Get out your surprised faces everybody, because for a third time we're reporting that HBO's critical darling 'Girls' has been officially picked up for a third season. The news was more or less spoiled months ago by executive producer Judd Apatow, and this past week by series creator, writer, director and star Lena Dunham, but only now has HBO officially rung in to confirm a third season with a bonus of two additional episodes. Find out all the details of 'GIrls' season 3 inside!

As if the Golden Globes, buzz and multiple unofficial confirmations weren't enough, HBO has stepped up to the plate to officially announce that 'Girls' will return for a third season in 2014. Executive producer Judd Apatow revealed months ago that Lena Dunham had already begun writing scripts, while earlier this week Dunham herself told Alec Baldwin in his podcast that she would start shooting the third year at the end of March.

More important is HBO's confirmation that the third cycle will run for 12 half-hour episodes, up from the previous season count of 10. Dunham mentioned the possibility in her podcast report, but HBO didn't officially confirm the order until now.

Only two episodes deep into its second season, the acclaimed yet controversial comedy has garnered an average preliminary figure of 3.8 million viewers. It remains to be seen if HBO will air the third season in January of 2014, or return the dramedy to its original April premiere date.

What say you? Are you at all surprised by HBO's official confirmation of 'Girls' season 3? Will 12 episodes make for a better season? Sound off with your thoughts in the comments!

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