Will PBS Renew Civil War Series 'Mercy Street'?

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- After airing its first season of six episodes, will the Civil War drama ”Mercy Street” be renewed for a second season by PBS?

”Mercy Street” tells the stories of the nurses and doctors who cared for the fallen during the Civil War, inspired by events that took place in the City of Alexandria. The show launched Jan. 17, on the heels of popular “Downton Abbey,” with 3.3 million viewers catching the first episode.

Last month, The Hollywood Reporter quoted PBS CEO Paula Kerger, the day after ”Mercy Street” debuted, as saying she had not yet seen scripts for season two of “Mercy Street,”, but “we have very much left the door open for a season two, and we’ve done what we need to make sure that there could be a season two,” she said. “We just got the numbers an hour ago, but obviously we’re very excited about the series and if it does well, it will hopefully come back — but we’re not ready to make that announcement yet.”

The City of Alexandria has seen a lot of interest from “Mercy Street” viewers, with Carlyle House Historic Park offering tours of a new exhibit, which recreates the days of Union occupation and tells the true stories of those who lived and worked there during the Civil War.

Visit Alexandria is promoting tours and exhibits geared to “Mercy Street” viewers and others interested in the Civil War.

PHOTO of “Mercy Street” courtesy of PBS