'Nurse Jackie' Renewed for Fifth Season

Clyde Phillips named new showrunner on Showtime comedy

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 5/31/2012 9:20:39 AM

Showtime has renewed Nurse Jackie for a fifth season, the network announced Thursday.

It has also named former Dexter executive producer/showrunner Clyde Phillips as the new showrunner for the Edie Falco comedy, replacing co-creators Linda Wallem and Liz Brixius, who departed after the series wrapped production on its current fourth season. Phillips will also executive-produce alongside Richie Jackson and Caryn Mandabach.

Nurse Jackie's season four premiere drew 1.1 million viewers for the night in early April, up 30% over its prior season premiere, and is averaging 2.77 million total weekly viewers across all platforms.

The fifth season will begin production in late 2012.