‘Sleepy Hollow’ Season 2: FOX Renews For 2014 with Unusual Order

Well, that was fast! Just three episodes into its inaugural run, FOX has already decided that its modern 'Sleepy Hollow' will return for a second season in 2014. The Roberto Orci-Alex Kurtzman supernatural time-travel drama marks the first among the season's major new offerings for a renewal, though FOX has taken a slightly unusual step in securing that Ichabod Crane and Abbie Mills will return next year.

Rather than earn the usual "back 9" order that follows an initial 13-episode run, 'Sleepy Hollow' will instead wrap up its first season after 13 episodes, returning in fall 2014 for another 13. The move seemingly strengthens FOX's resolve with "limited series," given the success with shortened orders for 'The Following,' and similarly-truncated '24: Live Another Day' and 'Wayward Pines.'

“The show has proven to be a risk well worth taking -- it’s a conceptual blast unlike anything else on television and it all holds together with inventive writing and a fantastic cast,” Fox Entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly said. “I can’t wait for fans to experience what else is in store for this fall and even more of this wild ride into season two.”

For those only now tuning in to the series, ‘Fringe’ vets Orci and Kurtzman’s ‘Sleepy Hollow’ follows Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) as he wakes up in the modern day to team with local police officer Abbie Mills (Nichole Beharie) in bringing down his mortal nemesis, the Headless Horseman, stopping the apocalypse in the process. Initially breaking out with a record 10.1 million viewers, 'Sleepy Hollow' will also introduce 'Fringe' alum John Noble later into the season.

Well, what say you? Are you excited to see 'Sleepy Hollow' return for season 2, even if it means shortened order each year? In case you missed it, check out the full pilot of FOX’s ‘Sleepy Hollow’ below, followed by a taste of future episodes, and give us your thoughts in the comments!