With only two episodes aired for season three so far, HBO has already given the green light for a fourth season of Alan Ball’s vampire series True Blood. The announcement, given by HBO’s programing president Michael Lombardo, will give the series a new season of twelve episodes and follow the continuing adventures of your favorite residents of Bon Temps, LA.

The series, based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charliane Harris and featuring Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgard, had a very successful premiere episode and scored a 38% ratings increase over last year’s season two opener. Obviously, this was enough to convince HBO to give the show another season.

“The new season of True Blood is off to a terrific start, as enthusiasm for this unique show continues to build among both subscribers and critics,” noted Lombardo.

This is great news for fans of the show (like me) and with the series going into some new and interesting directions so far this year, I can’t wait to see where it all ends up. The series will begin production of new episodes early next year in Los Angeles, with a season four debut set for summer 2011.

Variety is reporting that HBO’s popular undead gothic series True Blood will return for a twelve episode third season on June 13. The return of the series shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, as the series drew more than 12 million viewers per episode last season. The season two finale alone drew a record 5.1 million viewers, making it the cabler’s most watched contemporary show.

Fans should be prepared to expect some new faces around Bon Temps, as  Alfre Woodard and Kevin Alejandro (Southland) have both signed on for the season. Michelle Forbes, who played Maryann Forrester, Bon Temp’s seductive and deadly maenad, will not be returning for another season (which isn’t too surprising if you paid attention during season two’s finale).

Based on the hit series of novels from Charlaine Harris,  True Blood stars Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Sam Trammell.