Just when you thought Beauty and the Beast was living on borrowed time, The CW goes and renews the series for a fourth season.

The network announced the drama will debut its 13-episode third season on May 21, which of course pushes it off the regular schedule. But lest you think that's the first step toward cancellation, The CW was quick to follow with news of the Season 4 pickup.

Deadline notes that although Beauty and the Beast isn't burning up the Nielsen ratings, it performs well online and overseas. The site also describes the show, which stars Kristin Kreuk and Jay Ryan, as "a sentimental favorite" of The CW President Mark Pedowitz.

The renewal brings the network's tally of returning dramas to nine.