AceShowbiz -

NBC has picked up a full season for "The Blacklist" after airing two episodes of the freshman. The network gives a back-nine order to the new drama series after initially ordering 13 episodes for the first season.

"The many layers of Red Reddington and his mysterious reasons for getting into bed with the FBI seem to be fascinating to fans of this show," says Jennifer Salke, president of NBC Entertainment. "With great talent like James Spader and Megan Boone on board, as well our stellar executive producers and the whole cast and crew, we believe this outstanding series will continue to make NBC a big destination on Monday nights."

Many TV critics dubbed "The Blacklist" one of fall's best new dramas before it went on air. With Emmy-winning actor Spader in the lead, the show was highly-anticipated by TV viewers as well. The first two episodes averaged 12 million viewers and a 3.6 rating in adults 18-49, winning the Monday night timeslot. It has also become the No. 1 new drama among the Big Four networks in total viewers so far this season.

Spader was recently asked whether a full-season order would create a scheduling conflict for him, who has been cast as the titular villain in Marvel's film "Avengers: Age of Ultron". "I'm hoping that it's going to be a fairly smooth transition, but I don't know," he told TVLine.

"We'll wait and see how long 'The Blacklist' plays," he added. "If it plays a full season, then I'm sure I will be packing my bags in the last few days of our production on 'The Blacklist' in preparation to get over to London and start shooting 'The Avengers'."