TV spy thriller “Homeland” has been renewed for a fifth season, premium cable broadcaster Showtime said on Monday, while also announcing a second season for extramarital drama “The Affair.”

    The renewal for “Homeland” comes despite some lukewarm* reactions to the latest series of the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning show that stars Claire Danes as CIA Islamabad station chief Carrie Mathison.

    “The Affair,” on the other hand, has already won early praise for its portrayal of both sides of an extramarital relationship, with each episode split into parts looking from both perspectives.

    The 9 p.m. show “Homeland,” which is followed on Sunday evenings by “The Affair” at 10 p.m. — at least for those watching live — has “provided an enviable platform for the successful launch of ‘The Affair,’” he added.

    “With thought-provoking*, relevant and addictive storylines, both series have been embraced, dissected* and much debated week after week.”(SD-Agencies)