BBC America Orders Five More Nerdist Specials

BBC America is banking on Chris Hardwick.

The cable network has ordered five more specials of The Nerdist, based on Hardwick's popular podcast of the same name. The announcement comes weeks after the pilot for the show, hosted by Hardwick and featuring Doctor Who's Matt Smith and Craig Ferguson, aired in September as part of the network's newly launched "Ministry of Laughs" comedy block.

The five specials, two 60-minute episodes and three half-hours, will air all through next year, timed to major network events. The first will air on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. as a one-hour year-end review of pop culture, tech trends and more.

“The Nerdist pilot ... earned strong buzz and was an excellent pairing with the midseason premiere of Doctor Who," said BBC America's general manager Perry Simon. "We couldn’t be happier that we will continue working with Chris and are excited that The Nerdist will be a part of our biggest events over the next year.”

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.