Sci-Fi UK acquires pay-TV rights to Legend of The Seeker
Sci-Fi channel has snapped up the UK, pay-TV rights to ABC Studio's Legend of the Seeker, a fantasy drama series executive produced by Spider-Man director Sam Raimi.
The channel has acquired the first two seasons, which each comprise 22 x 60-minute episodes, from Disney/ABC/ESPN Television and it will debut the drama in August.
The story centres on woodsman Richard Cypher, played by Australian actor Craig Horner, who unwittingly possesses magical powers. He becomes duty-bound to use his skills against an evil tyrant named Darken Rahl, who commands an increasingly threatening army. The fantasy drama is based on The Sword of Truth novels by Terry Goodkind.
Legend of the Seeker premiered in the US on the ABC network in 2008 and was confirmed for a second season earlier this year.
Sci-Fi has picked up several US drama acquistions in recent years that have gone on to become cult hits, ranging from Heroes - debuting in the UK on Sci-Fi before its move to the BBC - to Dollhouse, from Buffy creator Joss Whedon.
Charlotte Ashton, vice president of programming and marketing, NBC Universal Global Networks UK, said: "Legend of the Seeker is an exciting addition to the channel’s summer primetime schedule. In keeping with our other first run offerings Knight Rider and Dollhouse, its pedigree has ensured one of the most anticipated fantasy series launches of 2009. The sword-n-sorcery sub-genre has a worthy new hero in Legend of The Seeker, which we expect the UK audience to fully embrace."
