In news that surprises nobody who’s seen the show The Blacklist has been renewed for a 4^th season on NBC. Today on The Blacklist: Exposed podcast, creator Jon Bodenkamp announced the news, adding that the decision was made several months ago. For unknown reasons the news was kept quiet until now. Bodenkamp commented “It’s one of those things that’s hard to keep quiet. But yes, we’re renewed through the fourth season. Hopefully we don’t tank that out. We’ve got a lot of story to tell.”

Red wasn’t worried, he knew they’d be renewed

The Blacklist follows former Navy officer/now career criminal Red Reddington (James Spader, at his iconic best) and his sometimes-confusing, often-genuine, always-caring partnership with FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone). In the first episode of the series Red surrendered to the FBI under the condition that he only work with Elizabeth, a rookie at her first day on the job. The mystery of their relationship weaves into criminal-of-the-week storylines to create critically-acclaimed crime and espionage drama. Spader’s performance has garnered him People’s Choice, Golden Globe, and Saturn Award nominations.

Supporting stars like David Strathairn and Paraminder Nagra, and guest arcs from actors like Alan Alda and Ron Perlman create a rotating roster of subplots that have kept the story moving without becoming bloated and tangled like some shows. *cough* OnceUponaTime *cough*

NBC moved the show from Monday to Thursday last season to make room for Blindspot, which pitted it against ABC’s Scandal. NBC has struggled on Thursdays, programming against the CBS comedy block that includes The Big Bang Theory and 2 Broke Girls, Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal on ABC, and cult shows like The Vampire Diaries (CW), and Sleepy Hollow (Fox). The Blacklist has held on though, still ranking as one of NBC’s top-rated dramas.

The peacock network also renewed Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Blindspot while the verdict is out on  Grimm, The Mysteries of Laura, and Heroes Reborn. The Blacklist will return January 7.