Atlantis: BBC Greenlights Second Series

Primetime Greek myths to continue as Atlantis is renewed

Atlantis , the show with the unenviable task of stepping into Merlin 's Saturday night shoes, has been given a second series by the BBC. Just four episodes of the show have aired, but ratings have been solid enough to prompt BBC execs to say "yes please!" to more.

While we reckon the Greek mythology-themed show is yet to find its storytelling feet, the Beeb reports that it's the biggest new Saturday night drama series launch since 2006, with the first three episodes averaging an audience of 7.4 million in Live+7 (no, we didn't know what that means anyway, but apparently it's figures for iPlayer, PVR views and repeats). And despite some misgivings, we're fairly optimistic for the future, seeing as Merlin (produced by the same creative team as Atlantis ) went from a fairly inauspicious first season to become a fantasy behemoth.

The BBC has also confirmed that Robert Lindsay and John Hannah will appear in the current series of the show, which runs on BBC One until late December.

“ Atlantis delivers original British drama with the kind of scale and ambition that we've come to expect from the cinema," said BBC One Controller Charlotte Moore. "It feels very much at home on Saturday nights on BBC1, it's been wonderful to watch Howard [Overman, series creator] and the team create a whole new world, brilliantly inspired by Greek mythology which is proving a hit with all the family and a second series is richly deserved."

“ Atlantis has quickly made its mark and established itself as the new weekly fantasy drama fix for all the family on BBC1," added Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Commissioning. "The show is packed with creative ambition which is a credit to the team involved and a second series will ensure the show builds and grows with the audience.”

Atlantis airs on BBC One on Saturday nights.