LOS ANGELES: The news business may be in tumult in the digital age, but “The Newsroom” was doing just fine on Monday when cable TV network HBO renewed the high-profile TV drama for a second season.

HBO also said it will bring back vampire drama “True Blood” for a sixth season next year.

Both shows have been among the network's top programs, but “The Newsroom,” created by “The Social Network” writer Aaron Sorkin and starring Jeff Daniels, is new to US television having been launched less than two weeks ago behind massive publicity.

Daniels plays a cynical, middle-aged TV anchorman who, along with his producer ex-girlfriend (Emily Mortimer), attempts to shake up his nightly show by restoring honorable journalism.

The program earned mixed reviews following its June 23 premiere. Website metacritic.com, which compiles critiques of TV shows, movies and music, scored the program 57 out of 100, based on 31 reviews. But a “user score” generated by fans making comments on the website was much higher at 8.6 out of 10.

Meanwhile “True Blood,” a fantasy drama telling of vampires who roam among the humans in fictional Bon Temps, Louisiana, also was renewed by the network. HBO did not disclose any details on air dates or possible changes for the new seasons.

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...