HBO has surprised some observers by ordering another season of a comedy series, TheWrap.com reports. The pay cable network is picking up eight episodes of "Eastbound & Down," bringing the show back for its fourth season.

The pickup was surprising, given that it was thought the show’s third season would be its last, the article points out. Co-creator Jody Hill had said, "[W]e always pictured the show as lasting three seasons. It’s a kind of trilogy. … We think it’s going to be the last one, but never say never."

The show stars Danny McBride as former pro pitcher Kenny Powers.