HBO goes back 'In Treatment'

Gabriel Byrne will return for a third season of HBO therapy

By Daniel Fienberg Friday, Oct 23, 2009 1:15 PM

Gabriel Byrne of 'In Treatment'

Credit: HBO

HBO has ordered a third season of the Emmy-winning drama "In Treatment."

The premium cable network made the somewhat surprising announcement on Friday (Oct. 23) morning, revealing that "In Treatment" will go back into production in early 2010 in New York City, with the third season premiering later in 2010.

"'In Treatment' is synonymous with inspired writing and brilliant acting," states Michael Lombardo, president, Programming Group and West Coast Operations, HBO. "This is the kind of show that could only flourish on HBO, and we’re proud to bring it back."

Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner Gabriel Byrne will return as Dr. Paul Weston, with additional specifics on the supporting cast coming later.

While "In Treatment" received great critical love and awards attention, the show's innovative structure placed extensive demands on the show's writing and production staff. A typical HBO season may be 13 episodes, but "In Treatment" produced 43 episodes in its first season and 35 in its second. HBO executives had expressed concern about going forward with the series because the Israeli original had only aired for two seasons.

Entrusted with creating a third season from whole cloth are new executive producers [and husband-and-wife] Anya Epstein ("Tell Me You Love Me") and Oscar nominated screenwriter (and familiar actor) Danny Futterman ("Capote"). Paris Barclay is expected to return as executive producer and director.

Daniel Fienberg
Executive Editor

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.