LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – NBC has ordered a full season of “My Name Is Earl,” the network announced Tuesday, making it the first fall comedy series to get 22 episodes.

Encouraged by healthy ratings in its first two weeks, NBC ordered nine episodes of “Earl” on top of the original 13. The show revolves around a crook (played by Jason Lee), who tries to atone for his past crimes.

“We are extremely encouraged by the response to ‘Earl’ from the audience and critics alike,” said Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment at NBC. “… Jason Lee’s Earl is a truly original TV comedy character that we hope will be around for years to come.”

Since premiering September 20, “Earl” has emerged as a bright spot for NBC by averaging 13.3 million total viewers. Its 5.8 rating and 14 share in adults 18-49 represents a 61% improvement over the 9 p.m. Tuesday slot occupant last season, “Father of the Pride.”

Those numbers also make “Earl” the highest-rated new comedy among adults 18-49, though it did suffer a significant 25% drop from the first week to the second in that demo.