‘The Borgias’ has already been renewed for a 10-episode second season by Showtime after only five episodes of the first season have aired, TVLine is reporting. The historical fiction series, which was directed by Neil Jordan and shot in Hungary, gave the cable network its best premiere ratings for a drama show in seven years. Over one million viewers tuned into the premiere episode of ‘The Borgias’ when it debuted on April 3.

The series, which focuses on the Italian dynasty family the Borgias and stars Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI, “has become Sunday night appointment viewing for a broad swath of our subscribers,” Showtime president David Nevins has said. He added that the show is a “tribute to his (Jordan’s) incredible skill as an auteur and the extraordinary cast led by (Jeremy) Irons that this show fits so seamlessly into our line-up of quality shows.”

Jordan is expected to begin production on the second season this summer. The next chapter in the Borgia family is expected to debut in 2012.

Written by: Karen Benardello