Hot off last month's shocking second season finale of "Weeds" -- the most-watched episode in its history -- Showtime is green lighting 15 new episodes for the third season of the award-winning series, it was announced today by Showtime Network's President of Entertainment, Robert Greenblatt. The network's most watched comedy and critical darling, "Weeds" is a biting and satirical look at the complicated life of a suburban, pot-dealing mother. Produced by Lionsgate in association with Tilted Productions, "Weeds" stars Mary-Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Tonye Patano, Romany Malco, Justin Kirk and Kevin Nealon. Created and executive produced by Emmy Award winner Jenji Kohan, the series will resume production in Los Angeles in spring 2007 for a summer premiere.

"Weeds is quintessential Showtime: bold, provocative, premium television with production values at the top of the food chain," says Greenblatt. "This acclaimed show will be the centerpiece of our comedy strategy for several years to come, though labeling it just a comedy doesn't do it justice. It combines comedy and pathos in a way that seems to represent real life better than almost any show out there."

"Weed continues to surpass all our expectations and we're delighted about the pick-up," says Kevin Beggs, Lionsgate's President of Television Programming and Production. "The talent -- both in front of and behind the camera -- is extraordinary, and we're excited about our continuing relationship with Showtime, which has gone above and beyond to support the unique creative vision of the series since day one."