LOS ANGELES, CA — Hot off the record-breaking ratings for the fourth-season premiere last week, Showtime is picking up a fifth season of "Californication," it was announced today by Showtime Networks President of Entertainment David Nevins. 12 new episodes of the hit comedy series will go into production this spring.

"Californication"'s fourth season premiere delivered its best-ever premiere with over a million total viewers for the night. The series follows the exploits of writer Hank Moody (David Duchovny in his Golden Globe Award-winning and SAG Award-nominated role) as he works to balance his career, ex-girlfriend, daughter and hedonistic vices.



This season, Hank enlists the help of high-powered defense attorney Abby (guest star Carla Gugino) to keep him out of prison after he's charged with bedding a then-underage Mia (guest star Madeline Zima). Fourth season guest stars include Rob Lowe, Zoe Kravitz, Stephen Tobolowsky and rocker Tommy Lee will make a cameo, as well.

"Californication" is created by Tom Kapinos and executive produced by Kapinos and Duchovny.