History has a scored a few big ratings hits this season, and though its first scripted drama Vikings has not even finished its inaugural run, the cable network has already renewed it for a 10-episode second season.  According to the network, Vikings has been the #1 new cable series in 2013 in terms of viewership, even in its competitive Sunday night slot, averaging around five million viewers.  I reviewed the series as it first aired and found it compelling, especially in the weeks before another gritty period drama, Game of Thrones, returned — although Vikings certainly has its own merits.  Hit the jump for more.

The History original drama series Vikings follows the adventures of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), an actual historical figure who was the greatest hero of his age.  Telling the gripping sagas of Ragnar’s band of Viking brothers and his family, he rose to become a fearless warrior and King of the Viking tribes, and legend has it that he was a direct descendent of Odin, the god of war and warriors.

During this recent interview, actress Jessalyn Gilsig – who plays Siggy Haraldson, wife of Viking Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne) – talked about how exciting it is to be a part of the first original scripted series for History, what type of woman her character is, whether she sees Siggy as a bad girl, what she learned about Vikings, the biggest challenges with this role, taking on a project with so much history, and sticking pretty strictly to the script.  She also talked about her upcoming episode of the CBS television drama The Good Wife, and Somewhere Slow, her first feature film as a producer.  Check out what she had to say after the jump. 

HISTORY has announced their cast for the scripted series, Vikings. Hoping to bank on the success of HBO’s Game of Thrones, writer Michael Hirst (The Tudors) created the series based on real life figures of Scandanavian history.  The story follows the family saga and rise to power of Ragnar Lothbrok, a great hero who pushed the limits of exploration and rose to become King of the Viking tribes.  Gabriel Byrne and George Blagden are joined by Travis Fimmel, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Clive Standen and Katheryn Winnick. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Fans of the new hit show “Glee” can rejoice as Fox announced it has ordered a full season of the musical comedy series about a teacher trying to save the McKinley High glee club from falling into obscurity, while also helping its members realize their true potential as entertainers.  More song and dance if you click the jump.