‘Masters of Sex’ and ‘Ray Donovan’ Renewed for Third Seasons at Showtime!

Showtime has renewed “Masters of Sex” and “Ray Donovan” for third seasons, the premium cabler announced Wednesday. Both hourlong series will receive 12-episode orders that will begin production in early 2015.

“Both ‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘Masters of Sex’ are quintessentially Showtime: bold, provocative, premium television with production values at the top of the food chain,” said David Nevins, president, Showtime Networks. “These acclaimed shows are filled with complex and interesting characters and settings that will no doubt give audiences compelling television to invest in for seasons to come.”

“Masters of Sex” has garnered five Emmy Award nominations this year, with Allison Janney already taking home the trophy for guest actress in a drama at the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony. “Ray Donovan’s” Jon Voight is also nominated for an Emmy for his role as Mickey Donovan. “Masters of Sex” currently averages nearly 4 million viewers across multiple platforms per week, while “Ray Donovan” averages 5 million weekly viewers.

“Ray Donovan” stars Liev Schreiber, Voight, Paula Malcomson, Eddie Marsan, Dash Mihok, Steven Bauer, Katherine Moennig, Pooch Hall, Kerris Dorsey and Devon Bagby. The show is created and executive produced by Ann Biderman. A Showtime production, the series is also executive produced by Mark Gordon, Bryan Zuriff and David Hollander.

“Masters of Sex” stars Michael Sheen and Emmy nominee Lizzy Caplan, along with Caitlin FitzGerald, Teddy Sears and Annaleigh Ashford. The series was developed for television by Michelle Ashford, who also serves as an executive producer. The show is executive produced by Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman, Judith Verno and Amy Lippman. Michael Apted, Michael Sheen, Tammy Rosen and Thomas Maier serve as producers. “Masters of Sex” is produced by Sony Pictures Television.