Starz orders second season of 'Black Sails'

NEW YORK, July 27 (UPI) -- A second season of "Black Sails" has been ordered ahead of the pirate drama's Season 1 premiere, America's Starz network announced Friday.

Executive produced by Michael Bay, the eight-episode first season is to debut in January.

The show follows the adventures of Captain Flint, played by Toby Stephens, and his men, and is set 20 years prior to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel "Treasure Island."

"Michael Bay, Jon Steinberg and their teams delivered a spectacular first season of 'Black Sails,' and we are incredibly proud of everyone's work," Chris Albrecht, chief executive officer of Starz, said in a statement. "Based on the strong fan response to the preview screening at last week's Comic-Con, we felt an early order for a second season would allow the writers, cast and crew enough time and space to continue crafting such unique and epic storytelling."

Creator and executive producer Jon Steinberg said: "We are thrilled to be receiving such an exciting vote of confidence from everyone at Starz and for the opportunity to carry the 'Black Sails' adventure into Season 2 without missing a beat. We couldn't ask for better partners in bringing our pirate world to life."

"We've had a fantastic experience working with Chris Albrecht and Jon Steinberg," said Bay.

"Brad, Andrew and I look forward to continuing our partnership with Starz on future episodes for this extraordinary show."