Fans of The History Channel's hit sleeper show, Vikings, will be pleased to learn that the Powers That Be up at the History Channel have renewed the show for a third season!

According to TV.com, the show's renewal calls for a ten-episode order, and a target date of 2015 for its debut. The reason for its renewal is, quite simply, the show is a breakout hit for the network -- it averages about 3.4 million viewers per episode, consistently putting it at the top of the cable charts. This success is in no small part thanks to an unparalleled cast of talented actors -- including former Calvin Klein model Travis Fimmel (who plays Ragnar Lothbrook), The Hunger Games star Alexander Ludwig (who plays Bjorn Ironsides, Ragnar's eldest son), Shakespearean actor Clive Standen (who plays Rollo), and former Law and Order prosecutor Linus Roache (who plays King Ecbert).

TV Series Finale got a quote from Dirk Hoogstra, the Executive Vice President and general manager for The History Channel, about the renewal. "VIKINGS has taken viewers by storm and has established itself as one of the most compelling, visually stunning dramas on television. With its large, passionate and loyal fan base, VIKINGS has cemented HISTORY firmly in the scripted series genre, just as we are the leaders in reality television," he said.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have such an enormously talented cast and crew led by Michael Hirst whose intricately woven storylines vividly brings the unknown, epic world of these Norsemen to life. Season three promises to immerse viewers even deeper into the exploits of these fearless warriors who are willing to risk it all for conquest and power."

Vikings is a Canadian-Irish historical drama television series, written and created by Michael Hirst for the television channel History. It premiered on March 3, 2013 in the United States and Canada. Filmed in Ireland, Vikings is inspired by the tales about the Viking Ragnar Lodbrok, one of the best-known mythological Norse heroes and notorious as the scourge of France and England. It portrays Ragnar as a Viking farmer who pioneers the first daring raids into England with the support of fellow warriors, his brother Rollo, and his wife, the shieldmaiden Lagertha.