NBC acquires Sierra/Engine drama Siberia

NBC has acquired one hour drama series Siberia.

The series comes from Sierra/Engine and Oscar-nominated movie producer Michael Ohoven’s Infinity as revealed by TBI in March.

The series follows a group of contestants who think they are taking part in a Survivor-esque reality show in the Siberian wilderness, but soon realise something more sinister is occurring as things start going wrong.

Broadcast net NBC will start airing the series on Monday, July 1 in a 10pm slot.

“NBC immediately saw the potential in Siberia and this acquisition truly exemplifies the quality of this groundbreaking series.” said executive producer and Sierra/Engine CEO Chris Philip.

The series is scripted but filmed in a reality style as the ‘contestants’ become aware there is more to the competition they are taking part in than first appears.

“We created the series as a dramatic human experiment shot under difficult conditions and we are thrilled to see it on NBC,” Ohoven said.

“The concept of survival, when mysterious elements are at play, makes for a compelling show,” said Jeff Bader, president, programme planning, strategy and research for NBC Entertainment. “We believe a scripted series that offers an insightful behind-the-scenes view of how a reality concept comes together — especially when things don’t go according to plan — will connect with our audience.”

Sierra/Engine is distributing the series and launched it internationally at MIPTV. It is showing it to international buyers through LA Screenings week.