Is Starz the New SF and Fantasy Network?

Wed
Mar 16 2011 11:55am

Is Starz the New SF and Fantasy Network?

Gore Verbinski

Today it was announced that cable network Starz is developing a supernatural crime drama called The Brink. Based on a J.C. Hutchins novel, this new show is being produced by Gore Verbinksi (director of the Pirates of the Caribbean series) and revolves around a character who claims to have precognitive knowledge of various deaths. The twist seems to be that this character is also a serial killer. It is being billed as a cross between House, CSI, and The X-Files. (But not Dexter?)

With fan-favorite Torchwood returning to screens via Starz in America, and their new original fantasy series Camelot forthcoming, it seems to us that this network may be trying to tap into the SFF television audience.

Between this and all the crazy 17th Precinct casting news, it sounds like SF in your backyard is here to stay....

Stubby the Rocket is the voice and mascot of Tor.com

1. asda

Wednesday March 16, 2011 02:38pm EDT

But 17th Precinct and this The Bring unfortunately both are not SF, they are contemplorary fantasy.

2. Snowkestrel

view all by Snowkestrel | Wednesday March 16, 2011 03:32pm EDT

@asda...I fail to see the point you're making.

With the exception of the final paragraph, this article is talking about SFF, as in Science Fiction and Fantasy. Thus they fall under the category being discussed from the outset.

3. SkylarkThibedeau

view all by SkylarkThibedeau | Wednesday March 16, 2011 05:34pm EDT

I enjoyed the Starz miniseries "Pillars of the Earth" which while more historical than fantasy was done quite well. The premium Channels like Starz and HBO (Game of Thrones) may with their resources be the best bet for the Genre especially if the stories and scripts are low on the need for CGI and expensive effects.

I'm afraid the Networks are so run by accountants that soon every show will be some fake reality series cheaply produced from the glut of people looking for 15 minutes of fame.

4. necrosage2005

view all by necrosage2005 | Thursday March 17, 2011 09:53am EDT

Why shouldn't someone else take up the mantle of showing good sci-fi? The SYFYlis network is now showing "reality" shows, so that to me means that they're like MTV and have given up on what their call letters are supposed to mean. MTV shouldn't try to call themselves Music TeleVision any more but Media TeleVision. I'm actually happy that there is a network out there brave enough to aknowledge that there are those of us that like SFF. Now if only I had enough money to not only get cable/satelite, but also get the pay chanels too.

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