History has picked up a fourth season of its hit scripted series “Vikings,” it was announced today by Dirk Hoogstra, EVP and General Manager, History & H2. “Vikings” is created and written by Michael Hirst (“The Tudors,” Elizabeth) and five new episodes remain in the current season airing Thursdays at 10 p.m. with the season finale slated for Thursday, April 23 at 10 p.m.
On a Live +3 basis for the first five episodes in season three, “Vikings” is averaging 4.3 million total viewers, 2.2 million Adults 25-54 and 2.0 million Adults 18-49. For five weeks in a row, “Vikings” ranks as the number one cable series on Thursday nights in all key demos in Live +3 delivery.
Production on season four will begin this spring in Ireland.
“’Vikings’ has raided the hearts of both audiences and critics, establishing itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television,” said Hoogstra. “We are so proud of our immensely talented cast and crew led by Michael Hirst, whose intriguing storylines and pivotal arcs have the perfect balance of scope, smarts and bloodshed to keep our loyal fans watching and wanting more.”
MGM Television brought the series to the network and brings “Vikings” to the global audience, serving as the worldwide distributor outside of Ireland and Canada.
“’Vikings’ is a tremendous success worldwide thanks to the visionary talents of Michael Hirst, the entire creative team and our partners at History,” said Roma Khanna, President, Television Group and Digital, MGM. “We look forward to entertaining audiences worldwide with the next epic season.”
“Vikings” tells the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors and portrays life in the Dark Ages through the eyes of Viking society. The gripping family saga of Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), Rollo (Clive Standen), Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) continues in season three as alliances and loyal friendships are questioned, faith is catechized and relationships are strained.
Created and written by Michael Hirst – one of the premier historical story-tellers in the industry (Academy-Award winning film Elizabeth; and the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated series “The Tudors”), Michael serves as Executive Producer along with Morgan O’Sullivan of World 2000 (The Count of Monte Cristo; “The Tudors”),Sheila Hockin (“The Tudors;” “The Borgias”), John Weber of Take 5 Productions (“The Tudors;” “The Borgias”), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer and James Flynn (“The Tudors;” “The Borgias”). Dirk Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs are the Executives in Charge of Production for History.
“Vikings” is an international Irish/Canadian co-production being co-produced by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. History broadcasts domestically in the U.S. “Vikings” is produced in association with Shaw Media, and the series also airs on History in Canada.
