Using his executive session at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour, Showtime president David Nevins announced a sixth season renewal for dramedy Shameless, a series order for comedy Happyish and premiere dates for Nurse Jackie and Penny Dreadful.
The Shameless renewal comes a day after the fifth season premiere aired of the show starring William H. Macy and Emmy Rossum. The show has been averaging more than 5.7 million weekly viewers across multiple platforms. The transition from drama to comedy on the awards circuit has also allowed the series to start getting more nominations - especially for Macy who earned Emmy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. Production on season six will begin later this year for a 12-episode run in early 2016.
Exactly one year ago, Showtime originally gave a series order to Happyish with Philip Seymour Hoffman in the starring role. The order came a few weeks before the late actor's untimely passing. The network re-piloted the series over the last few months, tapping Steve Coogan to step into the lead role. The cast also includes Kathryn Hahn and Bradley Whitford, with Ellen Barkin, Carrie Preston, Molly Price and Andre Royo making appearances in the pilot.
There will be a quick turnaround in production for Happyish as well. The premium cable network will rush it onto the schedule, with a April 26 premiere date at 9:30/8:30c. Happyish will be sandwiched between the seventh and final season of Nurse Jackie (which debuts April 12 at 9/8c.) and the second season of drama Penny Dreadful (which will also start on April 26 at 10/9c.)
