Showtime Renews 'Ray Donovan'

Showtime has greenlit a sophomore season of its drama series Ray Donovan after only airing three episodes, the premium programmer announced Tuesday.

The series’ June 30 debut was the biggest of any Showtime freshman series, averaging more than 6 million viewers including replays and on-demand viewing, said network officials. In its third episode this past Sunday, the series delivered 2.2 million viewers, on par with its record-setting second week performance.

Ray Donovan, which stars Liev Schreiber in the title role, will debut its second season in 2014.

"Ray Donovan is on track to be our biggest season one show ever," said David Nevins, president of entertainment for Showtime Networks, in a statement. "[Executive producer] Ann Biderman and the extraordinarily talented creative team, coupled with the brilliant ensemble cast led by, have produced one of the hottest new dramas of the year.  We are proud and excited to pick up another season."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.