SHOWTIME Renews Its New Critically-Acclaimed Dark Comedy Series

Starring Emmy(R)-winner Edie Falco For A Second Season

LOS ANGELES, June 10 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of one of SHOWTIME's most critically acclaimed original series debuts, the network has renewed its new dark comedy series NURSE JACKIE, a co-production with Lionsgate starring Emmy(R)-winner Edie Falco for a second season. The announcement was made today by Robert Greenblatt, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc. Production of 12 new episodes will begin this fall in New York City.

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'NURSE JACKIE was a home run for us when Edie Falco decided to come aboard over a year ago,' said Greenblatt. 'We're thrilled that the critics, our affiliates, and the public in general have had the reaction to the show that we hoped they would. While SHOWTIME was already in the pink, we're grateful to get a big shot in the arm from this feisty little nurse.'

NURSE JACKIE premiered Monday, June 8 to both audience and critical acclaim. After making her return to premium television, Falco has received some of the best reviews of her accomplished career for her role as the complicated Nurse Jackie Peyton. USA Today gave NURSE JACKIE 4 Stars, stating, 'Here's a cure for TV's summer doldrums; Take one great actress and one great role; repeat for 12 weeks;' The Washington Post says, 'Nurse Jackie is one of the true choice cuts of the year,' and TV Guide noted, 'Watch Edie Falco become one of those rare talents who will someday add comedy Emmys to her drama stash.'

The series is a co-production of Showtime Networks Inc. and Lionsgate Television and was created by Evan Dunsky and Liz Brixius & Linda Wallem (The Comeback, That '70's Show). Wallem and Brixius are executive producers and show runners. John Melfi and Caryn Mandabach are executive producers. Richie Jackson, Christine Zander, Mark Hudis and Evan Dunsky are co-executive producers.

NURSE JACKIE is a half-hour dark comedy that is at turns wicked, heartbreaking and funny.