The pickup of the series from Fox 21 Television Studios was unveiled Saturday as part of the show’s presentation at Comic-Con. “Salem,” the first original scripted drama to bow on WGN America, wrapped its second season on June 28. It averaged 1.1 million total viewers and 545,000 in adults 18-49 in Nielsen’s live-plus-7 ratings.
The series created by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon is set among the witch trials in 17th century Massachusetts. Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Ashley Madekwe, Tamzin Merchant, Elise Eberle and Iddo Goldberg star. Lucy Lawless and Stuart Townsend were among the additions for season two.
Braga and Simon are exec producers along with Prospect Park’s Josh Barry and Jeff Kwatinez of Prospect Park, and Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson. Nick Copus is director and co-exec producer.
Production on season three will begin in Shreveport, La., later this year for premiere air next year.
“Salem” has been a building block for WGN America as it expands its original series offerings. It has three more scripted dramas on tap for next year: the sword-and-sandal epic “The Ten Commandments,” Appalachian family drama “Outsiders” and “Underground,” set in the slavery era against the backdrop of the activity in the underground railroad.
