We are in a period of renaissance for television, and not a small part of that is due to the digital revolution. Companies like Netflix are forcing companies like HBO to enter an arms race of high quality, high impact storytelling, the result of which is the largest concentration of great TV we've ever seen. And more than that, because the digital outlets are less beholden to advertisers and more flexible with their budgets, shows that never would have stood a chance on network, or even basic cable are given a chance to impress. And shows that didn't survive the labyrinth of conventional broadcast are being given second chances. Some for the better, some for the worse, but second chances none the less.
Ripper Street is a prime example of the former. When the BBC no longer wanted to fund the show, Amazon stepped up and gave the series what was meant to be a final kick at the cobbles. And that result was so positive for all involved, that Amazon has announced that it will give the Victorian police drama a further two series, allowing creator Richard Warlow to bring the historically adjacent show right up to the end of the 19th century, and the Victorian era. The primary cast are expected to return, which means that Jerome Flynn gets to continue to be a most impressive member of two highly enjoyable series for a while longer yet.
Via Den of Geek.