FX renews "Sons of Anarchy" after record-breaking finale
Kurt Sutter and all key cast members are signed for a third season in 2010
Ron Perlman of 'Sons of Anarchy'
Credit: FX
Hot on the heals of record-breaking viewership for its second season finale, FX has ordered a third season of the biker drama "Sons of Anarchy."
The "Sons of Anarchy" season finale drew 4.33 million total viewers, making it the show's most watched episode to date, surpassing the 4.29 million viewers who watched the Season Two premiere. Splitting out that audience into demographics, "Sons of Anarchy" drew 2.99 million viewers in the 18-49 demo and won its 10 p.m. Tuesday time period for all TV networks (broadcast included) among men 18-49 (1.92 million) and men 18-34 (1.09 million).
The "Sons of Anarchy" renewal had been expected for weeks, as the show's second season averaged 3.67 million total viewers, up 66 percent over the show's first season average. The 2.56 million viewers 18-49 was a 75 percent increase over the first season. In adults 18-49 and men 18-49, "Sons of Anarchy" ranks as basic cable's top scripted series of 2009.
"The success of Sons of Anarchy is very gratifying and the show has become a bona-fide hit," states FX President John Landgraf. "The critics have recognized 'Sons' as one the best series on television, and the show has earned its place alongside FX’s great drama series 'The Shield,' 'Nip/Tuck,' 'Rescue Me' and 'Damages.' Creatively, this season was spectacular and all credit goes to Kurt and the incredible cast led by Katey Sagal, Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman."
FX has given "Sons of Anarchy" a 13-episode order for a third season to premiere in September of 2010. In addition, showrunner Kurt Sutter signed a two year deal to continue as writer and showrunner, while all surviving cast members are in place to return.
"This has been a wonderful ride and we’re just getting started. I’m really proud of the work by our incredible cast and crew," Sutter states. "The response this season from the fans and critics has been terrific and I can’t wait to get back to the writer’s room and start on season three."
A long-time member of the TCA Board and a longer-time blogger of "American Idol," Dan Fienberg writes about TV, except for when he writes about movies or sometimes writes about the Red Sox. But never music. He would sound stupid talking about music.
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December 2, 2009 at 9:49PM EST Reply to CommentWhy can't season 3 start next tuesday this is the best show on TV
Denise Beach
December 2, 2009 at 10:40PM EST Reply to CommentI am a 30 something female (just fyi) and I f..ing loving the Sons of Anarchy! Its the best tv series EVER! So sick of cops and dics shows. Sons and Jemma are so badass, love Charming,totally creative but the attention to detail with the whole patch thing pretty accurate. Every tuesday until season 3 is going to be like a funeral. I can't wait!
denisebeachaz
December 2, 2009 at 10:42PM EST Reply to CommentThey like this
Jay
December 14, 2009 at 10:22PM EST Reply to CommentWhat's ironic to me is that the season finale was unsatisfying and disappointing on many levels. Multiple characters were exhibiting character traits completely unlike what they were set up to be in the past two seasons, almost like a new writer took over.
I like the show and am glad it was renewed, but I don't know how they correct the plot mess they allowed to occur.