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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