HBO orders fourth season of 'True Blood'

HBO has announced that it has renewed True Blood for a fourth season.

The vampire drama series will return for a 12-episode run next summer, according to HBO programming president Michael Lombardo.

Production on season four is scheduled to begin early next year in Los Angeles.

This month's season three debut earned 5.1 million viewers, up 38% from the second season premiere.

"The new season of True Blood is off to a terrific start, as enthusiasm for this unique show continues to build among both subscribers and critics," Lombardo said.

True Blood stars Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgård and airs Sundays on HBO.