A fourth season of the science-fiction series "Torchwood" has been ordered and will air in the United States and United Kingdom next year, Starz announced.

ADVERTISEMENT

Starz Entertainment said Monday it has acquired the U.S. television rights to the next installment of the BBC show about a Wales-based team of space-alien investigators.

The deal was jointly announced by Starz LLC President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht, and BBC Worldwide Productions Executive Vice President Jane Tranter.

To be developed and produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, the 10-episode fourth season is to air exclusively in the United States on Starz, while BBC One will debut it in the United Kingdom. It is a co-production between Starz, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Worldwide. The series' previous three seasons aired on BBC America in the United States and garnered record-breaking ratings for the network, Starz said.

"Torchwood" leads John Barrowman and Eve Myles have signed on to return next season. Additional key cast members, reflecting the more international scope of the series, will be named soon, the network said.

The next season of the franchise, which was created by writer/producer Russell T. Davies, will not be confined to the original Welsh location and will "allow Davies and his writing team to tell a more explosive and global story," Starz said.

Davies will serve as executive producer and show-runner for the latest run of episodes.

"'Torchwood' has attracted remarkable attention and loyalty in both the U.K. and U.S., and in this new partnership with Starz, the next chapter will not only reward our current fans but also introduce new viewers to the most impressive installment yet," Tranter said in a statement.