History renews “Vikings” drama series for season 5

PanARMENIAN.Net - Vikings will fight for another season. History has renewed the Michael Hurst-created series for a fifth season, the cable network announced Thursday, March 17, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Additionally, Jonathan Rhys Meyers has joined the cast of the historical drama as a series regular. The 20-episode super-sized season will air in 2017. That episode count matches the current fourth-season order.

This season, Vikings has remained a top 10 cable drama series. It's the top telecast on Thursdays in all key demographics when factoring in three days of DVR with an average of 4.2 million total viewers, 2.1 million adults 25-54 and 1.9 million among adults under 50.

Details on who Rhys Meyers will portray on the show are being kept under wraps. The Golden Globe-winning actor's credits include The Tudors and NBC's Dracula.

"The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hurst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television,” said new History president and general manager Jana Bennett. “Vikings has raided the hearts of audiences and we are thrilled that Jonathan Rhys Myers will become a bigger part of the History family after his incredible performance in our upcoming production of Roots.”

Vikings has been the cornerstone of History's original scripted fare. The veteran series will be joined at the network by upcoming scripted dramas Six and Knightfall as well as mini Roots, which will air across all the A+E Networks-owned group.

Vikings is produced by MGM TV.