Syfy is piling on the classic sci-fi novel adaptations in this upcoming season, and we couldn't be more excited for The Expanse and Childhood's End. We knew they were both coming near the end of the 2015, but now they both have specific premiere dates, smack dab in the middle of the holiday season.
Childhood's End is based on the classic novel of the same name by Arthur C. Clarke, which has never been adapted for the screen in 60 years. It was conceived as a limited miniseries, with six episodes running back-to-back over three consecutive nights, starting on December 14 at 8pm ET.
Childhood's End follows the peaceful invasion of Earth by the alien Overlords, who promise to eliminate poverty, war and sickness – ushering in a golden age of peace, health and security for all of humankind. But why do the Overlords insist on hiding their appearance – and what do they ultimately want from Earth? While much of the world enjoys its newfound utopia, some suspect there's a price to pay. As the truth about the Overlords' intentions are revealed, humanity will discover its actual destiny may actually be a nightmare, instead of a dream.
The series stars Game of Thrones's Charles Dance as the Overlord Karellen, as well as Under the Dome's Mike Vogel and Last Resort's Daisy Betts. It will be directed by Sherlock's Nick Hurran and written by Doctor Who's Matthew Graham.
The Expanse, which is based on the series of novels by James S.A. Corey (a penname for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), stars Thomas Jane (The Punisher), Steven Strait (Sky High), and Wes Chatham (The Hunger Games series). It will debut its first two episodes in a two-night premiere on Monday, December 14 and Tuesday, December 15, after which it will air weekly in the 10pm ET slot on Tuesdays. The first two episodes were directed by Terry McDonough, best known for helming several episodes of Breaking Bad and an episode of the spin-off, Better Call Saul.
Two hundred years in the future, in a fully colonized Solar System, detective Josephus Miller, born in the asteroid belt, is given the assignment to find a missing young woman, Julie Mao. Joining his task is James Holden, formerly first officer of an ice freighter who is involved in an incident caused by the tense relationship between Earth, Mars and the Belt. Soon the two find out that the missing woman is connected to a vast conspiracy.