Blockbuster hits by the standard of the network, The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Originals,” “Supernatural” and “Arrow” all unsurprisingly received early renewals for next season.
But four was not enough for The CW. The network, which programs ten hours of weekly content in primetime, wanted to etch a fifth series into next year’s lineup. Naturally, it looked to the fifth-best performer on its schedule.
It looked to freshman series “Reign.”
Its ratings might not fall in the same ballpark as the aforementioned hits, but they do compare favorably to those of The CW’s other bubble series. Given that fact, the impressive stability of its audience (which has refused to let events like Halloween, NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live” and the Winter Olympics get in the way of its weekly appointment to watch “Reign”) and support within The CW, “Reign'”s advanced renewal for season two is hardly the surprise some reporters are suggesting.
Just as The CW’s Mark Pedowitz was confirming the news to media, “Reign” star Adelaide Kane broke the story to her fans on Twitter.
“Very excited to announce that @cwreign had OFFICIALLY been picked up for a second season!!! YASSSS,” wrote Kane. “Thank you all SO MUCH for your support and love. We couldn’t have done it without you! YOU MADE THIS HAPPEN!!! #lovelovelove #stillemployed”
Co-star Torrance Coombs added, “That’s right! We’ve been renewed for a 2nd season. And still 11 more episodes in season 1. We like to spoil you guys.”
Other cast and crew comments:
Toby Regbo: “Reign has been picked up for season 2!”
Alan Van Sprang: “Reign renewed for a second season!!! Thank you Thank you all for watching and your constant support.”
Jonathan Keltz: “Thanks to all of YOUR support @CWReign just got picked up for a second season!!!! Thank you!!! Congrats to all the #reign Fam”
Laurie McCarthy (showrunner): “ROYALS!!! So excited to say that #Reign Season 2 is happening!!! Thanks to the fans, the crew, @CBSTVStudios, and @CW_network!…And more thanks to our crew in Toronto who are such a joy to work with and make the show so beautiful every week! #ReignSeason2 @CWReign”
Reign Writers: “#REIGN HAS BEEN PICKED UP FOR SEASON 2!!! Thank you for your support Royals! We can’t wait to bring the drama from French court this fall!!”