'Rescue Me' to return for another season

LOS ANGELES, July 13 (UPI) -- The FX network has decided to run "Rescue Me" for a fourth season.

The decision came after the show enjoyed a substantial ratings increase and a bit of controversy over a June episode, the next season will likely start in spring 2007, Zap2it.com reported Thursday.

"Rescue Me" is a key part of one of FX's stated goals, which is to foster some of the best episodic series on television," FX President John Landgraf said. "(The cast and crew) have done an incredible job on Season Three and the audience and critics responded with continued loyalty and passion. We are enormously proud of this series and of Denis (Leary's) Emmy nomination for best actor."

This season of "Rescue Me" has drawn about 2.9 million viewers a week, which is a 10-percent increase over Season Two.

The show has seen some controversy lately with a scene in June in which Leary's character sexually assaulted his estranged wife.