By Kory Travers | July 25, 2008

When the Game Show Network (GSN) decided not to bring back the World Poker Tour for a second season on the network, many poker fans felt that the end was near for High Stakes Poker, as well.After weeks of speculation, GSN announced Thursday that High Stakes Poker will return to the network for a fifth season.

In a short time, High Stakes Poker has carved out a strong niche at GSN, despite not really being a “game show,” in the traditional sense of the term.Poker fans enjoy the combination of star power, huge pots, and intricate poker play that is often lost in tournament programming that tends to cater to the more casual fan with a constant stream of all-in pre-flop hands.But, even though High Stakes Poker ranks as one of GSN’s highest rated shows, it was not certain to run past season four.New GSN management has been said to want to reach a younger audience and get away from gambling programming, two of the reasons it decided against bringing the WPT back for another season (the WPT has since hooked up with Fox Sports Net).

It is unknown at this time where High Stakes Poker will be filmed, but filming is expected to commence in September.Gabe Kaplan and AJ Benza will once again provide the commentary for the show.

High Stakes Poker currently airs Monday nights at 9:00 EST.Episodes of seasons one and two can be viewed online at gsn.com.

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