LIONSGATE(R) and SHOWTIME's Critically-Acclaimed New Comedy Series Starring Emmy(R)-winner Edie Falco Renewed For a Second Season on SHOWTIME

SANTA MONICA, Calif., and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LIONSGATE(R) (NYSE: LGF), the leading next generation studio, announced today that its new half-hour comedy series, NURSE JACKIE, has already been renewed by Showtime Networks for a second season just one day after its critically acclaimed premiere. Starring three-time Emmy(R) Award winner Edie Falco, NURSE JACKIE, a co-production with Showtime, achieved one of the most successful original series debuts in the network's history. Production of 12 new episodes will begin this summer in New York City.

NURSE JACKIE's premiere on Monday, June 8 scored record ratings for Showtime. Leading into the series debut was the fifth season premiere of Lionsgate's hit comedy WEEDS, which when coupled with NURSE JACKIE, led to the network's best premiere night ever in the Nielsen ratings.

'We're delighted about Showtime's early pickup of NURSE JACKIE and the terrific response the premiere has received,' said Kevin Beggs, President of Lionsgate Television Programming and Production, and Sandra Stern, Executive Vice President and COO of Lionsgate Television. 'It's a testament to the brilliant work of Edie Falco and the extraordinary supporting cast and creative team. Showtime has been a great partner on both NURSE JACKIE and WEEDS and we look forward to extending and expanding our relationship in the years to come.'

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.