Showtime Orders Third Season of \'Homeland\'

To the surprise of almost no one in television, Showtime announced Monday that it had ordered a third season of its Emmy-winning drama “Homeland.”

And, in some news that is only slightly more surprising, the Fox network renewed its fall singing competition, “The X Factor,” for a third season.

“Homeland” is not the most-watched show on Showtime. “Dexter” still attracts more viewers, but the network has never had a show with so much prestige value. Beyond its win for best drama, “Homeland” also took home Emmy Awards for best actress, Claire Danes, and best actor, Damian Lewis. And the critical acclaim for the series has only increased this season.

“X Factor” has seen its ratings drop in its second season, eclipsed by the more successful and talked-about singing competition on NBC, “The Voice.” But in a fall season when Fox has struggled on most nights, “X Factor” has remained a steady performer on two nights.

“The Voi ce” also made news Monday. NBC announced it will program three live editions of the show during election week - Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. (The regular Tuesday night edition will be pre-empted by election coverage.) The Wednesday version will have one hour, and the Thursday special will be two hours.