History Renews 'Vikings' for Season 3

Just four episodes into 'Vikings' 10-episode second season, History has elected to renew its first (and so far only) original drama for a third year.

'Vikings' third season order will again be for 10 episodes, and will enter production this summer. While Season 2 hasn't quite matched the huge numbers Season 1 drew, 'Vikings' still routinely outstrips all of History's other programs, regularly winning its Thursdays at 10 p.m. timeslot (among cable shows.)

The first half of Season 2 is currently averaging 3.4 million total viewers, with 1.7 million of those being adults 25-54, and 1.5 million residing in the ever coveted adults 18-49 demographic. Even more impressive is the fact that the show's audience doubles when you consider viewings taking place up to seven days after initial broadcast.

History exec Dick Hoogstra had this to say about the renewal:

"Vikings has taken viewers by storm and has established itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television. With its large, passionate and loyal fan base, Vikings has cemented History firmly in the scripted series genre, just as we are the leaders in reality television.”

The success of 'Vikings' really isn't that surprising, considering the recent TV climate. Sword and sandal filled, period-set dramas like 'Game of Thrones,' 'Reign,' and 'The White Queen' dot the current landscape, and successful shows like 'Spartacus,' 'Rome,' 'Camelot,' and 'The Borgias' also earned acclaim within the last decade. In short, heavily dramatized, often fantasy tinged serials set centuries ago are very much en vogue as of late.

'Vikings' 10-episode third season will likely premiere in spring 2015.