Lifetime series will return in 2009

Lifetime is re-enlisting "Army Wives" for another season.

The series, which has set ratings records for the network, has earned a pickup for a third season in 2009, Lifetime announced Friday (July 11) at the Television Critics Association press tour. The new season is slated to air in 2009.

"'Army Wives' has become a game-changer for Lifetime," network president Andrea Wong says. "Announcing this early renewal is a testament to the enormous faith and confidence we have in this show and it incredibly talented cast and production team."

Through five episodes this summer, the show is averaging about 4 million viewers per week. The June 8 season premiere drew 4.5 million viewers, the most for an original series in the network's history; "Army Wives" is also the top-rated series among women 18-49 and 25-54 on all of ad-supported cable.

Lifetime has ordered 18 episodes for the third season. The show stars Kim Delaney, Catherine Bell, Sally Pressman, Brigid Brannagh, Sterling K. Brown, Wendy Davis, Drew Fuller and Brian McNamara.