UKTV has signed a second J.J. Abrams-backed drama for its flagship subscription channel, Watch.
Almost Human is a 13-part futuristic thriller from Warner Bros. International Television Distribution (WBITD) and Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions.
The channel has already snapped up supernatural drama Believe which is co-produced by Abrams and filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón and gets its UK debut tonight.
Set 35 years in the future, Almost Human features Detective John Kennex, played by Star Trek’s Karl Urban, who is the sole survivor of a devastating police ambush.
When he wakes from a 17-month coma he can’t remember much — except that his partner was killed, he lost one of his legs and he is now outfitted with a highly sophisticated synthetic appendage.
Still suffering from psychological trauma, John returns to work at the behest of longtime ally Captain Sandra Maldonado (Lili Taylor), where he is partnered with Dorian (Michael Ealy – The Good Wife), a discontinued android with unexpected emotional responses.
As he adjusts to working with his new synthetic partner, John must also learn to get along with his new colleagues, including technician Rudy Lom (Mackenzie Crook), human intelligence analyst Detective Valerie Stahl (Minka Kelly) and the distrustful Detective Richard Paul (Michael Irby).
Together John and Dorian fight crime in a dangerous, futuristic landscape, while the mystery surrounding John’s attack and the larger mythology of this new world starts to unfold.
Steve Hornsey, General Manager at Watch, said: “The combination of Almost Human’s unique and compelling twist on a police procedural drama and J.J. Abrams’ stamp of creative quality makes this show the perfect fit for Watch.
“It also reinforces our commitment to premiering fresh and exciting US content to UK viewers, ahead of other British broadcasters.”
“We believe that Almost Human will be a terrific addition to Watch’s programming line-up,” said Jeffrey Schlesinger, President, Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Distribution. “We look forward to the series finding a loyal following in the U.K.”
Created by J.H. Wyman, the series will air in the UK in May.
