WGN America has renewed Salem, their first original scripted series, for a second season. The 13 episodes will be produced later this year and will then debut in 2015.
Here are the details:
WGN AMERICA’S SPELLBINDING DRAMA “SALEM” RENEWED FOR SECOND SEASON
— Ten All-New Episodes Remain This Season, Sundays at 10:00 PM ET —
LOS ANGELES (May 5, 2014) – WGN America has picked up a second season of its first original, scripted drama “Salem,” it was announced today by Matt Cherniss, President and General Manager, WGN America and Tribune Studios. “Salem,” which is being renewed three episodes into its first season, is produced by Fox 21 and co-created and written by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, who also serve as executive producers with Jeff Kwatinetz and Josh Barry of Prospect Park and David Von Ancken. The 13-episode second season will begin production later this year for a 2015 debut.
Starring Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Xander Berkeley, Ashley Madekwe, Tamzin Merchant, Elise Eberle and Iddo Goldberg, “Salem” continues for ten episodes, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT.
“At WGN America, we are committed to delivering compelling, brand-defining programming rich with fascinating characters and ‘Salem’ has done just that,” said Cherniss. “Brannon Braga, Adam Simon, the talented cast and our great partners at Fox 21 have opened up an intriguing world that has captivated viewers. We look forward to bringing more great storytelling, scares and surprises to viewers as the saga unfolds.”
“I could not be more thrilled or more proud of our cast, writers and crew who made this show come alive,” said Braga. “The fans have been fantastic and we plan to continue keeping them on the edge of their seats.”
“Salem’s” debut premiered with more than 3.4 million Total Viewers and 1.5 million Adults 18-49 in time-shifted Live + 7 viewing for its premiere night on April 20. Through its first two telecasts in Live + 3 viewing, “Salem” has averaged nearly 1.7 million Total Viewers and 806,000 among Adults 18-49, a +776% increase over the network’s Adults 18-49 season-to-date average on Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.
“Salem” boldly re-imagines the infamous witch trials in the 17th century Massachusetts town. The storyline follows Captain John Alden (West) returning from war to his hometown of Salem where he finds it in the grip of a witch panic. Crushed that his lost love, Mary Sibley (Montgomery), is now married to his old nemesis, John is unaware she is also secretly the ruling witch of Salem, and her witches are running the witch trials.
In Sunday’s fourth episode, “Survivors,” an old adversary of Alden’s arrives in Salem with secrets that could destroy him.
[Source: Nielsen Media Research]
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WGN America
WGN America, the flagship network of Tribune Broadcasting Company, is nationally distributed in 72 million homes via cable, satellite and telco, with entertainment programming including the original, scripted series “Salem,” premiering April 20, 2014, “Manhattan,” premiering in July 2014 and “Ten Commandments,” along with first-run syndicated series, blockbuster movies and live sports. Through Tribune Studios, the creative development arm of Tribune Company, original content is produced for WGN America and Tribune local stations nationwide.
What do you think? Have you been watching Salem? Are you glad that it’s been renewed for a second season?
I am so glad this show has been picked up for another season! It’s one of the most imaginative series on TV right now! Many thought it would be a rip off of AHS: Coven, but I’m pleased to say that it is nothing of the sort…it’s a different animal completely!
Go janet montgomery! her acting is so superb that i almost feel like im gona get hung for bringing out my angel tuning forks to communicate with the angels! janet takes the audience minds back into time to a place in history! janet is definitely one i see in my crystal ball to be up for an oscar! go janet!
Mary montgomery is such a profound actress that after watching her i almost feel like im gona get hung for bringing out my angel tuning forks to communicate with the angels! i admire her! i have never knew a actress could be so good to the point that she takes u way back then to that time! go mary montgomery! an oscar comin to u for sure!.
the magicalness of the reminds me of taking a magnet and placing it in a bowl of burning angelica root and then taking the magnet and rub it across the tv screen! makes u believe in magic!
I myself love the mysteriousness of mary sibley .she reminds me of a christian who secretly practices white magic. god is magical,! go mary sibley!
I don’t watch much T.V. But, I absolutely love Salem, every episode is riveting, leaving me barely unable to stand to wait for the next episode! I do hope they renew it!!
I do not have time to watch very much TV and when I do it is primarily movies. However Salem has not only captured my interest but has maintained this intrest throught the first 10 or so episodes. I am glad they decided to renew this show for at least one more season and I think with the writting they have now maybe keep it even for a 3rd. Dr. D
I was so happy to hear this picked. Up for another. Season. The. Acting on this show great. And so is the cast. You never. Know what is gonna happen next
@actress on salem. What else is going on?
GREAT!!! Series, Very believable with realistic setting and special effects. The cast of characters are remarkable. They have achieve their character development and their relationship with one another seeming very natural. This is the kind of series I have been waiting for. Realistic with no detail spared. The plot and writing is superb. Every character is important in their own role and adds to the plot that is thick with interactions amongst the characters to reach a common thread bringing all together. Interesting, Suspenseful, Creepy and Scary some Romance this makes for a must watch series. I love the old… Read more »
I am thrilled they renewed Salem I look forward to it each wk it is fantastic it is the fastest hr on TV….love it
This is the best new show on TV. I am thrilled with the originality, excellent acting and casting. I didn’t think any show would rival The Walking Dead for my affections but this is perfect. Captain John Alden reminds me more than a little of Sheriff Rick. Thanks again for filling the gap on Sunday nights with a show that really is spell-binding.
From someone who’s worked not only on the set of Salem but several other television and film production sets; I am shocked by the news of a season two renewal. The crew could at any moment be slammed with so many violations–including sexual harassment. You couldn’t pay me enough to go back.
IF and that is a very grand if you were an actress on this film then I think you might ne harboring some ill will to your particular cancelation. That or you are having a difficult time seperating the show with reality. The show is ment to depict what the attitudes and envoronment were like during the salem witch trials. I would suggest maybe a daytime soap or pbs might bemore suited to your acting abilities. Cheers, Dr. D
Lol! Thanks coach!
The only magic as a christian i know of is stuffing angelica root in ceramic angels and hittin my angel tuning forks to the angels and compel their magical spirit to guide me against evil forces! angels are real if u believe and janet montgomery is a angel to me ,and cute no matter what she does! go janet!
Love the show! I have everyone watching it- so glad it will stay. Keep up the good writing- the cast is great!
I am sooo happy to hear it was picked up for season 2………..this is a great show…….we need more edgy shows like this …………..love it !!!! good job WGN………….keep it up 🙂