Tapping’s Sanctuary renewed for Season Two

The SCI FI Channel has picked up Sanctuary for another 13 episode season, TV Guide is reporting.

The show stars former Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis actress Amanda Tapping (“Samantha Carter”). Tapping also executive produces the show, with former Stargate writer Damian Kindler (who created Sanctuary) and former Stargate director Martin Wood.

Produced by Vancouver-based Sanctuary 1 Productions, Sanctuary started off as an 8-part Web series in 2007. When it premiered on SCI FI last month, it drew more than 3 million viewers. The next three episodes have averaged a 1.53 average household rating.

The show is unique in that it is filmed primarily on a green screen set, with entire environments created digitally.

“SCI FI will continue to trail blaze the television landscape by further exploring the many worlds of Sanctuary through its unique green screen environments,” Mark Stern, the network’s Executive Vice President of Original Programming, said. “Technology and great storytelling makes Sanctuary a fantastic addition to SCI FI’s 2009 lineup.”

The show has aired six of its 13 hours produced to date, including the 2-hour premiere. Another new episode airs this Friday at 10 p.m., following the premiere of the Stargate Atlantis episode “Remnants.” Fans in the U.S. can catch up on recent episodes at Hulu.com.

Season Two of Sanctuary will begin production early next year for a 2009 airing on the cable network.

(Thanks to Morjana and Denise for the tip)