Q: I followed the first two seasons of "The Following." At the end of the second season, it appeared that it would have been difficult to develop a third season based on the number of characters killed off. Can you tell me if there are plans for an additional season?

A: The Fox thriller will indeed return for a third season. It is set to begin on March 2, with a two-hour premiere.

'Gathering' for Christmas

Q: In the 1970s, a TV Christmas movie came out called "The Gathering," with Ed Asner and Maureen Stapleton. Are any of the TV stations showing it this year?

A: I do not know of a telecast of the 1977 drama. However, after years of being available only on bootlegged discs, it was released as an authorized DVD a few years ago. The sequel, "The Gathering Part II," is also on DVD.

More 'Masters of Sex'

Q: "Masters of Sex," one of my favorite programs, has disappeared. Is it returning?

A: Yes. Showtime has ordered a third season for 2015. And, when shows seem to disappear, keep in mind that — as I have said before — many have relatively short seasons. Each "Masters of Sex" season has been 12 episodes, and the third will be the same.

Updates on 'Diva,' 'Dixie'

Q: Could you give me the update as to when "Drop Dead Diva" (Lifetime) and "Hart of Dixie" (CW) are returning?

A: The sixth season of "Drop Dead Diva" was intended to be the last, and series creator Josh Berman wrote it that way. At the same time, as he told the Wrap, the series was canceled once before and then brought back, so "anything's possible. I mean look at 'The Killing,' which was brought back to life twice. I mean, we've only been brought back to life once."

"Hart of Dixie," meanwhile, will air its season premiere on Monday (which the network is calling an early holiday gift for fans), then continue the season with weekly telecasts starting Jan. 9.

E-mail questions (with name and address) to rheldenfels@thebeaconjournal.com.