Syfy's President, Dave Howe, announced today that the network is "reigniting the channel’s traditional long-form scripted programming event for fourth quarter with the greenlight of the 6-hour series 'Ascension.'" The space travel-themed drama series will be produced in Montreal, QC by Sea To Sky Studios in association with Blumhouse Productions and is created and written by Philip Levens ("Smallville"). Levens will also serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner.
From David Howe, “Syfy is more committed than ever to bringing to life epic event television. We have a rich history in this arena, from Steven Spielberg’s ‘Taken’ to the highly acclaimed mini that launched the ‘Battlestar Galactica’ series, to reimagined takes on classic tales such as ‘Alice’ and ‘Tin Man.’ In keeping with that grand tradition, we are delighted to bring this thrilling, provocative and intelligent event to our fans later this year.”
"Ascension" is described in the release:
In 1963, the U.S. government launched a covert space mission sending hundreds of men, women and children on a century-long voyage aboard the starship Ascension to populate a new world. Nearly 50 years into the journey, as they approach the point of no return, a mysterious murder of a young woman causes the ship’s population to question the true nature of their mission.
"Ascension" will be co-financed and distributed by Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate Television and is scheduled to launch in November 2014 and air through December.
-Larissa Mrykalo