We weren't altogether surprised when AMC renewed its quiet hit 'Hell on Wheels' for a fourth season in 2014, though fans were delighted to find that the usual 10-episode run would expand to a full season of 13. Now, the network officially scheduled an August return for Cullen Bohannon and the Transcontinental Railroad, with a brief hiatus late in the run.

AMC revealed that 'Hell on Wheels' will keep to its usual Saturday air date, returning on August 2 at 9:00 p.m. That said, the 10th episode of the season airing on October 4 will bring with it a brief hiatus, as AMC devotes its Saturday program block to the annual FearFest event. The first of the final four episodes will pick back up on Saturday, November 8.

Here's how AMC described the prior and upcoming runs of 'Hell on Wheels':

Season 3 of 'Hell On Wheels' ended with Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) married to a pregnant Naomi and living in the Mormon fort where the Swede (Christopher Heyerdahl) was impersonating church leader, Bishop Dutson; Thomas “Doc” Durant (Colm Meaney) back in control of the Union Pacific Railroad which had successfully expanded westward to Cheyenne; and Elam (Common), gravely injured by a bear while searching for the missing Cullen.

As Season Four unfolds, civilization makes its way west with the railroad, bringing with it men who attempt to do with their pens what rougher men did in seasons past with their guns. Conflict between government and big business, ranchers, homesteaders and the railroad will continue to define the drama as all of those interests compete with one another for control of Cheyenne, Wyoming, the “Magic City of the Plains,” and the most important railroad hub in the country. The season will also introduce several new characters including John Campbell (Jake Weber, 'Medium,' 'The Following').

“We’re excited about the stories we’re telling in season 4,” said series executive producer and showrunner John Wirth. “The consequences of the stories we told last year will continue to reverberate throughout the season, and fans can expect to see some shocking events that will not only change the lives of our characters, but the landscape of the series as the railroad continues its relentless march westward.”

Well, what say you? Are you excited for the August return of 'Hell on Wheels'?

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