The HBO half-hour drama series In Treatment has been picked up for a third season by the network. Production on the third season will begin in early 2010. Two time Emmy-nominated star Gabriel Byrne will be returning to head the show as Dr. Paul Weston. No other cast members have yet been confirmed.
The announcement the show will go on is interesting because the original Israeli series on which the show is based only ran for two seasons. Instead of working from previous material, the show’s writers will have to create all new material from scratch for the third season.
“This is the kind of show that could only flourish on HBO, and we’re proud to bring it back,” HBO’s West Coast president Michael Lombardo said in a press statement about the renewal.
Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg and Hagai Levi will reportedly return as executive producers for In Treatment, joined by Anya Epstein (HBO’s Tell Me You Love Me) and Danny Futterman (Capote). Former executive producer Warren Leight will not be returning.
In Treatment is rather unique on television as a drama series for airing five nights a week, echoing Dr. Paul Weston’s therapy sessions with his patients. In addition to his Emmy nominations, Gabriel Byrne has won a Golden Globe for the show. Dianne Wiest, who plays Dr. Weston’s therapist, has taken home an Emmy for her role on the series.
With all the cotton candy junk on T.V. I am looking forward to another season of In Treatment. This is one classy and intellectual show that can grab the viewer and hate for it to end, only to look forward to the next episode. It is imperative that such a well acted drama returns in order to show networks that it is possible to produce quality television that entertains as well as makes you think.