HBO has renewed the hit show True Blood for a 12-episode fifth season, with production of the new episodes beginning later this year in Los Angeles.

Michael Lombardo, President of HBO Programming, noted “I am thrilled that True Blood continues to enjoy a phenomenal reception” and how “Alan Ball and his gifted team have devised the greatest thrill ride on TV”. The show mixes romance, suspense, mystery and humour and takes place at a time when vampires have come out of the coffin. It also follows the on-and-off romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Pacquin), who can hear people’s thoughts, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer).

HBO shows on UK TV this week