THE Syfy Channel has acquired the rights to the classic British detective series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) from ITV Studios, Inc. for development as a pilot for a one-hour scripted series to be produced by ITV Studios. Josh Bycel (Scrubs) and Jonathan Fener (American Dad) will write and executive produce. Howard Braunstein of Jaffe/Braunstein Entertainment (The Memory Keepers Daughter/Christmas in Canaan) will also executive produce.
Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) is based on the popular British detective series from the late 1960's in which Marty Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope) is murdered in the line of duty. He returns as a ghost, visible only to his former partner, Jeff Randall (Mike Pratt), and assists him in crime-fighting from beyond the grave. The series, which was syndicated in the U.S. under the title My Partner The Ghost, was later revived on British TV in 2000 for two seasons with actors/comedians Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves in the title roles.
"Josh and Jonathan have found a great way to update the buddy-cop formula with a supernatural twist. We look forward to working with them, Howard and ITV to bring new life to this British classic," said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming for Syfy.
Julie Meldal-Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Business, Development and Business Affairs, Scripted/Digital, TV Studios, commented, "We're delighted at the opportunity to develop this proven property for Syfy and are fortunate to have partnered with writers of the caliber of Josh and Jonathan."
