UK Cable & Satellite Networks Nab Human Target And More…
Written by Ian Cullen on October 7, 2009 – 11:30 am -
While it’s true that Sky 1 has traditionally obtained the first run rights to many of the more popular US Science Fiction imports such as Stargate, Star Trek, Lost and many more. The UK Television landscape has been changing in recent years.
According to a report at monstersandcritics.com Hallmark Channel and the UK SciFi Channel, which currently airs the extremely popular Warehouse 13 and Sanctuary are looking to beef up their genre programing more so, and in a move to do so have picked up some of the newer American imports such as Eastwick.
This all comes thanks to an exclusive deal that has been signed with NBC Universal Global Networks and Warner Bros. Which has given Hallmark and SciFi Channel a first run deal on three of the newer American Science Fiction and Fantasy television shows!
The announcement of this deal was made by Roma Khanna, President, Global Networks and Digital Initiatives and Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television.
NBCU have acquired the UK Broadcast rights for the re-imagined V television series, which is amongst the most high profile new series to hit in the USA as well as Human Target and Eastwick.
Also included in the deal is the rights to the popular Smallville series.
The package deal includes:
- V – A visually stunning reimagining of the groundbreaking alien invasion miniseries.
- Human Target – The action-packed thrill ride stars Mark Valley (Fringe) as a mysterious agent for hire who assumes different identities, literally becoming a human target on behalf of his clients, in this drama inspired by a popular DC Comics title.
- Eastwick – A comedic drama about three young New England witches whose powers are awakened when a mysterious man moves to town, based upon the John Updike novel and hit film The Witches of Eastwick.
The deal will see Human Target, V and the first season of Smallville run on the UK SciFi Channel while Eastwick will air on Hallmark Channel.
Managing Director (UK) NBC Universal Global Networks Laurence Dawkin-Jones waxed enthusiastically about the deal. Saying that it was a huge step to toward the changing face of NBCU’s UK Cable Channels, which have long been left behind by likes of Sky 1.
“This important deal is evidence of a step change in our investment in new content. These are some of the most talked about shows to come out of the LA Screenings this year and are a perfect fit with our channels.”
Jeffrey R. Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. International Television also expressed his enthusiasm about the deal. Saying that NBCU outbid all the UK Terrestrial Channels as well as Sky 1 and other interested parties. He went on to add that he is convinced that the three shows will be a perfect fit on UK SciFi Channel and Hallmark.
Roma Khanna, President, Global Networks and Digital Initiatives, added: “…We are delighted to be working with Warner Bros. to deliver top content via our world class channel brands both here in the UK and around the world.”
Universal Global Networks is already playing host to popular new shows, which included Dollhouse, Warehouse 13 and Legend Of The Seeker, and all these shows have gone a long way toward helping launch the UK SciFi Channels, HD service.
SCI FI is available on Sky channel 129 (SCI FI HD 214) and Virgin 136. Hallmark Channel is available on Sky channel 130 and Virgin 162.
Related posts:
- Valley To Portray Human Target
- Human Target Learns From Mistakes Of The Past
- Human Target Clips Now Online
- Rorschach Joins Cast Of Human Target
- ABC Hypes Up Sci-Fi Schedule With ‘V’ and Eastwick
Tags: Eastwick, Hallmark, Human Target, UK SciFi Channel, V
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