STRIKE BACK renewed for third series

The Sky/Cinemax action-drama Strike Back has been renewed for a third series, to air in the second-half of 2012. The hit show (which originated in the UK as a six-part series in 2010, based on the novel by ex-SAS soldier Chris Ryan), has been attracting around a million viewers on both sides of the Atlantic. Perhaps unexpectedly, it's also received its fair share of critical praise for the quality of its production and sheer entertainment-value.

Series 3 will again be comprised of 10 episodes, filmed in South Africa and produced by Left Bank Pictures. It's also been confirmed that directors Bill Eagles and Paul Wilmhurst, together with writer Tony Saint, will be returning.

Anne Mensah, Sky's Head of Drama:

"Strike Back has proved to be an incredibly successful brand for Sky1 HD, and our collaboration with HBO/Cinemax made the scale and ambition of the second season even more exciting. The third season is shaping up to be even stronger. We want it to be the most high-octane, action packed drama on British Television."

Andy Harries, executive producer, Left Bank Pictures:

"We couldn’t be more excited to be sending our Strike Back operatives back out into the field for round three. The co-production with Sky and HBO/Cinemax has brought an outstanding scale to Strike Back which is rarely attempted on British television. It's an honour to be partnering with them again for the third series."

Kary Antholis, President of HBO Miniseries:

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Left Bank and Sky on Strike Back. It has been an enormous success for us, as Cinemax's first primetime series, it has immediately established the network as a destination for cinematic high-octane entertainment. The next season promises much more action, suspense and compelling drama."

STRIKE BACK continues Fridays on Cinemax and Sundays on Sky1.