Two episodes into its first season, DirecTV has ordered an additional 20 episodes for its MMA drama Kingdom. The series is scheduled to begin production on the new order in the spring, with the first 10 episodes airing in Fall 2015, and the following 10 slated for 2016.
From creator/showrunner Byron Balasco, Kingdom is a gritty family drama set against the backdrop of the renegade subculture of Mixed Martial Arts in Venice, California. The series stars Frank Grillo, Kiele Sanchez, Matt Lauria, Jonathan Tucker, Nick Jonas and Joanna Going. Endemol Studios produces.
DirecTV does not disclose ratings information but network executives claim that the freshman series "has proven to be one of Audience Network's most popular shows of all time."
"DirecTV could not be more thrilled by the response that last week's premiere of Kingdom elicited from both critics and our viewers," said Chris Long, Senior Vice President, Original Content and Production, DirecTV. "The series very clearly resonated with DirecTV's subscribers.
"Getting an additional twenty episodes is a great testament to Kingdom, to Byron's talent as a writer and showrunner and to our cast and crew," said Philippe Maigret, CEO, Endemol Studios.
