Syfy Acquires BBC Worldwide America's SINBAD; Set for April 2013 Premiere

Syfy today announced it has acquired the international hit series Sinbad from BBC Worldwide America, Sales & Distribution. One of the most enduring stories of all time, the imaginative and fantastical quest of Sinbad will premiere on Syfy in April 2013.

Starring newcomer Elliot Knight in the title role, the 12-part series follows Sinbad's sea-bound journey after he is forced to flee from his home town of Basra. Surviving a violent and magical storm, Sinbad embarks on an emotional journey to embrace his destiny.

Naveen Andrews (Lost) stars as Sinbad's nemesis, Lord Akbari. The series also features appearances by Sophie Okonedo (Hotel Rwanda, The Secret Life of Bees), Timothy Spall (Harry Potter, The King's Speech) and Dougray Scott (Hitman, Mission Impossible: II).

On board "The Providence," Sinbad is joined by an intriguing band of travelers including Norwegian sailor Gunnar (Elliot Cowan), the jewel-thief Rina (Marama Corlett), and aristocrat Nala (Estella Daniels). Completing the ship's complement is the Cook (Junix Inocian) and the cerebral doctor Anwar (Dimitri Leonidas).

In making the announcement, Chris Regina, Senior Vice President, Programming & Original Movies, Syfy, said: "When mystical meets muscle, anything can happen in this exciting, action-packed series. With its strong production values and rich story, Sinbad will be a terrific addition to our primetime lineup."

Matt Forde, EVP Sales and Co-Productions, BBC Worldwide America, said: "This new version of a timeless classic is going to take American audiences by storm. Syfy is the perfect home for Sinbad."

Sinbad is an Impossible Pictures Production for British Sky Broadcasting in association with BBC Worldwide. The deal was brokered by Jemma Adkins, Senior VP Sales and Co-Productions, BBC Worldwide America.

BBC Worldwide America Sales & Distribution is one of five core businesses operating in the U.S. under BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm and wholly-owned subsidiary of the UK public service broadcaster, BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). BBC Worldwide exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets for the benefit of the UK license payer, and invests in programming in return for rights. The Sales & Distribution business negotiates, sells and distributes television programs to networks and secures co-production partners in the region.

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)