AMC confirms 'Hell on Wheels' renewal

NEW YORK, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- AMC Tuesday confirmed the renewal of its American western series "Hell on Wheels" for a second season.

The drama, which is shot in Alberta, Canada, is the cable network's second-highest rated series, averaging 3.2 million viewers.

Season 1's finale is to air Jan. 15.

Created and written by Joe and Tony Gayton, who also serve as executive producers, the show tells the epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on a Confederate soldier (played by Anson Mount) who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who have killed his wife, a synopsis said.

The cast also includes Colm Meaney, Common, Dominique McElligott, Tom Noonan, Ben Esler and Philip Burke.