True Blood Returns For a Fifth Season

Don't think for a second that the vampire fad is dead (well technically, vampires are already dead but you get the idea), as True Bloodis slated for a fifth season return to HBO next summer. HBO execs said the new season will run for 12 episodes, and will begin production later this year.

While this shouldn't come as a monumental surprise to anyone, it should assuage latent fears of creator and executive producer Alan Ball's rumored departure.

Ball talked about his status with the show to the Television Critic's Association, saying that he doesn't have any desire to leave because he "can't imagine having more fun than this." He also recently mentioned he's a shoe-in for the position of showrunner for True Blood (i.e. King of the World).

As for next season? Expect a light cast on one vampire's origins, along with a deeper exploration of the True Blood universe's deeper mythology. Oh, and more supernatural sex.

-- FLASH STEINBEISER

Photo: Getty Images

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