A&E Renews 'Duck Dynasty' for Second Season (Exclusive)

A&E is staying in business with Duck Dynasty.

The cable network has renewed the unscripted series for a second season totaling 26 new half-hour episodes. Dynasty, which follows the Robertson family who operate a thriving duck call business on the Louisiana bayou, is expected to premiere in late 2012.

“There is truly no one else like the Robertsons in the TV landscape,” said A&E's executive vp programming David McKillop of one of his net's fastest-growing series. “We are proud to have them as a part of our A&E family and excited to bring fans a new season of their unique brand of Southern schooling.” 

The series from Gurney Productions rounded out its first season in late May with 2.6 million total viewers and 1.5 million in the coveted 18-49 demographic, making it the top-rated cable show on that night. What's more, it saw its viewership balloon by more than 50 percent in key demos during the course of its first season. Dynasty joins Hoarders, Storage Wars and new scripted entry Longmire on A&E's schedule.

Deirdre Gurney, Scott Gurney and Joe Weinstock serve as executive producers on the series alongside A&E's McKillop, Elaine Frontain Bryant and Lily Neumeyer.

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