Sci-Fi Adds New Shows To Upgrade Lineup

The Sci Fi Channel, one of the less heralded parts of the NBC Universal cable portfolio, is trying to upgrade its original programming. It has partnered with British "mentalist" Derren Brown--tabbed "part James Bond, part Yoda"--and "24" star Kiefer Sutherland.

Also coming is a distinctive Sci Fi takeoff on the novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," in a winter mini-series. Plus, "Battlestar Galactica" returns for a fourth season in early 2008 with 22 new episodes--up from 13.

Brown, who has a run of hit series and specials in the U.K., will take center stage in a limited series carrying the working title "Derren Brown Project." Brown's "skills" apparently allow him to mastermind human behavior, such as orchestrating a person's willingness to give up car keys or a wallet to a stranger. Six one-hour episodes are set for this summer, Sci Fi said in a pre-upfront announcement covering its future programming plans.

The net said it has also developed "Phenomenon," which features a team of experts investigating "supernatural anomalies of nature." Executive produced by "24" star Sutherland, the network has ordered a two-hour pilot.

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In 89 million homes, the 15-year-old Sci Fi has seen ratings rise recently among the male 18-to-24 set, with a 43% increase in February versus the prior month. Even as NBC prime time has struggled, top executives at NBCU parent GE often cite Sci Fi in their quarterly earnings calls with analysts as a bright spot.

"The Wizard of Oz" takeoff carries the working title "Tin Man," and is set for December. Zooey Deschanel and Richard Dreyfuss headline the mini-series, where Deschanel's character is sent into "The Outer Zone" and embarks on a dangerous journey along what's called the "Old Road," taking her to the Mystic Man wizard (played by Dreyfuss). En route, she is joined by a motley trio that includes a man missing half his brain, a wolverine-type seeking courage and an ex-policeman with a scarred heart.

In addition to "Galactica," "Ghost Hunters"--a weekly reality series that follows a pair of plumbers billed as "real-life ghostbusters" who investigate the paranormal--will return for a fourth season.

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