‘The Strain’ Renewed For Season 2 On FX

Six weeks into its 13-episode freshman run, FX’s The Strain has been given a long-expected 13-episode order for a second season to air in 2015. The vampire drama from Guillermo del Toro and Carlton Cuse marked the first time FX has aired an original series on Sunday night. The Strain’s premiere drew 4.73 million total viewers and 2.43 million adults 18-49 in Live+Same Day. With Live+7 data, VOD, digital and electronic purchases, that number tripled to 12.7 million viewers to become the network’s highest-rated series premiere ever. The horror drama also ranks as the No. 1 new series on cable (broadcast or premium) in 2014 in delivery of adults 18-49.

“We’ve never had any doubts about The Strain,” said FX CEO John Landgraf, who indicated a renewal was coming at TCA last month. “Working with Guillermo del Toro, Carlton Cuse, and the brilliant cast led by Corey Stoll has been everything we had hoped it would be and more.” The Strain was one of two new drama series introduced by FX this summer, along with Tyrant. After a slow-ish start, the Middle Eastern drama has been very consistent, with its renewal chances considered good. At TCA last month, Landgraf also said he was “very bullish” on new comedies Married and You Are The Worst.

On a weekly basis, The Strain, from FX Prods., is averaging 11 million total viewers and 5.2 million adults 18-49 inclusive of VOD and online viewing (most current). On a first-run-only Live+7 basis, the series is averaging 4.5 million total viewers and 2.6 million adults 18-49. The Strain’s 1.2 million adults 18-34 (first-run L+7) places it in a tie for the top spot in that demo among all new cable series to launch in 2014.

“I am thrilled! Another season to spread the virus!” said del Toro, who directed the pilot and co-wrote the best-selling books with Chuck Hogan. “Working with Carlton, Chuck and FX has been immensely rewarding and we have such sights to unveil in the upcoming episodes — the blood hits the fan on this one, mankind becomes an endangered species.” Added Cuse, “I am grateful for all the blood, sweat and tears (but mostly blood) given to the project by all involved, and I could not be more excited to continue telling this epic story.”