On the heels of a strong launch, WGN America’s breakout original drama series Underground has been renewed for a second season with a 10-episode order for premiere in 2017. Production on the series from Sony TV and Tribune Studios is slated to begin this summer.

The Underground Railroad thriller has drawn 3 million total viewers on Wednesday nights season-to-date in Live+7 and was the No. 1 original scripted series on cable last Wednesday night across all key demos in Live+3. The series also ranks as the No. 1 most social cable drama on Wednesday nights.

“With enormous pride we are announcing a second season of Underground, a series that has resonated with so many passionate fans across the country,” said Matt Cherniss, President and General Manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios.

Underground, which has been well received by critics and received an extra shot of publicity last week when Underground Railroad leader Harriet Tubman was unveiled as the new face on the $20 bill, follows a courageous group of American heroes who attempt a daring flight to freedom in the greatest escape in history. Cast includes Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge, Christopher Meloni, Alano Miller, Jessica de Gouw, Marc Blucas, Adina Porter, Mykelti Williamson, Amirah Vann, Johnny Ray Gill, Chris Chalk, Reed Diamond, Theodus Crane, James Lafferty, Renwick Scott and Jussie Smollett.

Misha Green, Joe Pokaski, John Legend, Akiva Goldsman, Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold, Mike Jackson, Ty Stiklorius and Anthony Hemingway executive produce.

The season two order for Underground comes on the heels of WGN America renewing its other freshman drama, Outsiders. The network’s sole returning series Salem comes back for a third season Halloween week.

Underground is outpacing WGN America’s 2015-2016 primetime average by +508% in Total Viewers, +864% among Adults 25-54 and +1005% among Adults 18-49 in Live +7 viewing. Its March premiere, including three encores that night, amassed 3.5 million total viewers and 1.5M adults 25-54 – the highest rated original scripted program in the network’s history.