Xbox and Channel 4 team up on new show “Humans”

Written by Brandon Hofer on April 07, 2014

News: A new show has been added to the Xbox Entertainment stable with “Humans,” an adaptation of “Real Humans.”

Earlier today Xbox Entertainment Studios and UK broadcaster Channel 4 announced a new partnership to co-produce “Humans,” a bold new drama. The hour long, eight episode series will be produced by award-winning UK production company, Kudos (“The Hour,” “Utopia,” “Broadchurch”). “Humans” will share a premiere broadcast window on both the Xbox platform in North America and Channel 4 in the UK in 2015.

“Humans” is an english language adaptation of Sveriges Television and Matador Film’s acclaimed series “Real Humans.” “Humans” is set in a parallel present where the latest must-have gadgets for any busy family is a ‘Synth’ - a highly developed robotic servant eerily similar to its live counterpart. In the hope of transforming the way they live, one strained suburban family purchases a refurbished synth only to discover that sharing life with a machine has far-reaching and chilling consequences.

“‘Humans’ not only questions personal relationships, we loved how this sci-fi show toys with reality and our connection to technology,” said Xbox Entertainment Studios President Nancy Tellem. “This deal with Channel 4 and Kudos underscores Xbox Entertainment Studios’ commitment to programming premium TV series with global partners and creating engaging interactive experiences.”

Other previously announced projects include a “Halo” television series executive produced by Steven Spielberg, “Every Street United,” an unscripted series about the globally significant sport of street soccer, a tech-focused documentary series by award-winning producers Simon and Jonathan Chinn, the live event Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and a “Halo” digital feature project executive produced by Ridley Scott and David Zucker.

"In Humans, Sam and Jon have not only crafted an ingenious and imaginative thriller, they’re also asking big, thought-provoking questions about how we live," said Piers Wenger, Head of Drama for Channel 4. "I'm thrilled to be working once again with the team at Kudos and to be partnering with Xbox Entertainment Studios to bring this extraordinary and epic series to the screen. This is the first co-production commission to benefit from Channel 4’s increased investment in drama and reaffirms our commitment to ambitious, highly original drama series."
"Exploring themes of love, discrimination and integration, this thrilling, beautifully written series allows us to get under the skin of what it means to be human in the most compelling way," said Jane Featherstone, Executive Producer for Kudos. "The bold, innovative storylines and subject matter lend themselves perfectly to this pioneering collaboration with Channel 4 and Xbox."

Which of these projects are you looking forward to the most? Tell us what you think below.