Logo

TVWeek

First-Ever Science Fiction Multichannel Network to Premiere This Month — With Some Old TV Favorites in the Programming Lineup

Oct 19, 2015  •  Post A Comment

A new network is set to premiere this month that is billed as the first-ever 24/7 science fiction multichannel network. The network, Comet, is a joint venture of MGM and Sinclair Broadcast Group, with the companies issuing a release today announcing plans for the net.

Comet premieres Oct. 31, when it’s set to launch with distribution reaching 65 million homes — 60% of the U.S. TV market.

The network will feature more than 1,500 hours of premium MGM content, the release notes. The announcement was made today by David Amy, Chief Operating Officer of Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., and John Bryan, President, Domestic Television Distribution, MGM.

“The network will debut in all top markets including New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; St. Louis, MO; San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA; Washington D.C.; Boston, MA; Pittsburgh, PA and Houston, TX,” the companies said in the announcement. “In addition to the Sinclair owned television stations, Comet will also launch on a number of Tribune and Titan stations.”

The announcement adds: “The network will feature a mix of science fiction, fantasy and adventure fan-favorites from MGM including television series such as ‘Outer Limits’ and ‘Dead Like Me,’ with the blockbusters ‘Stargate SG-1,’ ‘Stargate Atlantis’ and ‘Stargate Universe’ anchoring the prime-time lineup. MGM films will play a crucial role in programming as well, with ‘Moonraker’ and ‘The Terminator’ featured during the premiere; ‘Species’ and ‘Leviathan’ will also be highlighted throughout the month.”

Amy commented: “MGM has an extensive collection of science fiction films and television movies that appeal to a vast audience who will now be able to access that content through broadcast television.”

The announcement also notes: “Under the ownership of Sinclair Television Group, MGM will handle certain operations of the network, including programming. The venture will be overseen by Sinclair Television Group Co-Chief Operating Officer Steve Pruett.”

outer limits

10 Comments

  1. Now if they can only get WB to let them run Babylon 5, they will have a hit on their hands.

  2. Hopefully they’ll show the old and newer Outer Limits

  3. I love the newer Outer Limits! I’ve seen them all!

  4. will Comet be on Verizon fios?

  5. Surprised its taken so long. Hope it works! Hope they get Babylon 5 as well. Obviously, getting the TREK franchise would be a good idea as well. METV has classic TREK but everything else is up for grabs.

  6. Deja Vu all over again. I can remember the Sci-Fi Channel doing the exact same thing 22 years ago.

  7. Would be cool to see The Invaders

  8. Will they eventually air in Florida?

  9. i wonder if they will show the original battlestar galactica and space 1999.

  10. I agree with with some of the others, that Babylon 5 would be nice, but can we add Farscape, UFO, and some more of the British sifi.

Leave a Reply to Matt Cancel Reply

Email (will not be published)