'Queer as Folk' picked up for fifth season

American premium cable channel Showtime has confirmed that a fifth season of Queer as Folk has been given the go-ahead.

The fourth season of the American version of the show began airing on Showtime in April 18. Although subscription-supported Showtime does not routinely release ratings information, the channel said today that Queer as Folk has continued to be one of the highest rated series that it shows.

"Since its premiere in 2000, Queer As Folk has distinguished itself not only as a valuable signature series for Showtime, but it has significantly helped change the television landscape by portraying gay men and women as fully dimensional characters," said Showtime's president of entertainment, Robert Greenblatt. "It is responsible for blazing the trail for other gay-themed programs to thrive. Its fifth season will be no less impactful, as we continue the compelling stories and relationships that have made this series so indelible."

The fifth season will premiere in Spring 2005.