Showtime renews 'Shameless,' 'Episodes'

LOS ANGELES, March 1 (UPI) -- Showtime says it has ordered second seasons of its U.S. programs "Shameless" and "Episodes."

The new seasons are to premiere in 2012, David Nevins, President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks Inc., announced Monday.

Starring William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum, the hourlong family drama, "Shameless," received a 12-episode order for its second season, while the half-hour comedy series, "Episodes," starring Matt LeBlanc as a fictional version of himself, received a second-season order with the number of episodes to be determined.

"The viewer loyalty and critical acclaim that has met both 'Shameless' and 'Episodes' since their January debuts makes it clear that these two brash and sophisticated series are burgeoning hits," Nevins said in a statement. "('Shameless' executive producer) John Wells is carving out a tone that is truly unique in the television landscape -- equal parts drama and comedy. And 'Episodes' marks the universally embraced and hilarious return to television of an inspired comedy triumvirate: Matt LeBlanc, and creators Jeffrey Klarik and David Crane. We are thrilled with the response to both series and eager to start planning for their second seasons."