HBO officially announced "True Blood" will return in June 2010 for a third season.

The announcement was made Thursday during a Television Critics Association presentation as "True Blood" prepares to compete for the 2009 TCA Award in the category of Outstanding New Program of the Year.

Voting is conducted by the groups over 200-plus member critics and journalists, and the winners will be announced Saturday in Pasadena, Calif. "True Blood" will go against Fringe, The Mentalist, No. 1 LadiesDetective Agency and United States of Tara.

The show's first season is now available on DVD and Blue-ray.

The next Season 2 episode, Release Me, airs Aug. 2 at 9 p.m. Synopsis: Betrayed by Daphne (Ashley Jones), Sam (Sam Trammell) finds himself in an unenviable predicament at the hands of Maryann (Michelle Forbes) and her wild-eyed minions. Imprisoned with Hugo (Christopher Gartin) in the F.O.T.S. church, Sookie (Anna Paquin) uses her telepathic powers to reach out to Bill (Stephen Moyer), whos being detained at the hotel by a stubbornly obsessive Lorena (Mariana Kloveno). After crossing a line with the Newlins, a fearful Jason (Ryan Kwanten) tries to sever his ties with the Fellowship of the Sun, but gets plenty of resistance from Steve (Michael McMillian) and his enforcer Gabe (Greg Collins). Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Michael Ruscio.