Syfy has closed a deal with ALL3MEDIA International to acquire the U.S. broadcast rights to The Almighty Johnsons, which is currently airing its third season on TV3 in its native New Zealand. The deal covers the first two seasons of the series. The 10 episode first season of The Almighty Johnsons will premiere on Syfy in 2014.
Created by James Griffin and Rachel Lang, The Almighty Johnsons follows Axl Johnson, who has recently found out that his family members are reincarnated Norse gods. As if that wasn’t enough of a problem, his family members don’t have any control over their powers and its up Axl (the reincarnation of Odin) to restore them and ensure the family’s survival by finding the reincarnation of Odin’s wife, Frigg. The dramedy series is produced by South Pacific Pictures and stars Emmett Skilton, Tim Balme, Dean O’Gorman, Jared Turner and Ben Barrington.
The acquisition of The Almighty Johnsons comes after the cable network was mulling a US adaptation of the series which was penned by Chris Dingess and was to be produced by Entertainment One. It also follows the lead of the UK’s Syfy channel, who acquired The Almighty Johnsons in early 2012 and recently picked up the show’s 13 episode third season for an August 28th premiere.
“We’re delighted to introduce quality New Zealand programming to the Syfy audience”, said Chris Regina, Senior Vice-President of Programming for Syfy, who negotiated the deal. “A compelling blend of fantasy and comedy, this quirky series should resonate strongly with our viewers.”
Kelly Martin, CEO of South Pacific Pictures, commented: “We are thrilled with the deal that ALL3MEDIA International has done. The Almighty Johnsons will be the first wholly New Zealand originated and produced drama series to be broadcast in the United States, which is a terrific accomplishment and reflects the quality of the series.”
While Louise Pedersen, Managing Director of ALL3MEDIA International, added: “This acquisition by an influential market such as the United States will be fantastic for the profile of The Almighty Johnsons and New Zealand drama on the global stage.”
