Showtime renews 'Jackie,' 'Tara'

LOS ANGELES, March 25 (UPI) -- Showtime says it has renewed its U.S. comedy series "Nurse Jackie" and "United States of Tara" for third seasons.

Both half-hour comedy series have received 12-episode orders and will go into production later in the year, the pay cable television network said.

The announcement was made Thursday by Robert Greenblatt, president of entertainment at Showtime Networks Inc.

"Showtime is enormously proud of these two series starring two of the best actresses working today," Greenblatt said in a statement. "Both are iconic shows for our brand and our thanks to the dedicated producers, cast, and crews who work so hard to make them so great. Edie Falco's portrayal of the fierce Jackie is another extraordinary example of her range and brilliance, and recent Emmy and Golden Globe wins for Toni Collette in her tour de force role as a woman with multiple personalities (in 'Tara') put her in a class by herself. Strong women will continue to rule on this network for a long time to come."