A hit cable drama series just got an order for additional episodes, along with a return date for its upcoming fourth season. History announced that “Vikings” will launch season four on Thursday, Feb. 18, with its season order expanded to 20 episodes, up from the initial order for 16.

The schedule calls for new installments every Thursday for the first 10 weeks, followed by remaining episodes premiering later in the year. The series stars Travis Fimmel, who is also seen in the upcoming feature “Warcraft.”

“Season three culminated with the extraordinary battle in Paris, where Ragnar (Fimmel) seized victory from the jaws of defeat — but still returns to Kattegat dangerously ill,” History notes in its announcement. “Thoughts of his death galvanize the forces who seek to succeed him as king, including his wife Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) and his oldest son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig). Meanwhile, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) continues power struggles with her calculating, former second in command, Kalf (Ben Robson); Rollo (Clive Standen) betrays his Vikings heritage by remaining in Frankia; and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) is seized for his brutal actions to the Christian priest Athelstan.”

The announcement adds: “Joining the stellar cast this season is Peter Franzén (‘The Gunman’) as ‘King Harold Finehair,’ a complex character who seeks to be King of Norway and a potential threat to Ragnar; Jasper Pääkkönen (‘Jet Trash’) as ‘Halfdan The Black,’ King Harold’s violent younger brother; and Dianne Doan (‘Descendants’) as ‘Yidu,’ a completely different character within the world of the Vikings who fascinates Ragnar.”