Lifetime announced yesterday that the hit show Army Wives will return for a fourth season in 2010. Eighteen episodes of the popular drama have been ordered, though the third season of the series has yet to premiere. Season three of the series will begin airing this June (it runs Sundays at 10pm EST).

Army Wives, which focuses on the life of four women whose husbands are actively serving in the military, is the most successful series for the network. The show first debuted on Lifetime in 2007, and during its run has featured guest appearances by Rumer Willis, Ana Ortiz and several others.

“This early pick-up - even prior to the season 3 premiere - is a true testament to our commitment and support of this great show,” Executive Vice President of Lifetime Networks, JoAnn Alfano, said in a statement. “We are confident that the best episodes are yet to come.”

That’s a bold statement considering that the series has brought record-breaking ratings to Lifetime, creating buzz among the media and the fans. Lifetime, which touts itself as a network for women, has truly proven this point through Army Wives. The series delves into the day-to-day struggles of military spouses and is based on the book Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives. Tanya Biank, who wrote the novel, serves as a consultant for the show.