It may only be six episodes into its first season, but FX has already given the green-light to a sophomore run of the vampire drama The Strain from Guillermo del Toro and Carlton Cuse. The Sunday night original series has been getting excellent ratings as of late and is currently the most popular cable show among the all-important 18 to 49 year old demographic. With an average audience of nearly 11 million viewers per week, the decision comes as no surprise.

“I am thrilled! Another season to spread the virus!” said del Toro, who directed the pilot episode and co-wrote the best-selling novels on which the show is based with Chuck Hogan. “Working with Carlton, Chuck, and FX has been immensely rewarding, and we have such sights to unveil in the upcoming episodes — the blood hits the fan on this one, mankind becomes an endangered species.”

The Strain tells the story of a contagious virus that touches down in New York City, turning unsuspecting victims into vampires, and the rapid response teams tasked with trying to contain the outbreak.

The public’s thirst for vampire themed TV shows and movies has hardly waned. Even with HBO’s True Blood series winding towards its series finale, audiences are still tuning in to watch the undead.

“We’ve never had any doubts about The Strain,” said FX CEO John Landgraf “Working with Guillermo del Toro, Carlton Cuse, and the brilliant cast led by Corey Stoll has been everything we had hoped it would be and more.”

Carlton Cuse, co-executive producer with del Toro and best known for his work on hit TV series such as Lost and, more recently A&E’s Bates Motel, was also encouraged about the news of a renewal for the freshman drama. “I am grateful for all the blood, sweat and tears (but mostly blood) given to the project by all involved, and I could not be more excited to continue telling this epic story.”

The Strain airs Sunday nights at 10pm on FX.