Starz okays second Evil Dead run before debut

Premium cable channel Starz has given the greenlight to a second season of new zombie action series Ash Vs Evil Dead.

The US network pointed to “strong fan, affiliate and distributor demand” as the key factor in the early renewal of its Sam Raimi-produced original.

The first season fo the show, which is based on the Evil Dead movie franchise and stars B-movie icon Bruce Campbell as anti-hero Ash Campbell, debuts on Starz on October 31 to tie in with the seasonal Halloween festivities.

“One season isn’t enough to satisfy the fans’ two decade-long appetite for more Ash,” said Carmi Zlotnik, managing director of Starz. “The early fan and press support, along with the international broadcaster demand for more story have made it clear that the adventures of Ash Williams can’t end with season one.”

International buyers of the first season include Amedia in Russia and the CIS regon, C More (Scandinavia), Fox Action on Fox+ Premium/Fox Latin America Channels (Latin America/Brazil), Sky TV (New Zealand), Stan (Australia), Starz Play Arabia (Middle East/North Africa) and Super Channel (Canada).

The 10-part season one continues the story of Ash, an aging lothario and chainsaw-wielding monster hunter.