Showtime orders more 'Weeds' and 'The Big C'

Showtime announced Monday that it has picked up new seasons of Weeds and The Big C. Both shows will return sometime next year.

More than 6.5 million viewers tuned into the premiere of The Big C on August 16th, making it the network’s highest-rated original series premiere in eight years. The show stars Laura Linney as a suburban wife and teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The sixth season of Weeds also premiered on the same night and averaged over 6 million viewers – a record premiere episode for the series.

“The unprecedented viewership for both The Big C and Weeds proves that audiences love these shows as much as we do,“ said Showtime President of Entertainment David Nevins in a statement. “There are definitely more comedic adventures in store for these fascinating, complex women. For six seasons, we’ve happily traveled along with Nancy Botwin and we’re equally as excited to follow Laura Linney and The Big C team as they chart Cathy’s unique journey through such a provocative and personal subject as cancer. We’re thrilled that these two signature shows will be returning to the network in 2011.”