Sci-Fi News and Reviews

SCI FI Channel - Three New Shows

I am a big fan of the SCI FI Channel. Between "Battlestar Galactica" and "Eureka" and "Doctor Who", I spend a good amount of time tuned in. So, I was initially very excited when I read that SCI FI announced that it has given a green light to three new series.

However, after looking at the shows in more detail, my excitement has faded. Here are the details of the new shows:

"Cash or Capture"
Six one-hour episodes have been ordered for this reality-based competition show. It is described as "...an action-packed, edge-of-your-seat reality competition show that pits a group of contestants against each other in the quest for a cash prize, while being stalked by relentless 'hunters'." Yup - it's a straight up reality show, with no hint of Sci-Fi.

"Estate of Panic"
Once again, six one-hour episodes of this series have been ordered. This show is produced by the same folks who run NBC's "Fear Factor" and is described as "...a physically and psychologically challenging competition in which large quantities of cash are hidden in a massive estate, and seven strangers are invited to find the money." Of course, the mansion is rigged with scary things. I don't watch "Fear Factor"...and probably won't start watching a knock-off here.

"Outer Space Astronauts"
Five half-hour epidosdes of this comedy have been ordered. It's hard to get a read on this until we see some trailers, but at least it is in a Sci-Fi setting. The minimal amount of information that is available on the show was guardedly positive.The show is ostensibly about the comedically incomptent crew of the O.S.S Oklahoma and their daily routine. It's notable that this show will be a combination of live action, 3-D and 2-D animation.

So, we have three new shows (tentatively slated for November), but, in reality (bad pun intended), only one is Sci-Fi and it will really have to be innovative to stick. Not the news I was hoping for to cure my summer doldrums!

Posted by Fred on July 21, 2008 2:12 PM
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I'm wondering if "Outer Space Astronauts" is the show I'd heard the guys were working on from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". I can't recall where I'd heard the rumor they were doing such a sci-fi idea, but that sounds like what I'd heard. And, honestly, the idea of "Sunny in Space" sounds like its been written almost exactly to my particular tastes.

-- Posted by: Ryan at July 24, 2008 12:54 AM

I don't think it is. I "imdb'd" all of the Outer Space Astronaut creators and they all share an "I Heart Huckabees" credit - but not much else of note. I think this is a brand new creative team here.

I'll have to research a bit to find the "Sunny in Space" show. I'd agree with you there - that might be something worth watching!

-- Posted by: Fred at July 24, 2008 1:17 PM

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