E! has given an early season two pickup to its first original scripted series, “The Royals,” starring Elizabeth Hurley and Vincent Regan as Queen Helena and King Simon, it was announcced today during the NBC Cable portion of the Winter Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena. The series, which is set to premiere on the network on Sunday, March 15, will also add Universal Cable Productions as co-producing partner alongside Lionsgate Television Group.

“To renew this freshman series before its highly anticipated first season premiere underscores E!’s commitment to the scripted genre and ou confidence and support of this grouundbreaking and rule-breaking original series,” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming & Development, E! “We’re thrilled to have Universal Cable Productions joining Lionssgate as a co-producing partner aas we announce a second season pick-up for this scandalously fun series.”

“Lionsgate has been a great partner througout the years, and they really delivered us with’The Royals.’ We’re excited to be working Jon Feltheimer, Kevin Beggs and their strong creative and production teams on this regal and excellent show,” said Jeff Wachtel, President and Chief Content Officer, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.

“We’re very proud that E! chose ‘The Royals’ as its first original scripted series and delighted about this early season two pick-up,” said Kevin Beggs, Chairman, Lionsgate Television Group. “The cast and creative team are exceptional and E! has been a tremendous partner in supporting the creative direction of the series from day one.”

Following the scandalous lives of a fictionalized British royal family, “The Royals” also stars William Moseley and Alexandra Park as devious twins Prince Liam and Princess Eleanor, and Merritt Patterson, Jake Maskall, Ukweli Roach, Tom Austen, Sophie Colquhoun and Oliver Milburn. Dame Joan Collins will guest star as the Grand Duchess of Oxford.