AMC renews 'Hell on Wheels'

AMC has given a second-season order to oater ''Hell on Wheels.'' Renewal marks another success story for the cabler, which has seen all of its first-year scripted series except one receiving new season. ''The Killing,'' ''Mad Men,'' ''The Walking Dead,'' and ''Breaking Bad'' all made it past their rookie season. Only ''Rubicon'' was canceled after one season. ''Hell on Wheels'' drew a healthy 4.4 million viewers for its Nov. 6 debut, with 2.4 million in the 18-49 demo. The season finale is set for Jan. 15. Show, which shoots in Alberta, Canada and centers on the building of the Transcontinental Railroad after the Civil War, stars Anson Mount, Colm Meaney and Common. Entertainment One produces, with creators Joe and Tony Gayton exec producing alongside Jeremy Gold of Endemol, showrunner John Shiban and pilot director David Von Ancken. Contact Stuart Levine at stuart.levine@variety.com