A few days ago, we reported that TV Land had renewed Happily Divorced for a third season of 12 episodes. The news was first announced by co-creators (and former spouses) Fran Drescher and Peter Marc Jacobson. It now appears that the news has changed.

TV Land has issued a press release indicating that the the 12 episode order is part of the current second season, bringing the installment total to 24. Of the cable channel’s slate of original sitcoms, only Hot in Cleveland and Happily Divorced have received full season orders.

The first dozen episodes of season two are currently airing on Wednesday nights and are expected to finish running by the end of May. So far, they’ve averaged a 0.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 1.16 million total viewers.

The second half of season two is expected to air later this year.

Here’s the press release from TV Land:

TV Land Picks Up 12 More Episodes for Second Season of “Happily Divorced” Starring Fran Drescher

New York, NY – May 1, 2012 – TV Land has extended the second season of its original sitcom, “Happily Divorced,” starring Fran Drescher, picking up 12 additional episodes, it was officially announced today by Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. This episode order takes the second season total to 24. The back-order of season two will debut later this year. The first 12 episodes of the second season are currently in premieres airing Wednesdays at 10:30pm ET/PT on TV Land.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Fran and the rest of the amazing cast and crew on ‘Happily Divorced’,” said Jones. “This show uses humor brilliantly to communicate and relate with the audience. We feel so fortunate to have a show that can create social change through laughter.”

“Happily Divorced” stars and is inspired by the real-life story of sitcom favorite Fran Drescher (“The Nanny”), and revolves around Fran, a Los Angeles florist who finds out after 18-years of marriage that her husband is gay. Unable to sell the house with the economy tanking, she and her gay ex-husband Peter (John Michael Higgins, “Best in Show”) must continue to live together happily divorced as they both re-enter the dating world. “Happily Divorced” also features acclaimed actors Tichina Arnold (“Everybody Hates Chris”) as her best friend Judi; Rita Moreno (“OZ”) and Robert Walden (“All The President’s Men”) as Fran’s parents Glen and Dori and Valente Rodriguez (“George Lopez”) as Cesar, her flower shop employee. The show is filmed in front of a live studio audience.

Fran Drescher, Peter Marc Jacobson (“The Nanny”), Frank Lombardi and Franco E. Bario are executive producers, and Larry W. Jones and Keith Cox serve as executive producers for TV Land.

About TV Land

TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s and 50s. Consisting of original programming, classic and contemporary television series acquisitions, hit movies and a full-service Web site, TV Land is now seen in over 98 million U.S. homes.

About Viacom

Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB) is home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in more than 160 countries and territories. With approximately 170 media networks reaching more than 600 million global subscribers, Viacom’s leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, Spike TV and Tr3s. Paramount Pictures, America’s oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world’s most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com

What do you think? Do you think Happily Divorced will be renewed for a third season eventually?

Image courtesy TV Land.