ast season it looked like the end for sci-fi on network television. But then something amazing happened. An unlikely new series hit a nerve with viewers, and Lost found an audience.
It did everything wrong right from the start. It was the most expensive pilot ever filmed, with an unofficial cost of over $10 million. ABC didn't know what to do with it. Should it be a miniseries, a limited series or a regular series? It boasted an impossibly large cast. It laid out a web of complex storylines involving plane-crash survivors trapped on a not-so-deserted island who ran into invisible monsters, a mysterious distress radio signal and a rampaging polar bear, and that was just for starters.
Even worse, the story didn't start off with the plane crash. Sure, there were a couple of cool moments, like when the guy got sucked into the jet engine, but what's up with a story that breaks away from the action for a talky flashback?
Indeed, Alias' J.J. Abrams and cohort Damon Lindelof tossed away all the things every producer knows about television and rewrote the book, breaking every rule they could think of except one ... they told a great story filled with fascinating characters. Those great stories were good enough to earn Lost six Emmys this year, including awards for Best Drama and for Best Directing in a Drama Series for Abrams.
However, Lost didn't open up the networks to the astounding all by itself. Two hits, Desperate Housewives and Medium, also proved to be significant influences, if for different reasons. Desperate Housewives again showed that viewers will stay interested in a continuing story if it can create some water-cooler moments, while Medium combined a solid family drama with the fantastic. These three shows confirmed that drama is not dead on the networks and that despite cable, PlayStations, DVDs and the Internet, there is an audience out there, and it wants to be entertained. It's not about what genre a show is in. It's about what makes great television, be it reality, sci-fi or soap opera. And like Lost, Medium was rewarded with its own Emmy this year for Best Actress Patricia Arquette's portrayal of a psychic mother of three.
While it's great news for us, don't doubt that some of the new shows will fail. Beyond that, at least a couple returning shows appear poised to enter their last season. With Charmed going into its eighth year and Alias and Smallville hitting year five, we could end up losing all three of them. Even worse, Alias and Smallville are going head to head in a very busy timeslot.
As for cable, the SCI FI Channel offered no new shows that stuck this past year, and that's unusual. However, it did focus on building its existing series. Wednesday nights are solid for Ghost Hunters and Tripping the Rift. However, SCI FI will need to find companion shows for both. Even if it orders more episodes for each show, using reruns to fill out the night will get old.
As for Friday night, Ben Browder took over for Richard Dean Anderson as the lead of Stargate SG-1, while the producers added a new powerful enemy for SG-1 to go up against. The changes have revitalized the series nicely, and the nine-year-old series feels like a younger show. And Stargate Atlantis and Battlestar Galactica continue to make Fridays an entertaining option to having a life for those without TiVo.
While other cable networks only had occasional sci-fi offerings last year, the USA Network continued to build on The Dead Zone and its Emmy-nominated The 4400. Both series had excellent years. Again, the biggest concern is that nothing new popped up this year, with all the cable shows going into at least their second season.
As for TV movies and miniseries, SCI FI continues to do well with its Saturday Night Action movies, and even more originals are scheduled for next year. The Channel's big December miniseries will be The Triangle, about the Bermuda Triangle. As for the networks, they can't seem to get enough of miniseries disaster sequels with CBS' Category 7: The End of the World and NBC's 10.5 Apocalypse. Both original minis got huge ratings, so the networks have decided to end the world this time, most likely with the belief that more death and destruction = even bigger ratings.
It all adds up to some big changes in the world of television. The networks have finally realized something cable has known for a long time. If you tell a great story, they will come.
Last week's 2005 Fall SF TV Preview: Part I had the scoop on all the new shows, canceled series and kids' shows.
In a surprise-filled finale, Tom and Diana found the source of the plague affecting the 4400 and were able to stop it with the help of Kevin Burkhardt. The key to saving the returnees turned out to be baby Isabelle. Tom discovered that his old boss and friend Dennis Ryland was driving the conspiracy to stop the 4400's powers from emerging. As little Maia predicted, Mommy's bosses were punished. A naked and all-grown-up Isabelle confronted Shawn, and Jordan Collier showed up somewhere on the planet, confused but very much alive. And Maia tells Diana, "It's just started." When Diana asks her what she's talking about, she says, "The war."
The Outlook:The 4400 had a terrific second season, and we were left hanging in the most delightful ways. Answering the questions that had been set up during the season, the writers dangled enough teasers in the last five minutes of the finale to fill up another season. No word yet on whether The 4400 has been picked up for a third year. However, while the ratings weren't quite as out-of-this-world as they were for season one, excellent and USA Network has to love a show that brings them an Emmy nomination. So look for The 4400 to be picked up for a third season, mostly likely to air next summer. Its companion show, The Dead Zone, has already been picked for another season, and the two shows' fates look to be tied together for the near future.
Alias
ABC, Thursday, 8 p.m. Premieres Sept. 29
The big season-four finale tied up a lot of loose ends before leaving us with a couple of big cliffhangers. In the finale, Sydney and the team parachuted into Sovogda to stop the Mueller device, Vaughn asked Syd to marry him, Elena infected Nadia, making her susceptible to the Mueller device, Sloane switched sides again, Irina killed her nasty sister, Syd accepted Vaughn's proposal, Nadia tried to kill Syd, and they all saved the world. At the end, Irina vanished, but not before making up with Jack, Sloane ended up behind bars, and Nadia was left in a coma with her fate uncertain. As the newly engaged Sydney and Vaughn drive in Santa Barbara, Vaughn tells Syd that his real name isn't Michael Vaughn. He's about to confess all when a car crashes into them. As season five begins, Sydney will begin to question whether her relationship with him has been a lie. And Sydney will discover that she's embroiled in a larger mystery that involves a nefarious new organization. However, the really big news is that actress Jennifer Garner is pregnant, so look for Sydney to learn that she is also with child. Several new characters are being introduced to carry the action part of the show, including French actress Élodie Bouchez as a woman from Vaughn's past, Rachel Nichols as a new agent whom Sydney mentors and Balthazar Getty as a new male agent who replaces Greg Grunberg's Eric Weiss.
The Outlook: While Garner racked up yet another Emmy nomination for her role as Sydney, the series did well enough on Wednesday nights after Lost to earn a chance to anchor ABC's toughest night, Thursdays. Unfortunately, it now has the busiest, most unkind timeslot possible, opposite CBS's Survivor, NBC's Joey, Fox's The O.C., UPN's Everybody Hates Chris and even the WB's Smallville. That's a lot of competition. Best guess is that if any show can survive that timeslot, it will be Alias. After four years, the series has a loyal following, and Garner is a star. Still, this will probably be the show's last year. With a baby on the way and a thriving film career, it's unlikely she'll want to continue a demanding action series on top of everything else. So look for Alias to have one last big season, with creator J.J. Abrams pushing the envelope as far as he can manage before the lights go out on this spy series forever.
Battlestar Galactica
SCI FI Channel, Friday, 10 p.m. Mid-season finale premieres Sept. 23
As the season builds toward its mid-season finale, Sharon helped the Galactica defuse a logic bomb that had attacked the ship's computers, leading to a victory for the beleaguered humans. And Chief Tyrol's new stealth ship, the Blackbird, took flight. With only one more episode to go before Battlestar Galactica comes to a close, the show that has tormented its characters finally gave them a big dose of hope. Coming up we will find that Galatica isn't the only battlestar that survived, and a new character will be introduced that Adama has to answer to. According to executive producer David Eick, "The relationship dynamic with that new character will lead to a very tense standoff at the end of the 10th episode, and viewers will have to wait about 12 weeks before we get going again in January."
The Outlook: The edgiest show on SCI FI continues to dig deep into its characters and their journey. Battlestar Galactica is a show that other television show producers point to as being the best show on television. With terrific ratings, a strong following and the pairing of the solid Stargates, it's likely Battlestar will see at least another season. Battlestar Galatica airs its mid-season cliffhanger on Friday, Sept. 23.
Charmed
The WB, Sunday, 8 p.m. Premieres Sept. 25
Last season, the evil Zankou stole the powers of the Charmed Ones in order to get to the Nexus. With the police at their door, the sisters managed to defeat Zankou but were forced to make a life-altering decision. Taking on new identities, the sisters let both the mortal and the demon world believe they were dead by faking their deaths. In the season-eight premiere, "Still Charmed & Kicking," the sisters begin to live their lives as normal people, but executive producer Brad Kern promises it won't be easy for them. "They're going to explore what their identities really are without powers, without magic." The demons believe the Charmed Ones are dead, so the sisters will enlist the help of a powerful young witch named Billie, played by Kaley Cuoco. Also, Dorian Gregory will not return as Inspector Darryl Morris.
The Outlook: With the actresses' contracts up, while it's most certainly the final season for Charmed as we know it, don't be too surprised if this series gets reincarnated. If The WB can't find another show to anchor the night, it might be a viable option. However, even if we say goodbye to Charmed forever after this eighth season, the series will have produced 178 shows and consistently stayed true to its audience despite cast and timeslot changes. It's a record that even Scully and Mulder would be proud of.
The Dead Zone
USA Network On hiatus
In the fourth-season finale, Johnny had a chance to stop armageddon and Greg Stillson, but he couldn't keep himself from acting on his visions, which involved Stillson's missing girlfriend, Miranda. With the world still set to end at the hands of Stillson and Miranda being blackmailed into accepting his proposal of marriage, things still look grim for our hero. Coming up, look for a special Christmas episode, "A Very Dead Zone Christmas," in December that will bring back Jennifer Finnigan as Alex Sinclair, the female psychic Johnny made a connection with earlier this season. And for season five, there will be a return of the spooky Collector, and Johnny will find himself drawn back into Stillson's life as he tries to help Miranda find a way out of her dilemma.
The Outlook: The series is consistent, entertaining and works as a good companion for the 4400. However, there's no guessing when it comes to The Dead Zone. USA Network ordered episodes for seasons four and five to be filmed consecutively, so most of the fifth season is already done or in development. Next year, we can look forward to a full summer of The Dead Zone.
Ghost Hunters
SCI FI Channel, Wednesday, 9 p.m. Continuing
The ghost-hunting plumbers Jason and Grant and their T.A.P.S. team weathered the loss of Brian, and Steve took charge managing the equipment. Upcoming episodes will lead the team to investigate a deserted insane asylum in New York, they'll visit the house where the Lizzie Borden murders happened, and they'll head to California to investigate San Jose's Winchester Mystery House and the Queen Mary. And in the Oct. 19 season finale, the team makes a surprising discovery while investigating a haunted town in Arkansas.
The Outlook: While SCI FI hasn't quite found companion shows for Ghost Hunters and Tripping the Rift, these originals have done well enough to keep Wednesday night alive for the channel. The edgy Brian will be missed, with no one left to cause that much drama among the team. However, it's still an interesting group of characters, and the moments that spook them spook us, too. I look for Ghost Hunters to get another season, perhaps with a trip across the pond to Europe, and I suspect SCI FI just might order more episodes for that third season.
Lost
ABC, Wednesday, 9 p.m. Premieres Sept. 21
The Others ... the cursed numbers ... the hatch ... it all adds up to another season of torturous ecstasy for the series that opened the door for science fiction mysteries to flood onto the network schedules. In the season finale, Claire's baby was rescued from the French woman; Arzt exploded, thanks to some touchy TNT; the Others took Walt and blew up the raft; and Jack and Locke got the hatch open. As season two launches, we'll find out who lived and who didn't after the raft was blown up, and, even better, we'll find out what the heck is in the hatch. Executive producer Damon Lindelof promises that the third episode of the season is the BIG episode that will give us lots of answers about the hatch. Also, look for several new regulars, including Michelle Rodriguez as Ana-Lucia Cortez, the girl Jack flirted with before they both got on the plane. Survivors from the tail section of the plane will come into play, and not necessarily in a good way for our group.
The Outlook: While the producers realized that "answer management" was going to be a problem for them, it hasn't stopped them from making Lost cast even bigger or their stories any less mysterious. Hot off it's multiple Emmy Awards win, I expect Lost to continue to gain momentum as the enormous hit takes us into the hatch and beyond. Where it gets touchy for Lost is when the season is padded out with reruns and pre-emptions, giving us a chance to forget why we're excited by it. Still, it's unlikely we'll lose our enthusiasm for this great mystery series. I anticipate Lost to make it through another season and will remain in the top-10 list of most-most watched shows. This is water-cooler TV at its finest.
Medium
NBC, Monday, 10 p.m. Premieres Sept. 19
The show that normally keeps its episodes self-contained ended up with a big cliffhanger at the end of last season as Allison found herself dealing with Captain Kenneth Push (Arliss Howard) again on the hunt for a serial killer. The episode left us with Captain Push risking his life in order to cross over to the other side so his spirit could communicate with Allison. As season two opens up in "When Push Comes to Shove," Captain Push's life hangs in the balance while Allison struggles to find the serial killer before he claims his next victim. As the season progresses, Allison will continue to try to balance her home life with her work for the D.A.'s office. In upcoming episodes Allison will find herself sleepwalking, she'll have a song she can't get out of her head, and there will be a 3-D episode. Howard will return later in the season to direct an episode, and baby Marie will get her first line of dialogue.
The Outlook: While Lost and Desperate Housewives were surprise hits, Medium's success was an even bigger shocker. Combining a solid family drama, grounded characters and mixing in some supernatural elements proved golden for CBS. Patricia Arquette carried the series and made it look effortless, creating one of the most unique characters on the small screen, and for her efforts won the Emmy Award for Best Actress. While you have to wonder if Allison and Joe's bickering will get old at some point, or how long Joe can play the Scully role of the skeptic in this relationship, the cast and writers make it all believable. My psychic abilities predict Medium will have another strong year.
Missing
Lifetime, Sunday, 10 p.m. Continuing
With the loss of one of their own, Pollock trying to spend time with his family and Antonio and Nicole splitting up, there's a lot going on in these characters' lives. Look for there to be residual effects from Antonio and Nicole's relationship and for Jess to have her own issues with her new boyfriend, Colin. In upcoming episodes, Jess, Antonio and Colin skip their vacations to help Nicole investigate the disappearance of her nephew, and Macy Gray will guest-star as a preacher who is helping a family whose daughters are kidnapped.
The Outlook: Lifetime's picked up Missing for an additional six episodes, so the series will air into February of next year, with a few weeks of reruns this fall. While the ratings could be better, overall Missing has carved out a nice niche for itself. Still, Lifetime's been cautious with its pickups for this series, and I have a feeling this may be the show's last year.
Smallville
The WB, Thursday, 8 p.m. Premieres Sept. 29
Action heated up as the high-schoolers faced graduation day. Jor-El told Clark he needed to reunite the three crystals or a terrible disaster would befall the earth. Lana was freed of Isobel after killing Genevieve. Lex and Jason behaved badly as they attempted to get the crystals. And as if our characters don't have enough trouble, a meteor shower hit Smallville. As season five begins, word has it that all the characters will survive except Jason, since actor Jensen Ackles has moved on to The WB's new series Supernatural. Clark will finally make it to the Fortress of Solitude, we'll find out what's in the spaceship, Lana and Clark will consummate their relationship, and Clark and Lex will become more at odds. With the gang going off to college, both in Smallville and in Metropolis, look for some more grown-up themes to emerge.
The Outlook: Lex's descent into evil has been fascinating, and this terrific cast of actors manages to pull off the fantastic the material nicely. Unfortunately, this fan favorite is shifting nights again, this time being moved to a timeslot even worse than being placed against Lost last year. Smallville should make it through the season, but opposite ABC's Alias and a host of other popular shows, this could be the end for our hero. That said, I hope the producers give us a true ending in this year's season finale, rather than a cliffhanger just in case.
Stargate Atlantis
SCI FI Channel, Friday, 9 p.m. Mid-season finale premieres Sept. 23
So far in Atlantis' second season, the team led the Wraith to believe Atlantis was destroyed, Lt. Ford escaped after being infected by a Wraith enzyme, and Jason Momoa joined the cast as Ronon Dex. With the mid-season finale airing on Sept. 23, the team will run into Lt. Ford once again. However, this time he has his own team of super-soldiers, and they want to take down a Wraith ship with a little help from the Altantis team. Then, next year, when the second part of the season airs, the Wraith will continue to threaten the team's survival, and Lt. Colonel Sheppard will get trapped on a planet where time moves at a different pace.
The Outlook: Its been another good season for Stargate Atlantis, with solid storytelling and with the great addition of Momoa to the cast. The mid-season ends this Friday, with new episodes premiering in January. The ratings have been good, and halfway through the season the future looks very bright for Atlantis. I expect another season will be ordered before the end of the year, and I don't foresee any changes in which three shows (the Stargates and Battlestar) will continue to call Friday home.
Stargate SG-1
SCI FI Channel, Friday, 8 p.m. On hiatus
Stargate SG-1's big mid-season cliffhanger left Earth in a terrible predicament. The Prior virus that nearly wiped out another planet's population found its way to Earth, and thousands were infected. Carter and an old friend urgently worked on a cure, but time was running out for the Earth. As America's borders closed to quarantine, Mitchell led a desperate mission to find the Prior that caused the infection, to try and get a sample of his blood. And on Chulak, Teal'c waged his own battle. Gerak converted to the terrible new religion, and he wanted to force all Jaffa to fall under the Ori's spell. When the series returns in January, look for Vala to find a way to contact Daniel from the Ori galaxy, and Mitchell will be accused of a murder he did not commit.
The Outlook: With the additions of Ben Browder and the new bad guys, the followers of the Ori, Stargate SG-1 is back in action. It's all been very good for the series creatively. The writers have done a fine job combining the world we know and love with this new threat, and it's created excitement for a series that looked to be on its last legs. I have a feeling SG-1 isn't going anywhere but into another season, which would be its 10th. Considering The X-Files managed nine seasons, that would make SG-1 the longest-running sci-fi series produced in the U.S. That's quite an accomplishment, but with this infusion of energy in its cast and storytelling, this Stargate may be around for a long time to come.
Tripping the Rift
SCI FI Channel, Wednesday, 10 p.m. Continuing
Those occasionally lovable misfits have continued on their merry way for this second season, with Whip accidentally becoming a star on Kraven, Chode and the crew confronting their worst fears on a ghost ship, and the Jupiter 42 crew unwittingly being sold into slavery. As the season comes to a close, Whip inadvertently crash-lands the ship in Roswell, N.M., Chode goes to his high-school reunion, and in the season finale Patricia Hearst guest voices in an episode when Six is arrested for a crime she did not commit.
The Outlook:Tripping the Rift continues to cut out its own unique territory as a bawdy and naughty animated series. Along with Ghost Hunters, it's managed to make Wednesday nights viable for the SCI FI Channel. I expect another year of Tripping while the Channel hunts for the perfect companion to fill out the hour.
At 3:52, two billion people vanish off the face of the earth. The question the series asks is what happens to those who are left. As scientist search for answers, a small Maryland town deals with the chilling effects of this global event. From producer John Tinker, who gave us St. Elsewhere, L.A. Law and The Practice.
Amazing Screw-On HeadSCI FI, in production
This half-hour animated comedy series based on the comic book follows the exploits of Screw-On Head, a robot secret agent that protects President Lincoln against evil villains. Screw-On Head can screw his head on a variety of different bodies, making him the perfect agent to keep the president and the world safe from the bad guys. From Dead Like Me's Bryan Fuller.
Barbarian ChroniclesSCI FI, in development
This half-hour animated series explores what might happen if The Lord of the Rings met Curb Your Enthusiasm. It has to do with something involving the magical realm of swords, sorcery and "Middle-earth metrosexuals." Produced by Brendon Small (Home Movies) and David Letterman's Worldwide Pants.
BlackoutA&E, 2006
Inspired by NBC's success with earthquakes in 10.5, A&E decided to take on apocalyptic disaster from a different direction. Blackout will examine what happens when the nationwide power grid fails. A real-life power outage left more than 50 million people without electricity not all that long ago. Experts on the U.S. power grid will consult on the miniseries.
BladeSpike TV, June 2006
You can't keep a good half-man, half-vampire down! Spike TV has green-lighted an hourlong Blade series and ordered 13 episodes. David S. Goyer will be co-writing the pilot with Geoff Johns, which will explore the world of the vampire-hunting hero. Goyer promises it will still be Blade, but "It's different than the movies." Goyer wrote all the Blade movies and directed Blade Trinity. Wesley Snipes is not expected to star.
The Book of DanielNBC, midseason
Aidan Quinn stars as an Episcopalian reverend who gets his advice from the top with regular conversations with Christ. NBC has ordered 13 episodes of this new series. While it sounds a little Joan of Arcadia, Quinn's character is addicted to prescription painkillers, and he has issues. Ellen Burstyn will play one of the church's bishops, and The 4400's Garret Dillahunt will play Jesus.
The Curse of King Tut's TombHallmark, in development
Casper Van Dien stars in this story about an inept adventurer who discovers the ancient Egyptian tomb and must deal with powerful occultists who have plans to unleash a demonic threat on an unsuspecting world in 1922. Production recently wrapped on this Hallmark production. Although no network is yet attached, it's only a matter of time before this four-hour miniseries finds a home.
Dallas in WonderlandSCI FI, in development
British television star Dallas Campbell hosts his half-hour reality series that explores one man's outrageous quest to achieve the impossible. Campbell attempts a bizarre set of sci-fi challenges, including applying to NASA to achieve his dream of space exploration and exploring the possibility of cloning himself.
Dresden Files (working title) SCI FI, in development
Erik Dresden comes from a long line of wizards. He also happens to be a detective who sees the world a little differently. When otherworldly forces are at hand, Erik is on the job, whether it involves consulting for the police or following his own cases. Based on the novels by Jim Butcher, this two-hour movie and backdoor pilot will be executive-produced by Nicolas Cage and Norm Golightly of Saturn Films. Morgan Gendel has been tapped to write the script.
EurekaSCI FI, in development
The quaint Pacific Northwest town of Eureka doesn't look like anything special. However, the newly hired sheriff quickly realizes things aren't what they seem. Eureka is actually a community think tank filled with the world's greatest geniuses and their families. As the quirky inhabitants work on their scientific theories, the good sheriff discovers he may be in for more than he bargained for. This two-hour movie pilot for a series stars Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson-Wittfield and Joe Morton.
Final Days of Planet EarthHallmark, in development
Here's another four-hour miniseries produced by Hallmark that's about to start shooting. In the story, humans battle a secret alien-bug invasion of a coastal city.
Heroes AnonymousSCI FI, in development
In a modern-day city where superheroes are the norm, a group of young aspiring superheroes form a support group, which helps them deal with their secret identities and their superhero issues. This series is based on the Matt Groening's Bongo comics books by Scott Gimpel and Bill Morrison, who will also write the pilot.
Merlin's ApprenticeHallmark, in development
Sam Neill and Miranda Richardson reprise their roles for this sequel to the NBC miniseries. No word on the plot or when this four-hour miniseries will find a home, but it is currently being shot in Vancouver and will most likely air sometime next year.
Motel ManSCI FI, in development
In this potential new series, a police detective named Joe Miller gets caught up in a mystery involving mundane objects that have strange powers, including a motel room key that grants access to special rooms. As he tries to piece together the mystery of the objects, he discovers others want the mundane things and they'll do whatever it takes to get them. When his wife and child vanish, Joe comes to believe their disappearance has something to do with the objects. Created by Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom and Paul Workman.
Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen KingTNT, Summer 2006
Entering the mind of Stephen King, TNT has ordered eight one-hour episodes of this new anthology series based on his book of short stories. For horror anthology aficionados this should be a nice addition to Showtime's Masters of Horror, which begins this year. Scripts for Nightmares & Dreamscapes are being written by Mick Garris (The Stand), Peter Filardi (Flatliners), Lawrence D. Cohen (Carrie), Richard Christian Matheson (Dean Koontz's Sole Survivor) and Alan Sharp (Rob Roy), among others.
Nine LivesSCI FI, in development
Steven Spielberg, Les Bohem and DreamWorks Television reteam after their successful stint with Taken to create three distinct but related miniseries events. This single story will be an epic tale of love, death and beyond. As with Taken, Bohem will write all the scripts.
Painkiller JaneSCI FI, in development
A new series based on the Event Comics. When a young marine officer, Jane Browning, is exposed to a biochemical weapon, it alters her. Suddenly she has incredible regenerative powers, making her virtually indestructible. In order to avoid being used by sinister forces, Jane becomes a covert agent who fights crime. Written by John Harrison and Don Opper and starring Emmanuelle Vaugier as Jane and Tate Donovan.
Seriously Baffling MysteriesSCI FI, in development
Call it Larry Sanders meets In Search Of. Jonathan Frankle hosts this half-hour docuspoof about the search for the paranormal on a shoestring budget, where the behind-the-scenes chaos plays as big a role as the mysteries. This supernatural mockumentary will explore intriguing mysteries such as how the makeup artist uses a voodoo doll to get a raise, and who among the crew would be voted as the first menu choice for a legendary cannibalistic monster.
Time TunnelSCI FI, in development
Based on the old 1960s Irwin Allen television series, a female scientist and a government agent become trapped in time when their time-travel experiment is sabotaged. John Turman will write the pilot for the series, and Allen's wife, Shelia Allen, will produce.
The ThingSCI FI, in development
Minority Report's Gary L. Goldman and the SCI FI Channel take on The Thing in this four-hour miniseries, which re-envisions the story of a group of American scientists who run into a bloodthirsty alien in Antarctica. The shape-shifting monster takes the team members one by one in this who-do-you-trust thriller.
Those Who Walk in DarknessSCI FI, in development
In the near future, Metanormals are people with genetic differences that give them super powers. Unfortunately, when one of these Metanormals goes rogue it's up to an expert S.W.A.T. police team to bring them in. Based on the best-selling John Ridley novel, the series will follow the intense relationships and challenges the team faces. Ridley will write the pilot and executive-produce the series.
Tomorrow's ChildSCI FI, in development
When a young girl is horribly burned in an accident, skin of extraterrestrial origin is used to save her. But this new skin also gives her super powers, and the government takes an interest. She escapes, traveling the country, going from town to town, staying one step ahead of the government team that's trying to track her down while she attempts to discover the origin of her powers. NBC Universal Television Studio and Gary Foster's Horseshoe Bay Productions produces this new series.
The TwelveSCI FI, in development
Filmmaker Martin Scorsese brings us a miniseries of apocalyptic proportions, based on the 12 days of Christmas. When FBI agent John Ferguson discovers that a series of mysterious events around the world mirror the biblical predictions that foretell the end of the world, he realizes the 12th day of Christmas may be the end of us all. Scorsese and Barbara De Fina will executive-produce.
Witch Hunter RobinSCI FI, in development
When rogue witches abuse their powers, it's up to a special team of cops to stop them. The newest recruit, Robin, happens to also be a witch, which makes life complicated for everyone. They are calling this live-action adaptation of the anime series a "gritty urban tale of action and horror." Roy Lee and Doug Davison executive-produce this new anime series.
Untitled Michael Douglas ProjectSCI FI, in development
Academy Award-winning actor/producer Michael Douglas brings us this series of the supernatural from the short stories of Shirley Jackson. Plans are to use Jackson's stories and weave them into the author's real-life experiences as told in her nonfiction books.
Urban ArcanaSCI FI, in development
Based on the Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast role-playing game, undercover detective Sean Mayhew works to protect the human race from chameleonlike invaders from a parallel world who have evil intentions. Rockne S. O'Bannon and Gary A. Randall executive-produce this new potential series.
WinneySCI FI, in development
In this four-hour miniseries from Larry Wilson, the creator of Beetlejuice, a beloved cartoon character called Winney is so popular it's possible he may be elected president. When the puppeteer who made Winney move learns the cartoon's creator has made a pact with the devil to bring Winney to life, he must stop Winney's quest for world domination. Based on the short film Winney: A Cute Candidate by Florence Deygas and Olivier Kuntzel.
What IfSCI FI, in development
Inspired by the book series of the same name, this one-hour show will explore alternate reality possibilities. What if Germany had developed the atom bomb first and bombed New York, only to win the war? What if the meteor that took out the dinosaurs missed the Earth? What if one moment in time could change the world forever? Emmy award-winning producer/director Jon Kroll will executive produce.
NBC will raise the stakes in this sequel to the hit miniseries 10.5 as another earthquake threatens the continent. Rebel seismologist Dr. Samantha Hill (Kim Delaney) will again have lots of bad news for U.S. President Paul Hollister (Beau Bridges). Frank Langella, Dean Cain and Melissa Sue Anderson will join the cast in this new four-hour miniseries. John Lafia will return to write and direct. The first one averaged more than 20 million viewers for both nights, so this really could be the big one.
Black Hole Terror (working title) SCI FI, 2006
When a particle collider experiment goes astray, a black hole forms. The scientists involved desperately try to shut the hole down. However, when an energy creature emerges, things get even more complicated as the black hole begins to chow down on the Midwest. Kristy Swanson and Judd Nelson star in this film directed by Tibor Takács.
Category 7: The End of the WorldCBS, Nov. 6 & 13
Yep, as if NBC and A&E disaster flicks weren't enough, CBS is trying to kill us off, too, but this time with a monster tornado. In a sequel to its own miniseries Category 6: Day of Destruction, End of the World picks up where the first one left off as the storm moves on after leaving Chicago in a mess. While Randy Quaid reprises his role as Tornado Tommy, most of the cast is new, including Tom Skerritt, James Brolin, Gina Gershon, Swoosie Kurtz and Shannen Doherty. Doherty plays a beautiful but discredited scientist who joins Quaid's storm chaser as they try to figure out what's behind the enormous storm. CBS has scheduled this killer miniseries to run over consecutive Sunday evenings during November sweeps. Roger Soffer and Christian Ford wrote the script, and Dick Lowry, who directed Category 6, also directed the sequel.
Caved InSCI FI, November 2005
When an extreme adventure tour group descends into the depths of an abandoned mine, some of members of the group are not what they seem. They are actually treasure hunters out to score the treasure of a lifetime. However, when the group finds themselves being hunted by a killer, they become lost and divided as they trek through the cavernous earth. It's the good humans vs. the bad humans vs. a deadly predator in a fight to the death! Produced by Cinetel.
CerberusSCI FI Channel, Saturday, Oct. 29, at 9 p.m.
When art historian Samantha Gaines (Emmanuelle Vaugier) discovers a plot to steal the sword of Attila the Hun, which purportedly has the power to rule the Earth, she runs into the mystical three-headed dog that protects the treasure. Unfortunately, the beast gets loose, and Samantha must find a way to stop it. Greg Evigan and Garret Sato also star.
CitadelSCI FI, 2006
Corin Nemec stars in this World War II-era adventure about an elite corps of American soldiers who run into a killer beast the Nazis unleashed after D-Day.
Dungeons & Dragons: Wrath of the Dragon GodSCI FI, Saturday, Oct. 8, at 9 p.m.
When a kingdom faces an evil wizard's wrath, it's up to an amateur sorceress and a decorated warrior to save the day. Starring Mark Dymond, Clemency Burton-Hill and Bruce Payne.
First on the Moon: The Untold Story of Apollo 11The Science Channel, Sept. 25, at 9 p.m.
This documentary takes a look back at the first moon landing and explores the risks and what could have happened.
GryphonSCI FI, 2006
In this epic fantasy, when an evil wizard conjures up a mystical gryphon it's up to a prince and princess from two warring kingdoms to bring their forces together to defeat the beast.
Haunting SarahLifetime, Monday, Oct. 3, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
What happens to the living when the dead won't let go? Identical twins Erica and Heather (played by Kim Raver) have the perfect life, and their perfect children, David and Sarah, are inseparable. However, when David is killed in a hit-and-run accident, something strange begins to happen to Sarah. Based on the novel New Year's Eve by Lisa Grunwald, this television movie was written by Tony Phelan & John Rater and directed by Ralph Hemecker.
Heat StrokeSCI FI, 2006
Aliens have invaded the Earth, and they're turning up the heat. In an attempt to change Earth's atmosphere, evil aliens are working on a plan to create massive global warming. However, luckily for us, one solider stands in their way, and he'll do whatever he has to to stop a complete global meltdown. From Farscape executive producer David Kemper.
The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's MinesTNT, 2006
Noah Wyle reprises his role as Flynn Carsen, a man with 22 academic degrees who found out being the Librarian of the repository of humanity's greatest secrets was a little like being Indiana Jones. Yes, he works beneath the colossal Metropolitan Library, but that's only when he's not running around the globe trying to save the world. The original two-hour film was last year's number-one-rated movie on cable. It's no surprise they've ordered a sequel.
The LocustsSCI FI, Late 2005
Dan Cortese stars in this television movie about genetically engineered locusts that escape a research facility. They are the deadly flesh-eating kind, of course. This film from UFO Films stars Julie Benz and Jeff Fahey.
MagmaSCI FI, 2006
Let's call this one When Killer Volcanoes Attack! A covert government drilling project goes "horribly wrong," causing the Earth's core to turn up the heat. That would be bad, so it's left to few unlucky heroes to make it all better. Xander Berkley, Reiko Aylesworth and Amy Jo Johnson star.
ManticoreSCI FI, November 2005
When Army Officer Tommy Baxter investigates reports of unspeakable carnage in villages in a post-liberated Iraq, he finds a legend come to life. An ancient creature known as the Manticore has the power to bring about the world's total destruction. Now it's up to Lt. Baxter to stop it. Manticore was produced by UFO Films.
Once Upon a MattressABC, Fall 2005
Tracey Ullman and Carol Burnett star this musical The Princess and the Pea fairy tale. Burnett has played the princess three times, but in this version gets promoted to queen.
Path of DestructionSCI FI, Saturday, Sept. 24, at 9 p.m.
When a nanotechnology experiment goes astray, a young reporter named Katherine is blamed for the accident. However, Katherine has evidence that exposes the truth. Unfortunately, nanoparticles have escaped into the atmosphere and they are starting to cause dangerous weather patterns. On the run from the authorities, Katherine must get the evidence to the government before it's too late. Path of Destruction stars Danica McKellar, David Keith and Stephen Furst.
Return of the Living Dead: Necropolis SCI FI, Saturday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m.
Peter Coyote stars in this flick about a man abducted and locked in a building who is trying to escape zombies that want to eat his brain. Aimee-Lynn Chadwick, Cory Hardrict and Jana Kramer star.
Return of the Living Dead: Rave to the GraveSCI FI, Saturday, Oct. 15, at 9 p.m.
They're baaaaaack! The gang returns for another zombie creature feature about what happens when a tonic causes zombielike effects that spread through a small town. Peter Coyote, Aimee-Lynn Chadwick, Cory Hardrict and Jana Kramer star.
SCI FI Inside: SerenitySCI FI, Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 10 p.m.
Here's something for Firefly fans. Star Nathan Fillion takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming film Serenity in this half-hour special. The documentary will feature interviews with the cast, crew and creator Joss Whedon, as well as an exclusive clip from the film.
Squid/Tentacles (working title) SCI FI, 2006
As a young boy, Ray Reiter saw a giant squid kill his parents. While Ray was able to injure the beast by taking out one of its eyes, the creature escaped. Thirty years later the one-eyed monster attacks a treasure-hunting expedition. This time, Ray's all grown up, and he wants revenge.
The TriangleSCI FI, December 2005
Bryan Singer (X-Men) and Dean Devlin (left) (Independence Day) take on the Bermuda Triangle and its mysteries in this three-night, six-hour miniseries. When billionaire Eric Benirall (Sam Neill) begins losing his ships and their crews, he assembles a team to investigate. Tabloid journalist Howard Thomas (Eric Stoltz), ocean resource engineer Emily Patterson (Catherine Bell), scientist/adventurer Bruce Gellar (Michael Rodgers) and psychic Stan Latham (Bruce Davison) agree to join the team for the money. However, it doesn't take long before they find themselves embroiled in the age-old mystery. When a jet disappears over the Triangle, odd things begin to happen, and the team finds themselves affected by the events. Craig R. Baxley directed the screenplay written by Rockne S. O'Bannon (right).
Vampire BatsCBS, October 30
Lucy Lawless plays Maddy Rierdon, a voracious-insect specialist, who has gone off in search of a simpler life as a college professor. However, her specialty comes in handy when a student is found with his body completed drained of blood. It doesn't take long for the good professor to realize that mutant vampire bats are the culprits. But now it's up to her to stop the ravenous beasts before they kill off the rest of the student body. From the same network that brought us the popular Spring Break Shark Attack.
ast season it looked like the end for sci-fi on network television. But then something amazing happened. An unlikely new series hit a nerve with viewers, and Lost found an audience.
