Nine chief executive David Gyngell has announced that a second series of hit gangland crime drama Underbelly will begin airing next year.
Speaking at Nine's midyear update to advertisers in Sydney, Mr. Gyngell said a prequel will air from February next year.
"I think it's the most obvious decision in TV to bring back a prequel to Underbelly," he said.
"It was the most buzz program we've ever been associated with."
Gyngell told News Limited he was “really excited” about the new series, and that "The best television drama always warrants a second season, and Underbelly is no exception."
"It was the best television many of us have seen in a very long time."
The prequel will focus heavily on the story of “The Black Prince Of Lygon St”, Alphonse Gangitano, who was skillfully portrayed by Vince Colosimo.
Gyngell was confident that the series would be a smash hit like its predecessor.
"It was compulsive viewing this year and we aim to make it compelling in 2009. We'll have the production team and cast to do just that," he said.
Mr Gyngell also used the night to announce a new line-up for the rest of the year.
Among the new Australian shows will be crime drama The Strip starring McLeod's Daughters star Aaron Jeffery and TV veteran Frankie J Holden.
He also announced a telemovie Scorched starring Georgie Parker will air later in the year as well as a number of US programs including The Mentalist starring Australian Simon Baker.
Australian drama Sea Patrol will return for a third series next year.
He said hit US sitcom Two and a Half Men would be fast-tracked while viewers will also see more from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.
Mr Gyngell credited Ramsay with helping the network get back on track this year.
"Thank f***ing God," he said of Ramsay.
"I mightn't be standing here if this bloke hadn't turned up."
Nine showed a package of Ramsay taking a dig at fellow celebrity chef Jamie Oliver who features on Ten.
Other Australian programs include Battlefronts and game show A Hole in the Wall will be launched straight after the Olympics and an Australian version of Wipeout is in the pipeline.
Gameshow Temptation is also set to return, he said.
Mr Gyngell also praised Nine's record this year commending the performance of local productions such as The Chopping Block, Domestic Blitz, the Today Show and the State of Origin.
He also defended top rating current affairs program 60 Minutes.
"A lot of bull***t and ex-cronies who were involved in the show too long to remember saying the show wasn't up to it (but) it's up five per cent year on year," he said.
Mr Gyngell said there was a confident feeling around the Nine Network but there was still a long way to go.
"This is not about saying how smart we are and beating our chests.
"This is just in the essence of transparency that we believe we have come up with a smart strategy, we have delivered on that strategy (and) we've got a positive strategy for September."
Nine is leading the TV ratings race so far, but according to figures released today rival Seven had a higher advertising revenue share from January to June 2008.