Expect to see a lot more Nina and Martha when FX's "The Americans" returns for a second season.
The Cold War-era spy drama has bumped guest stars Annet Mahendru, who plays Russian two-timer Nina, and Alison Wright, who plays clueless FBI secretary Martha, to series regulars, the network said Tuesday.
Both characters proved integral to the first season of "The Americans," which stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as a pair of Russian spies living undercover as a married couple in the United States. Nina became romantically involved with FBI Agent Stan Beeman (played by Noah Emmerich), while Martha caught attention as a pawn who unwittingly marries Rhys' Philip Jennings character, who has disguised himself as a counterintelligence agent named Clark.
Also read: Ratings: 'The Americans' Debut Tops 'Sons of Anarchy,' 'American Horror Story' Premieres
"The Americans" executive producers Joel Weisberg and Josh Fields hailed the cast additions in an announcement released by FX.
“Annet Mahendru has been a revelation as Nina, bringing the character to life with a rich and subtle depth that keeps you guessing as to what's really percolating under the surface,” said Weisberg and Fields. “And Alison Wright's portrayal of Martha is heartbreakingly real at every turn. We are thrilled to add them to our outstanding company of actors.”
"The Americans" wrapped its first season on FX last Wednesday. The series premiered in January to 3.22 million total viewers, besting the premieres of the network's hits "Sons of Anarchy" and "American Horror Story."