Syfy Reboots for 25th Anniversary; New Shows Include Adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Nightflyers
Debi Moore
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Syfy is getting ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary in the fall, and the network’s plans include rolling out new logos and renewing its commitment to both genre programming and genre fans. We have more details on that along with the three new additions to said programming, one of which is an adaptation of author George R.R. Martin’s (“Game of Thrones”) epic supernatural thriller novel Nightflyers.
From the Press Release:
In advance of its 25th anniversary this September, SYFY today announced a strategic point of view focused on a renewed commitment to the genre and fandom at large. This includes an all-new look and feel; an expansion of its news division, SYFY WIRE; and high profile additions to the network’s ambitious original programming slate.
“I can think of no better occasion than SYFY’s 25th anniversary to get back to our roots, double down on premium original programming, and put fans at the center of everything we do,” said Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “As the only television network dedicated to the genre 24/7, we’re building the ultimate universe for this passionate community to call home.”
Debuting on June 19, 2017, SYFY’s updated visual identity includes a new logo, typeface, and look across all linear, digital, social, and experiential platforms. “This is a wholesale change, top to bottom, of the way we express ourselves,” said Alexandra Shapiro, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “Our new branding is designed for the digital age and tailored to the consumption patterns of our audience, allowing us to celebrate and engage with fans on every consumer touchpoint.”
Additionally, SYFY is scaling and expanding its editorial division, SYFY WIRE, to infuse breaking genre news, in-depth analysis, and thought-provoking original content across its entire ecosystem. Through SYFY WIRE’s website and on air via future program development, programming integrations, and regular interstitials and lower thirds, SYFY WIRE will cover the latest and greatest in genre TV, film, books, comics, gaming, and technology.
On the programming front, SYFY’s original development filter will encompass science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and superheroes/comics, reflecting the rich depth of the genre. As part of this, SYFY today announced two new high profile series pickups: The highly anticipated Superman prequel “KRYPTON” and the graphic novel adaptation “HAPPY!,” starring Christopher Meloni, will join the network’s acclaimed originals slate including “THE EXPANSE,” “THE MAGICIANS,” “12 MONKEYS,” and “CHANNEL ZERO.”
Additionally, the network announced new development project “NIGHTFLYERS,” based on the George R.R. Martin novella, which joins previously announced high profile development including “BRAVE NEW WORLD,” “HYPERION,” and “STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND.”
“SYFY is partnering with the biggest names in the business to tell the boldest stories in the sci-fi world, and I can’t think of any bigger and bolder than ‘KRYPTON,’ ‘HAPPY!,’ and ‘NIGHTFLYERS,’” said Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks, NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
“NIGHTFLYERS”
SYFY and Universal Cable Productions are developing a supernatural thriller based on author George R.R. Martin’s (“Game of Thrones”) epic novel NIGHTFLYERS. Set in the future on the eve of Earth’s destruction, a crew of explorers journey on the most advanced ship in the galaxy, The Nightflyer, to intercept a mysterious alien spacecraft that might hold the key to their survival. As the crew members near their destination, they discover that the ship’s artificial intelligence and never-seen captain may be steering them into deadly and unspeakable horrors deep in the dark reaches of space.
“NIGHTFLYERS” is being developed with executive producers Gene Klein (“Suits”), David Bartis (Mr. and Mrs. Smith), and Doug Liman (“Suits”) of Hypnotic; Alison Rosenzweig (Jacob’s Ladder) and Michael Gaeta (Jacob’s Ladder) of Gaeta Rosenzweig Films; Lloyd Ivan Miller and Alice P. Neuhauser of Lloyd Ivan Miller Productions; and Jeff Buhler (Jacob’s Ladder), who will write the adaptation. Robert Jaffe (Nightflyers (1987)) will produce.
“HAPPY!”
Universal Cable Productions’ “HAPPY!” is based on New York Times best-selling author Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson’s graphic novel of the same name. The series follows Nick Sax (Christopher Meloni, “Law & Order: SVU”) – an intoxicated, corrupt ex-cop turned hit man – who is adrift in a world of casual murder, soulless sex, and betrayal. After a hit gone wrong, his inebriated life is forever changed by a tiny, relentlessly positive, imaginary blue-winged horse named “Happy” (Bobby Moynihan, “Saturday Night Live”).
Executive producers Grant Morrison (Batman, The Invisibles) and Brian Taylor (Crank, Gamer) co-wrote the pilot teleplay. Neal Moritz, Pavun Shetty, and Toby Jaffe of Original Film (The Fast and the Furious franchise); Meloni; and showrunner Patrick Macmanus will also executive produce. Taylor directed the pilot.
“KRYPTON”
Set two generations before the destruction of the legendary Man of Steel’s home planet, “KRYPTON” follows Superman’s grandfather (Cameron Cuffe, “The Halcyon”) — whose House of El was ostracized and shamed — as he fights to redeem his family’s honor and save his beloved world from chaos. Based on DC characters, “KRYPTON” is from Warner Horizon Scripted Television and is executive produced by David S. Goyer (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, The Dark Knight trilogy) through his Phantom Four banner. Damian Kindler (“Sleepy Hollow”) will serve as executive producer and showrunner. In addition to Cuffe, “KRYPTON” stars Georgina Campbell, Elliot Cowan, Ann Ogbomo, Rasmus Hardiker, Wallis Day, and Aaron Pierre with Ian McElhinney.
The pilot teleplay was written by Goyer and Kindler from a story by Ian Goldberg (“Once Upon a Time,” “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles”) and Goyer, with Colm McCarthy (“Peaky Blinders”) serving as director and co-executive producer. “KRYPTON” is based on characters created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, published by DC.
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