or


[01/13/05 - 12:00 AM]
Sci Fi Channel Announces New Development Deals for Alternative Programming Slate

[via press release from Sci Fi]

SCI FI CHANNEL ANNOUNCES NEW DEVELOPMENT DEALS FOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING SLATE

SCI FI CHANNEL ANNOUNCES NEW DEVELOPMENT DEALS FOR ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING SLATE

ROB SWARTZ APPOINTED VICE PRESIDENT, ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMMING

NEW YORK - January 13, 2005 - SCI FI today announces a slate of new development projects, and the appointment of Rob Swartz to the position of Vice President, Alternative Programming. Building on the success of hit SCI FI reality series such as "Ghost Hunters" and "Scare Tactics," the network is developing innovative new programs that push the envelope of traditional reality shows. By pioneering bold hybrid programming formats, which yield truly unique adaptations of popular genres, SCI FI adds its own distinctive signature to upcoming series in development.

The channel of "imagination," SCI FI is uniquely positioned to explore and develop creative new programming concepts that will appeal to a broader spectrum of viewers. Swartz's appointment marks SCI FI's interest in developing programming that puts a futuristic spin on the human drama of docu-soaps and competition reality shows as well as animation, specials, and comedy. Swartz joins SCI FI Channel from A. Smith and Company, where he served as Vice President, Development, supervising alternative and scripted programming for broadcast, cable and syndication. He also ran the television division of MXG Media, where he executive produced shows for USA Network and Fox Family Channel. Prior to that he served as Director of Creative Affairs at Disney/Touchstone Television and as Manager of Primetime series at NBC Entertainment.

"Rob brings a wealth of programming experience spanning the entertainment industry, having distinguished himself in Network, Studio and Production management roles. We are fortunate to have an executive with his expertise on board as we build our alternative programming strategy," comments Mark Stern, EVP, Programming, SCI FI Channel.

Greenlit for production:

"Master Blasters"
Imagination literally takes flight with "Master Blasters," the new daredevil stepchild of the reality genre. A high-octane ride into the wild blue yonder, "Master Blasters" pits teams of amateur rocket scientists against each other in a race to design, build and launch some very bizarre things into orbit. From rocket-bolstered La-Z-Boys to fuel injected Mini-Coopers, "one small step for man" becomes one giant leap for mad science! A healthy dose of teamwork, competition, and creativity mixed with jet fuel and a strict defiance of the laws of physics makes for television's most explosive half-hour in this weekly docu-style show produced by First Television.

SCI FI's alternative series new to development include:

"Gordian"
Also from First Television is "Gordian," a bizarre futuristic world where humans and robots live side by side in relative disharmony, are plagued by crippling societal ills and behave as badly as the most obnoxiously shallow washed-up actor you've ever met. Such is the twisted and subversively funny world of ex-video jockey Jake Gordian and his merry band of laser-cowboys, robots, animal freaks and talking body parts. This half-hour weekly animation series offers a hilarious look at the world going to hell in a spaceship.

"Mind Game"
A fast-paced, half-hour reality competition series, "Mind Game" is the ultimate brainteaser. Contestants count on their highest powers of observation, recall, judgment and intuition in a breakneck race to collect clues and be the first to claim the grand prize. The Mastermind, a mysterious unseen figure, guides contestants through a series of situations that offer signs to advance them toward to their goal. On the flipside, scenarios can provide damaging misinformation, costing the team valuable time. In the surreal world of the "Mind Game" competing teams learn that there are no coincidences, and that random clues and trivial occurrences can hold important significance - a passing comment from a stranger, a pay phone ringing in the distance, the numbers on a digital clock. This hour-long weekly series is produced by Hallock-Healey Entertainment, creators of SCI FI's smash hit hidden camera prank show "Scare Tactics."

"The Gauntlet"
Life nearly spins out of control for those who walk "The Gauntlet," a fast-paced weekly reality competition that challenges contestants to navigate an elaborate, futuristic maze for a frenzied 24-hour period. With no sunlight, no rest and, seemingly, no way out, "The Gauntlet" is the ultimate test of physical endurance and mental stamina. "The Gauntlet" is produced by Reveille and Hoegl/Singer in association with Princess Productions.

"Dallas in Wonderland"
Series host Dallas Campbell dreams the impossible dream in this uproarious weekly half-hour reality series that dares to go where no man has gone before. Our determined host leaves no stone unturned as he earnestly attempts to succeed at a bizarre set of outrageous, self-inflicted SCI FI challenges. Some challenges seem vaguely possible, others are clearly impractical, and some are downright crazy - but all are ingeniously lofty. From applying to NASA to fulfill his dream of space exploration to hitting up the Raelians for help with some narcissistic cloning, to journeying to the center of the Earth, Dallas' hilarious never-say-die approach to a good challenge will feed the wanderlust in all of us. Executive Produced by R.J. Cutler. Actual Reality Pictures.

"Still In Search Of" (working title)
The hallmark of supernatural investigative reporting gets a mockumentary makeover in this hilarious half-hour docu-spoof from FremantleMedia North America. Series host Jonathan Frankle goes in search of the paranormal on a shoestring budget, but instead finds trouble with his producer and crew. Production chaos and behind-the-scenes dysfunction bleed into each episode - the make-up artist negotiates a raise using a voodoo doll, a Nostradamus prediction about the end of the world causes administrative anarchy and an investigation into a legendary cannibalistic monster degenerates into a "Survivor"-like discussion about who among the crew would be voted onto the menu first.

Previously announced alternative series in development include "Monster Smash," which puts a SCI FI spin on competitive wrestling by introducing fictitious, genetically engineered monsters into the sport best known for brutish excitement and infamous characters, and "Amazing Screw On Head," which chronicles the outrageous adventures of a robot secret agent charged with defending President Lincoln against a band of evil villains. This high-flying animation series is written by Bryan Fuller (award-winning Creator of "Dead Like Me") and Mike Mignola (writer of "Hellboy").

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (http://www.scifi.com/) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 84 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.





  [january 2005]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
      


· AMAZING SCREW-ON HEAD (SCI FI)
· DALLAS IN WONDERLAND (SCI FI)
· DEAD LIKE ME (SHOWTIME)
· GAUNTLET, THE (SCI FI)
· GHOST HUNTERS (DISCOVERY)
· GORDIAN (SCI FI)
· MASTER BLASTERS (SCI FI)
· MIND GAME (SCI FI)
· MONSTER SMASH (SCI FI)
· SCARE TACTICS (SYFY)
· STILL IN SEARCH OF (SCI FI)
· SURVIVOR (CBS)





[10/03/25 - 02:17 PM]
ESPN's Record-Setting '25 MLB Wild Card Series
Across eight games, the MLB Wild Card Series is averaging 4.4 million viewers, up 65% from last year.

[10/03/25 - 12:37 PM]
BET+ Sets October 23 Premiere for "Carl Weber's The Family Business" Season 6
The 10-episode season will premiere with two episodes, followed by one episode weekly, with the finale on Thursday, December 18.

[10/03/25 - 12:07 PM]
"Dancing with the Stars" Continues to Shatter Records - Growing Two Weeks in a Row Since Season Premiere for First Time Since 2005
Plus: "High Potential" hit a season high in Total Viewers (4.24 million), growing by double digits over the show's comparable third episode from last fall.

[10/03/25 - 10:57 AM]
Legends, Champions and Icons of October Highlight FOX Sports' Postseason Broadcaster Lineup
FOX Sports begins its Postseason coverage Saturday, October 4 at 4:00 PM ET on FOX, FOX Deportes, the FOX Sports App and FOX One as the New York Yankees face the Toronto Blue Jays.

[10/03/25 - 10:05 AM]
All-New Season of "Gold Rush" Returns with High-Stake Risks and Land Fury on Friday, November 7 at 8PM ET/PT on Discovery
With only a few short months to mine, top bosses and rising underdogs collide in a race to claim new ground, move more dirt, and strike it rich.

[10/03/25 - 09:12 AM]
FOX Nation Secures Exclusive U.S. Rights to Docuseries "Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar"
The acclaimed series will make its anticipated U.S. debut on FOX Nation on Monday, October 6.

[10/03/25 - 08:02 AM]
TNT Sports to Be Exclusive Home of 2025 NLDS & NLCS
Both best-of-five NLDS series begin Saturday, October 4.

[10/03/25 - 08:01 AM]
TNT Sports Sets BIG EAST Men's College Basketball Schedule for Inaugural 2025-26 Season
TNT Sports' regular season BIG EAST men's basketball schedule will feature 40 appearances by St. John's, UConn, Creighton, Xavier, and Marquette, programs that each clinched berths in last season's NCAA Men's Tournament.

[10/03/25 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "27 Nights" - Official Trailer - Netflix
When a woman is admitted by her daughters to a psychiatric clinic for her carefree ways, an expert must judge if she is ill or simply wants to enjoy life.

[10/03/25 - 04:01 AM]
Video: "Steve" - Official Trailer #2 - Netflix
Over one intense day, the devoted head teacher of a last-chance reform school strives to keep his students in line while facing pressures of his own.

[10/03/25 - 03:02 AM]
Miguel Herran Will Play Poli Diaz in "El Porto the Vallecas," the New Film by Daniel Calparsoro for Netflix
Inspired by true events, the film follows the life of Policarpo "Poli" Díaz (Miguel Herrán), a young man from Vallecas who, despite a childhood marked by poverty and family violence, became a boxing legend in 1980s Spain, even fighting for the world lightweight title.

[10/03/25 - 03:01 AM]
Netflix Honors Jane Goodall with Posthumous Release of "Famous Last Words" Docuseries Following Her Passing
The series showcases reflective interviews with some of the world's most influential cultural figures, who agreed to sit down and discuss their legacy, and give their final words, with the understanding that it would only be shared with the world after they passed.

[10/02/25 - 04:09 PM]
ESPN Delivers the Most-Watched WNBA Semifinals Ever
Game 5 between the Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces averaged 1.8 million viewers, peaking at 2.1 million.

[10/02/25 - 03:01 PM]
Video: "Twisted Wonderland" - Trailer - Disney+
Your favorite villains reimagined in ways you've never dared to dream.

[10/02/25 - 02:51 PM]
ESPN's Record-Setting Day One of MLB Wild Card Series
Coverage of Red Sox versus Yankees averaged 6.5 million viewers, peaking at 9.9 million.