From Darkest Cardiff: Season Two of "Torchwood" Kicks Off in January

Addicted to the stylishly sleek sci fi drama Torchwood but worried about when Season Two of the Doctor Who spin-off will ever make it this side of the pond? Fret no more.

BBC America has announced that the second season of Torchwood, its highest rated series to date, will launch not six months from now, but earlier than expected: January, in fact. The digital cabler unveiled plans today to return the hauntingly savage series to its primetime schedule on January 26th at 9 pm ET/PT.

Season Two brings back familiar faces in Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles), Owen Harper (Burn Gorman), Toshiko Sato (Naoko Mori), and Ianto Jones (Gareth David Lloyd), along with guest stars including James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville), Alan Dale (Ugly Betty, Lost, The OC) and Doctor Who’s Freema Agyeman.

In a nifty bit of cross-country cooperation, Torchwood will now air close to its UK premiere.

“Torchwood has legions of loyal fans in the U.S.," said Richard De Croce, VP Programming, "and we wanted to bring them the next season as soon as possible.”

And if you're anxious to catch up before the sophomore season launches, Torchwood: The Complete First Season DVD goes on sale January 22nd, with over 6 hours of bonus features including outtakes and cast interviews.

Torchwood's first season, meanwhile, wraps up this Saturday evening at 9 pm ET/PT on BBC America. Set your TiVo now.

What's On Tonight

8 pm: NCIS (CBS); Biggest Loser (NBC; 8-10 pm); Beauty and the Geek (CW); Charlie Brown Christmas (ABC); Bones (FOX)

9 pm: The Unit (CBS); Reaper (CW); Dancing with the Stars (ABC; 9-11 pm); House (FOX)

10 pm: Cane (CBS); Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)

What I'll Be Watching

8 pm: Beauty & the Geek.

On the season finale of Beauty and the Geek ("Meet the Parents"), the final two teams travel home to meet one another's parents and learn a shocking surprise about how the ultimate victors will be chosen. Come on, LARPer!

8 pm: Charlie Brown Christmas.

'Cause I'm feeling all nostalgic this time of year.