Kiwi Series ‘The Almighty Johnsons’ Acquired By U.S. Cable Syfy

Fantasy series “The Almighty Johnsons” is getting U.S. air time. The first two seasons of the top-rating TV3 series from New Zealand has been bought by the U.S. cable company Syfy.

According to Variety, the 10-episode first season will be aired by the sci-fi cable channel in 2014, followed by the 13 episodes from season two.

“We’re delighted to introduce quality New Zealand programming to the Syfy audience,” Senior VP of Programming Chris Regina said. “A compelling blend of fantasy and comedy, this quirky series should resonate strongly with our viewers.”

Added South Pacific Pictures CEO Kelly Martin, “The Almighty Johnsons will be the first wholly New Zealand originated and produced drama series to be broadcast in the United States.”

“The Almighty Johnsons” is the first New Zealand-produced TV program that has gotten a U.S. broadcast deal. There are other productions that have been made in the country before, such as “Hercules” and “Xena: Warrior Princess,” but they have had overseas backing.

Chief executive Kelly Martin from South Pacific Pictures, which created the show, said that it’s a first that a Kiwi show made for local audiences with local actors speaking in local accents has got such distribution.

Ms Martin refused to divulge to NZ Newswire how much the deal is worth, just saying, “It’s a good deal for us.”

“The Almighty Johnsons,” which first aired in February 2011, is about four brothers who are descendents of Norse Gods. The main character, Axl Johnson, has discovered that he is the reincarnation of Odin on his 21st birthday, and it’s up to him to restore the full control of his and his brothers’ powers, and ensure their survival by finding the reincarnation of Frigg, Odin’s wife.

It stars Kiwi actors Emmett Skilton, Tim Balme, Dean O’Gorman, and Jared Turner.

The third season of the show is currently in production.