Boardwalk Empire renewed for a 3rd season

HBO has renewed 'Boardwalk Empire' for a 3rd season.

'Boardwalk Empire' most recent episode gathered 2.85 million viewers and a 1.2 rating in the adult demo. The drama about Atlantic City during Prohibition won the Emmy for best directing this year, and racked up seven more statues for technical achievements, but some thought it had a chance at more prestigious wins.

"Following a triumphant first season, I was eager to see what Terry Winter, Martin Scorsese and the rest of their stellar team had in store, and they continue to surpass our highest expectations," said HBO president of programming Michael Lombardo. "The response from the media and our viewers has been extremely gratifying."

The renewal follows a series of recent drama series pickups, including for "True Blood," "Game of Thrones" and "Treme," as well as commitments to the new shows "Luck," "Veep," "Girls," "Life’s Too Short" and Aaron Sorkin’s as-yet untitled project.

The show's first season won eight Emmys, including Scorsese's for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
 

Dexter's future in doubt?

Deadline is reporting that even as Sunday’s sixth-season premiere of 'Dexter' set a ratings record for Showtime, negotiations between the cable network and star Michael C. Hall have reached an impasse that leaves the future of the hit drama in doubt.

The day after the serial killer drama's sixth season premiere became Showtime's most-watched season opener in 14 years contract talks between the shows star and the network broke down.   Hall, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, is reportedly asking for $24 million over the next two seasons; the cable network offered $20 million.

Showtime is still hopeful about striking a deal either for two seasons or one, according to Deadline. Reps for Showtime and Hall had no comment on the report.

Hall, 40, won Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for his performance in 2009. Before 'Dexter', he starred on HBO's 'Six Feet Under' for five seasons.

NBC's 'Free Agents' joins 'The Playboy Club' as this seasons 2nd canceled show

Coming just 2 days after NBC announced the cancellation of 'The Playboy Club,' the peacock announced today that another series has been cancelled.

'Free Agents', the workplace comedy starring Hank Azaria was cancelled on Thursday after just  four low-rated episodes, the last of which mustered a measly 1.0 demo rating, while drawing just 3.28 million total viewers.

On Tuesday, 'The Playboy Club' became the first official casualty of the fall season when NBC pulled the plug after 3 episodes.

Todays TV News and Notes

Here's a quick look at whats up in the world of TV today.

• Cheryl Ladd joins the cast of 'Chuck' for it's final season. 
• 'Perry Mason' is headed to the big screen with Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role.
• The October 21st episode of 'Supernatural' will feature a 'Buffy' reunion.
• Cinemax renews 'Strike Back' for a 2nd season.
• 'Blues Brothers' and 'Rambo' actor Charles Napier dies at 75.
• Wednesday nights TV Ratings:  Modern Family dominates.