The award-winning HBO period drama "Boardwalk Empire" has been renewed for a fourth season, reports TheWrap.com. HBO President of Programming Michael Lombardo made the announcement today.

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

Last season "Boardwalk Empire" averaged 8.6 million viewers an episode. So far this season, the premiere reached 7.2 million, but that’s before adding the numbers from other showings and on-demand viewings.

Steve Buscemi stars in the Prohibition-era drama as gangster and power broker "Nucky" Thompson.