‘Terra Nova’s producers are moving to secure the lead actors and more writers as they’re waiting to hear back from Fox on its decision to renew the show for a second season, Deadline is reporting. The options on the sci-fi drama expire on December 31, and the pickups for lead actors Jason O’Mara and Stephen Lang are pending.

Fox was originally expected to make a decision on picking up ‘Terra Nova’ for a second season earlier in December, with the cast options expiration date forthcoming. The decision was believed to come after 20th Century Fox, which produces the show, met with Fox on December 16. Fox is expected to make its official decision in January. If the series is picked up for a follow-up season, it would begin production in April for its September premiere date, due to each episode’s extensive post-production schedule.

Two of ‘Terra Nova’s executive producers, Brannon Braga and Rene Echevarria, are looking for more writers to help raise the show’s ratings. The two-hour season finale, which aired on December 19, drew in 7.2 million viewers, which was slightly better than the previous week’s series low. However, the rise in ratings didn’t help make Fox’s decision easier. But the series is expected to be renewed, with its strong DVR viewing, large international sales and Steven Spielberg as an executive producer.

Written by: Karen Benardello