NBC has renewed the game show Weakest Link for a third season. The network greenlit 20 episodes of the Jane Lynch-hosted program. Production on the new season will begin in the fall. 

Weakest Link is based on a British show distributed by BBC Studios. In each episode, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers but must work together to bank the maximum amount of prize money available in each round. The contestants take turns answering general knowledge questions to build chains of correct answers. Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain, while incorrect ones break the chain and force the contestants to start over on the lowest rung. At the end of each round, contestants vote to eliminate the contestant they consider to be the Weakest Link.

The series has reached more than 17 million viewers this season across linear and digital platforms, according to NBC. 

Lynch’s credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and hosting Hollywood Game Night. “I’m very much looking forward to a third season of mocking contestants and encouraging discord,” said Lynch. 

Weakest Link is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ryan O’Dowd executive produces for BBC Studios. Stuart Krasnow executive produces and is the showrunner. Lynch also executive produces, along with Aaron Solomon. ■

NBC has ordered a second season of game show Weakest Link. Jane Lynch hosts the program, based on a quiz show format distributed by BBC Studios. 

Season two will have 13 episodes. Production begins later this year. 

“Audiences have clearly embraced this smart, fun and completely addicting show, and it’s been a great addition to the NBC lineup,” said Jenny Groom, executive VP, unscripted content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “A huge thank you to Jane, our friends at BBC Studios, Universal Television Alternative Studio and everyone who has been instrumental in keeping the DNA of the original format intact while simultaneously adding new flourishes that make it as relevant and popular as ever.”

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Lynch’s credits include Hollywood Game Night and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. An executive producer on Weakest Link, she will return for season two. “I’m thrilled that Weakest Link will return for another season,” Lynch said. “It has been my honor to bring back this classic game show loved by millions. I also look forward to challenging the brain power of our players while baiting them to turn against one another for the chance to win some life-changing cash. And, of course, for my own enjoyment, and not to mention the opportunity to say ‘You are the weakest link. Goodbye.’ several times an episode.” 

Weakest Link debuted on NBC Sept. 28. The show is averaging a 1.2 in 18-49 and 5.6 million viewers, including linear, digital and VOD, NBC said. 

The show sees contestants answer general knowledge questions to bank prize money across multiple rounds. At the end of each round, the contestants vote out who they perceive to be the “Weakest Link.”

Weakest Link is produced by BBC Studios in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio. Ryan O’Dowd executive produces for BBC Studios. Stuart Krasnow does so for NBC and is showrunner. 

EPIX has announced the world premiere of To Russia With Love, which will be narrated by Golden Globe and Emmy award winner, Jane Lynch on October 29 at 8 p.m. ET.

The 90-minute documentary will examine human rights through LGBT athletes, including Billie Jean King, Greg Louganis, Jason Collins and Olympic Gold Medalist Mark Tewksbury. It will go into the next generation of athletes in the 2014 Olympic Games in Russia as well.

Athlete, Johnny Weir will be the commentator, allowing viewers to take a look into his world. The film will be shot throughout NYC, Calgary, Toronto, St. Petersburg and Moscow, while following athletes throughout their struggles with the media and Russia’s anti-gay laws.

Some Olympians include snowboarders Belle Brockhoff and Simona Meiler, speed skaters Anastasia Bucsis and Blake Skejellerup and many more.

To view clips from the film, visit EPIX here.