Black Sails, the upcoming pirate drama series from producer Michael Bay, has been renewed for a second season ahead of its January 2014 premiere.

The pilot episode was screened at this year’s Comic-Con to an enthusiastic crowd; according to Starz CEO Chris Albrecht, this played a significant role in the renewal decision. “Based on the strong fan response to the preview screening at last week’s Comic-Con, we felt an early order for a second season would allow the writers, cast and crew enough time and space to continue crafting such unique and epic storytelling.”

The series, created by Jonathan Steinberg and Robert Levine, chronicles the adventures of Captain Flint (Toby Stephens) prior to the events of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Flint’s crew is joined by a newcomer named John Silver (Luke Arnold). Together they work to maintain New Providence Island, “an infamous criminal haven…a place defined by ideals and brutality.”

“Michael Bay, Jon Steinberg and their teams delivered a spectacular first season of Black Sails, and we are incredibly proud of everyone’s work,” Albrecht stated Friday at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour. The ten-episode second season will begin production in November, while the first season is scheduled to bow in January of next year.