​So “Sharknado” is going to be a trilogy, but that’s not the only good news coming out of Syfy’s upfront presentation this week. The channel also announced plans for miniseries based on the comics “Ronin” and “Letter 44,” as well as digital series “Underlings” and a co-production with Canada’s Space.

July’s “Sharknado: The Second One” will not be the end of that social media phenomenon. The third film is set to debut next summer, according to Adweek.

Frank Miller’s limited comic series, “Ronin,” has been picked up for plans at Syfy, as well as the space comic “Letter 44.” “Ronin” is a DC Comics brand that will be made as a miniseries for the network about a samurai who awakens centuries after he had failed his master and now has to battle a demon in modern-day New York. “Letter 44” is about a new U.S. president who discovers that NASA has found aliens and astronauts are already on their way to investigate further.

Syfy will also partner with Canada’s Space channel to co-produce “Killjoys,” an adventure series from the producers of “Orphan Black.” It’s about a group of bounty hunters who travel from planet to planet serving warrants. “The Magicians,” a book series by Lev Grossman, will also be developed into a one-hour drama.

Another 10-episode series, “Underlings,” is also in the works, but this one differs a bit from the rest of Syfy’s new lineup. It’s the channels first digital scripted project, and it’s an office comedy that just so happens to take place at a criminal organization. The company is G.O.R.I.L.L.A. (Global Oppression, Rebellion, Intelligence, Larceny and LAsers).

“Today we think about digital as a core part of our content experience, rather than a companion part,” said Michael Engleman, EVP of marketing, digital and global brand strategy at Syfy.

Read more at The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline.

Brief Take: Syfy shows a lot of faith in its originals as it continues to spread new series across primetime and digital, expanding with comics brands as well as comedy.

Tags:


  Save as PDF