Lifetime orders The Omen TV series

Lifetime has given a straight to series order to Damien, a six-part thriller based on classic horror film The Omen.

The series will be made by Fox Television Studios, the TV production arm of Fox, the studio behind the original 1976 feature. The TV show will follow an adult life of Damien Thorn, the antichrist.

Lifetime is part of the A+E stable of cable channels. The A&E channel has enjoyed success with Bates Motel (pictured), a TV series based on another 1960s horror classic Psycho. NBC has also greenlit a Lionsgate-produced TV adaptation of Rosemary’s Baby.

Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead) will pen Damien and exec produce the show, which will launch next year. Mazzara’s 44 Strong Productions will make it alongside Fox as part of the writer’s overall deal with the studio.

“We are thrilled to be bringing a contemporary version of The Omen’s Damien Thorn back to the screen,” said Lifetime general manager Rob Sharenow. “Glen Mazzara has re-imagined him as a dark, romantic, anti-hero and this fresh take blends complex characters with premium storytelling to make something truly original.”

Fox Television Studios senior VP, programming, Nancy Cotton, added: “The Omen is a jewel in the crown of the Fox features library; we’re gratified and eager to bring a new iteration of ‘Damien’ and this iconic story to television – and to a new audience – through the vision of Glen Mazzara.”