Season 2 of \'Salem\' to premiere in 2015

WGN America says it has ordered a second season of its first original, scripted drama Salem, a series which re-imagines the infamous witch trials in the 17th century Massachusetts town. The 13-episode second season will begin production later this year for a 2015 debut. The announcement was made Monday by Matt Cherniss, president and general manager of WGN America and Tribune Studios. Starring Janet Montgomery, Shane West, Seth Gabel, Xander Berkeley, Ashley Madekwe, Tamzin Merchant, Elise Eberle and Iddo Goldberg, the series is produced by Fox 21 and co-created and written by Brannon Braga and Adam Simon, who also serve as executive producers with Jeff Kwatinetz and Josh Barry of Prospect Park and David Von Ancken. "At WGN America, we are committed to delivering compelling, brand-defining programming rich with fascinating characters and Salem has done just that," Cherniss said in a statement. "Brannon Braga, Adam Simon, the talented cast and our great partners at Fox 21 have opened up an intriguing world that has captivated viewers. We look forward to bringing more great storytelling, scares and surprises to viewers as the saga unfolds." "I could not be more thrilled or more proud of our cast, writers and crew who made this show come alive," said Braga. "The fans have been fantastic and we plan to continue keeping them on the edge of their seats." The series follows Captain John Alden, who returns from war to find his hometown of Salem in the grip of a witch panic, a synopsis said.