WGN America renews ‘Salem’

WGN America will brew up another season of its first original scripted drama, “Salem.”

Three episodes into the first season of the witch-y tale, the network announced it has picked up the Sunday drama for a second season.

The TV series from Tribune Co.’s WGN America reimagines the infamous Colonial witch trials of the Massachusetts village. “Salem” stands as the first player in the network’s bid to fashion itself into a top-tier cable network -- with projects landing as the year continues. It’s all part of a bigger plan to steer Tribune Co., which also owns the Los Angeles Times, into a profitable TV-centric enterprise.

“Salem’s” renewal shows a commitment to the undertaking. Tribune Co. invested millions of dollars in the series, particularly creating a realistic Colonial village -- with more than 50 interior and exterior sets.

The series, from Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, debuted to 1.5 million viewers in its 10 p.m. time slot, and 647,000 in the 18-49 demo. Its first two telecasts have averaged 1.7 million total viewers and 806,000 in the 18-49 demo when factoring in three days of DVR.

Matt Cherniss, president and general manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios, said of the renewal:

“At WGN America, we are committed to delivering compelling, brand-defining programming rich with fascinating characters and ‘Salem” has done just that.”

Braga added: “I could not be more thrilled or more proud of our cast, writers and crew who made this show come alive. The fans have been fantastic and we plan to continue keeping them on the edge of their seats.

It’s second run, like its first, will consist of 13 episodes and will begin production later this year for a 2015 rollout.