ABC has announced that season two of V will debut on January 4, 2011. Though slated for mid-season, network execs had previously indicated that the series might return as early as November. Despite having cancelled My Generation and having at least one other new series that’s also doomed (The Whole Truth), they’ve still opted to hold it back until 2011.

Last season, ABC put the V TV show on a four month hiatus while story and backstage issues were worked out. That hiatus was likely one of the main reasons that the ratings dropped off in the second half of the season.

Now, the network is hoping that the show can survive an eight-month break. Considering that the last episode of season one only attracted a 2.1 rating in the demo and 5.46 million viewers, the cast and crew certainly have their work cut out for them.

Here’s the official press release…

SEASON TWO OF “V” WILL PREMIERE JANUARY 4, 2011, ON ABC

“V,” the thrilling drama series about the world’s first alien encounter that captivated viewers last season, will make its highly-anticipated season premiere on TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

Simultaneously appearing over every major city in the world, the Visitors (or V’s) arrived offering us the wonders of their technology and promoting peace. While the world quickly embraced the V’s as saviors, an FBI Counter Terrorist Agent, and others making up the resistance group called The Fifth Column, quickly discovered that the Visitors are not who they said they were. Will humanity stop being fooled and realize the Visitors true intentions before it becomes too late and they take over Earth?

“V,” which received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Special Visual Effects For A Series, stood as television’s No. 1 new drama during the 09-10 TV season in the key Adult 18-49 sales demographic, delivering substantial year-to-year improvement in both of its Tuesday time periods (8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.). “V” finished No. 1 in both time periods among key Men (M18-34/M18-49).

Season Two will feature more character and lizard reveals, more details about the V’s mythology, while along the way featuring even more action and more plot twists. Viewers can expect a roller coaster ride week to week.

“V” stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Erica Evans, Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols, Joel Gretsch as Father Jack, Charles Mesure as Kyle Hobbes, Logan Huffman as Tyler Evans, Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, with Morena Baccarin as Anna and Scott Wolf as Chad Decker. New recurring stars for this season include Jane Badler as Diana, Oded Fehr as Eli Cohn, Jay Karnes as Chris Bolling and Bret Harrison as Dr. Sidney Miller.

“V” is produced by HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television. The executive producers are Scott Rosenbaum, Steve Pearlman and Jace Hall.

What do you think? Will V survive to see a third season?

Image courtesy ABC.