When the third series of Eastbound & Down ended earlier this year it was assumed the hit show starring Danny Mcbride had finished for good. But, keeping in mind that golden rule about assuming nothing when it comes to the world of TV, HBO officially announced today that the series will now return for a surprise fourth season for only eight episodes, which will be broadcast next year.

Mcbride and show co-creator Jody Hill have always maintained that they had no intention of ‘stringing‘ the series out and just last year Hill suggested that a trilogy of seasons seemed like the most natural way to conclude the story of Kenny Powers. Without going into any spoilers the end of series three pretty much neatly wrapped things up for the chaotic baseball pitcher, but when you’ve got a hit series on your hands, high ratings, a solid fanbase and the possibility of making even more money, why say no.