."

The series also picked up a pair of Golden Globes for best drama and best actor for Buscemi, as well as SAG honors for its ensemble cast and for Buscemi.

Boardwalk joins a drama slate that includes recently renewed series including Game of Thrones, True Blood and Treme. The network has horse racing drama Luck, Veep, Girls, Life's Too Short and Aaron Sorkin's untitled cable news drama among its upcoming new series.

Created by Winter, the series is executive prodced by Scorsese, Tim Van Patten, Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg. Gene Kelly and Howard Korder co-exec produce, with Joseph Iberti and Rick Yorn on board as producers.

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