Starz orders Season 2 of 'Da Vinci's Demons'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 17 (UPI) -- Starz says it has ordered a second season of its Italian Renaissance-set series "Da Vinci's Demons," starring Tom Riley as artist-inventor Leonardo Da Vinci.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the network's chief executive officer, Chris Albrecht.

Season 1 of the historical fantasy series premiered April 12.

Production on the sophomore season is expected to begin in Wales next month, with an on-air return set for 2014.

"'Da Vinci's Demons' serves up action, adventure and history in a unique and highly entertaining way that only someone like [writer-director-producer] David S. Goyer can," Albrecht said in a statement. "The first season premiered to strong audience engagement and we are excited to bring the next chapter of Leonardo da Vinci's adventures to audiences around the world."

"I'm excited that we get to continue the adventures of the world's most eccentric and glorious polymath. Long live Leonardo and thanks to Starz for helping to make it happen," said Goyer, the show's creator.