CBC ascends to Syfy drama series

Canadian pubcaster CBC has acquired Ascension, US network Syfy’s upcoming futuristic drama.

The Canandian pubcaster will launch the six-part show in November. The deal comes after Ascension went into production in Montreal this week.

The thriller follows a group of people sent from Earth in 1963 to populate a new planet who are rocked by a murder that makes them question the true nature of their century-long mission.

It comes from Philip Levens (Smallville), who is also showrunner and executive producer. Jason Blum (The Purge, Paranormal Activity) is also attached as are Ivan Fecan, Tim Gamble and Brett Burlock from Sea To Sky Studios.

Lionsgate Television coproduces the show with Sea to Sky in association with Lift Off Productions and Blumhouse Productions. Universal Cable Productions and Lionsgate co-financed and distribute the series.

Adding this futuristic drama series will complement our overall schedule nicely and will undoubtedly draw a strong audience with its compelling and unusual plot line,” said Sally Catto, general manager of programming, CBC Television.