‘Boardwalk Empire’ Season 4 Picked Up by HBO, Alcohol Still Outlawed

For those of you wondering of HBO's period gangster drama 'Boardwalk Empire' could continue on successfully without one of its leading stars, your inquiries have been answered.  The pay-cabler network has officially renewed the Steve Buscemi mob saga four a fourth season, currently airing its third on Sunday nights.  But when will we see the new episodes, and is the order a different size than usual, like the recent 'True Blood' and 'Treme' orders?

'Boardwalk Empire' may not have taken home any of the big drama awards from the most recent Emmys, but the 1920's prohibition drama still has plenty of reason to celebrate.  Only three episodes into its third season, HBO has announced that the series will return for a fourth season in 2013, likely around its usual September air date.

No indication has been given of an episode order for the fourth season, though it seems likely to maintain the same 12 as usual, given its acclaim.  From HBO:

Terry Winter, Martin Scorsese and the rest of their outstanding team continue to produce a stunning show that never fails to surprise and entertain. We are excited to bring this unique series back for a fourth season.

And now, to help celebrate 'Boardwalk Empire's fourth season, take a look at the cast re-imagined as chicken puppets from a recent 'Sesame Street' episode.  Just doing our part.