HBO renews ‘Boardwalk Empire’ for fourth season

HBO announced Tuesday that it has renewed “Boardwalk Empire” for a fourth season. Maybe that would have been enough to wake Nucky Thompson up from his slumber in the most recent episode?

The Prohibition-era drama, from Terence Winter (“The Sopranos”) and Martin Scorsese, is only a few weeks into its third season--its premiere drew 2.9 million viewers in its 9 p.m. airing, on par with its second season.

“Terry Winter, Martin Scorsese and the rest of their outstanding team continue to produce a stunning show that never fails to surprise and entertain,” Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming, said in a statement. “We are excited to bring this unique series back for a fourth season.”

Steve Buscemi stars in the slow-burning drama as Atlantic City, N.J., politician and gangster Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, which earned him an Emmy nomination this year. He may not have taken home the trophy, but the series nabbed four Emmy Awards, including directing for a drama series (Tim Van Patten).

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