When you’ve got a good thing going, keep it going; that’s what the people at Showtime heard in a meeting scheduled to last one hour, but only lasted 5 seconds as David Nevins - president of entertainment at the network – uttered those words. Alright, so that didn’t actually happen.

Homeland
We'll be welcoming back these guys - probably - in season 4

But given the success of both Masters of Sex and Homeland, the decision process probably wasn’t much longer. Both have been huge hits for Showtime, with the latter set to run into a fourth season, with Masters of Sex renewed for a second.

“Homeland continues to prove its strength for Showtime, and is one of television's most exciting, provocative and widely-discussed shows," Nevins explained. (BBC)

"The critical and audience reaction to Masters of Sex since its great launch has been incredibly gratifying. It's a privilege to get to work with such talented and creative people as [Homeland creator] Alex Gansa and [Masters of Sex's] Michelle Ashford, as well as their tremendous casts"

Both shows have enjoyed runs in the U.K, with Homeland airing on Sunday nights and MoS flourishing in a Tuesday night slot.

Masters of Sex
Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan from Masters of Sex

"They have each created truly original shows, with distinctive voices that are among the most admired series on television," added Nevins.

Both Claire Danes and Damien Lewis have received Emmys – in last year’s case, over Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad – for their roles in the terrorist drama. Michael Sheen’s turn as William H. Masters in Master of Sex has also been lauded.

Both new seasons will be made up of 12 episodes and air in 2014. Season three of Homeland is currently airing, with the next episode “The Yoga Play is set to air on Sunday, October 27th. The latest episode of MoS – “Catherine” – will air on the same date in the U.S.