Sci Fi Unveils New Acquisitions

Sci Fi Unveils New Acquisitions

LONDON, March 20/PRNewswire/ -- Following the recent successful launch of SCI FI HD on the Sky platform, NBC Universal Global Networks today announces the acquisition of two highly publicised new series to join the SCI FI channel's action-packed, primetime Spring schedule.

The company has continued to underpin its ongoing growth strategy by acquiring first run standard and high definition UK pay-TV rights for Knight Rider - a high-octane sequel to the 1980s triumph from NBC Universal International Television Distribution - and Dollhouse, the long-awaited, hit new series from Buffy: The Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon, from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution.

The deals were brokered by Mark Lawrence, NBC Universal Global Network's Director of Global Programme Acquisitions, as part of the company's ongoing commitment to securing top-quality content for its UK channel brands - from both the NBC Universal stable and long-established external suppliers.

Jon Farrar, Programming Director for NBC Universal Global Networks (UK), today said: "We're dedicated to offering our audience the most exciting content available and are thrilled to become the UK home for two such highly anticipated series. Knight Rider and Dollhouse both hail from fine pedigrees, clearly reflected in their superior production values. The special effects in both series are genuinely show-stopping and likely to be the subject of many water-cooler moments for fans, who have the added choice of watching in either standard or high definition."

The Knight Rider show pilot (originally a made-for-TV movie) attracted 12.7 million viewers to its US debut and introduces lead character Mike Traceur (JUSTIN BRUENING), son of Michael Knight (guest star DAVID HASSELHOFF). Artificially intelligent super-car K.I.T.T. also makes a stylish comeback with the voice of VAL KILMER, while BRUCE DAVISON joins as creator Charles Graison.

Dollhouse is another edge-of-your seat drama boasting superior technology and a dynamic lead star. In a deal with Stephen Cornish from Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution, SCI FI has secured 13 x 1 hour long episodes of the series, which debuted in the US on February 13 to become the Fox network's highest rating Friday night premiere in four years.

The lives of an elite, underground group of beautiful and seductive operatives known as the "Dolls" are revealed in Dollhouse, starring Eliza Dushku as Echo, who is part of a highly illegal and underground group known as the "Actives," or "Dolls."

The agreement also includes the renewal of Whedon's popular Buffy spin-off Angel (Seasons 1- 5). Starring David Boreanaz as the titular vampire-turned-vampire-killer, Eliza Dushku also features in a recurring role.

Source: Sci Fi Channel

Contacts: Jane Muirhead, International Press & PR Manager, NBC Universal Global Networks (UK), Tel: +44-(0)20-7631-2951, jane.muirhead@nbcuni.com. Niki Shakallis, Press Manager, NBC Universal Global Networks (UK), Tel: +44-(0)20-7631-2950, niki.shakallis@nbcuni.com. Braben PR, Phone +44-(0)207-566-2990, Chloe Nicholls chloe@braben.co.uk. James Matheson, james@braben.co.uk

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Profile: International Entertainment