SHOWTIME RENEWS GARRY SHANDLING

“It’s Garry Shandling’s Show,” the comedy series that many critics called the best of the season, received a three-year, 54-episode renewal Wednesday from the Showtime pay-TV channel.

The long-term order is unusual by commercial-TV standards but not unprecedented at Showtime, which gave a 50-episode commitment to its comedy series “Brothers” in 1985.

“By ordering 54 episodes, we are protecting our investment. . . .,” said Allen Sabinson, a Showtime senior vice president. He said the pay service plans to show 18 episodes a year.

Sixteen episodes of “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” have been produced previously. The sitcom stars Shandling as himself, talking directly to the audience at least as much as he does to other characters.