NBC To Pick Up Nine Additional Episodes Of Returning Drama 'LIFE' To Complete Full-Season Order For 2008-09

NBC will pick up nine additional episodes of its sophomore drama "Life" (Wednesdays, 9 p.m. ET), giving the series a full-season order for 2008-09, it was announced by Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios.

"This unique crime drama continues to offer consistent and compelling stories each week," said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President, NBC Entertainment. "We love 'Life' and are thrilled that we get to see more of these characters and amazing new cases."

"Life" moved to NBC's Wednesday schedule this past week and delivered a 2.0 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 5.9 million viewers overall, improving on its earlier average as a Friday regular by 33 percent in 18-49 rating. The November 5 telecast of "Life" ranked #2 in the competitive Wednesday time period in men 18-34 and improved its adult 18-49 rating from half-hour to half-hour by 11 percent (to a 2.1 rating from a 1.9).

The Wall Street Journal called "Life" "...a steady burn - of talent, of smart writing, of chemical reactions." The New York Daily News called it "brilliant" and "sizzling" and the Dallas Morning News called it "a new-age 'Rockford Files.'"

The drama "Life," from Rand Ravich ("The Astronaut's Wife") and Far Shariat ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"), focuses on a detective who is given a second chance. Golden Globe nominee Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") plays complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after serving time in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

Crews' new lease on life has provided him with a Zen-like outlook, peace of mind and no need for vengeance, an attitude which can be challenging to maintain when someone he cares about is threatened -- or when he is investigating the mystery surrounding the murder he was falsely accused of.

Lewis is joined by cast members Sarah Shahi ("Rush Hour 3") as Dani Reese, Charlie's skeptical and demanding partner; Brent Sexton (HBO's "Deadwood") as Officer Bobby Stark; Donal Logue ("Grounded for Life)" as Captain Kevin Tidwell, and Adam Arkin ("Chicago Hope") as Crew's former cellmate Ted Earley.