HISTORY(R) GREENLIGHTS HIT DRAMA SERIES "VIKINGS" FOR A FIFTH SEASON

GOLDEN GLOBE(R) AWARD WINNER JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS JOINS THE CAST

NETWORK ORDERS 20 EPISODES TO AIR IN 2017

New York, NY - March 17, 2016 - HISTORY has picked up a 20 episode fifth season of the critically acclaimed drama series "Vikings," it was announced today by Jana Bennett, President and General Manager of HISTORY. Golden Globe(R) Award winner Jonathan Rhys Meyers ("The Tudors," "Roots") joins the cast for season five.

"The brilliant writing and depth of historical research and authenticity brought to the screen by Michael Hirst paired with our talented cast and crew, has made this series one of the most compelling, visually stunning historical dramas on television," said Bennett. "'Vikings' has raided the hearts of audiences and we are thrilled that Jonathan Rhys Myers will become a bigger part of the HISTORY family after his incredible performance in our upcoming production of 'Roots'."

MGM Television brought the series to the network and brings "Vikings" to global audiences, as the worldwide distributor outside of Ireland and Canada.

"'Vikings' continues to be a powerhouse series worldwide, bolstered by the ongoing support from HISTORY and the direction of our first-class creative team, led by Michael Hirst, and partners World 2000 and Take 5 Productions," said Mark Burnett, President, Television and Digital Group, MGM and Steve Stark, President, Television Development and Production, MGM. "We are excited to have Jonathan Rhys Meyers join our talented cast and watch as this epic story evolves heading into Season 5."

"Vikings" remains a top ten cable drama series and is the #1 telecast on Thursday nights on cable in all key demographics within Live +3 delivery garnering 4.2 million total viewers, 2.1 million Adults 25-54 and 1.9 million Adults 18-49.

Season Five of "Vikings" will begin production this summer to air in 2017.

From creator and sole writer Michael Hirst (Academy Award(R) winning film Elizabeth and the Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R) nominated series "The Tudors"), "Vikings" is a family saga that tells the remarkable tales of the lives and epic adventures of the raiders and explorers of the Dark Ages.

New episodes of season four of "Vikings" currently air every Thursday at 10 p.m., with an additional ten episodes scheduled to air later this year

Hirst serves as executive producer along with Morgan O'Sullivan of World 2000 (The Count of Monte Cristo; "The Tudors"), Sheila Hockin ("The Tudors," "Penny Dreadful"), John Weber of Take 5 Productions ("The Tudors," "The Borgias"), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer and James Flynn ("The Tudors," "The Borgias"). Jana Bennett and Arturo Interian are the executives in charge of production for HISTORY.

"Vikings" is an international Irish/Canadian co-production by World 2000 and Take 5 Productions. HISTORY broadcasts domestically in the U.S. "Vikings" is produced in association with Shaw Media, and the series also airs on HISTORY in Canada.

About HISTORY(R)

HISTORY(R), now reaching more than 96 million homes, is the leading destination for award-winning series and specials that connect viewers with history in an informative, immersive and entertaining manner across all platforms. The network's all-original programming slate features a roster of signature series including "Pawn Stars," "American Pickers," "Swamp People," "Alone" as well as the hit drama series "Vikings." The HISTORY website is located at history.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/history and Facebook at facebook.com/history.