HBO has picked up a third season of its drama series In Treatment, which will extend the show’s run beyond that of the series on which it’s based.

The series, which stars two-time Emmy nominee Gabriel Byrne as psychotherapist Paul Weston, will begin shooting its third season in New York early next year. It’s slated to premiere on HBO later in 2010.

In Treatment is synonymous with inspired writing and brilliant acting,” says Michael Lombardo, president of HBO’s programming group. “This is the kind of show that could only flourish on HBO, and we’re proud to bring it back.”

He’s probably right about the “only on HBO” part of that statement. The show has produced 78 half-hour episodes in its two seasons and airs five per week, mimicking the sessions Paul has with with his patients.

Byrne is the only actor confirmed for In Treatment’s third season. The show will also welcome new executive producers Anya Epstein (Tell Me You Love Me, Homicide) and Dan Futterman (Capote), who take over for Warren Leight. Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg and Hagai Levy, who created the Israeli series In Treatment is based on, will remain as exec producers. HBO also says director/exec producer Paris Barclay “is expected” to return as well.

Source: Zap2It