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The latest project from Xbox Entertainment Studios, the Microsoft division that produces original programming for the Xbox brand, is a science fiction drama series called Humans, the company announced today.
Humans is being produced in the U.K. by Kudos (Life on Mars, Law & Order: UK) and is an English-language adaptation of the Swedish series Real Humans (image above), which debuted in 2012. The show is set to premiere in 2015 both online and on television: It will be available in North America on the Xbox platform, and in the U.K. on Channel 4. In addition to Jane Featherstone and Derek Wax from Kudos, Henrik Widman and Lars Lundström from Matador Films, the company behind Real Humans, will serve as executive producers.
The initial order is for eight hourlong episodes. Humans takes place in the present day, except that the cutting-edge gadget in the show's universe is the "Synth," a lifelike, humanoid robot that functions as a family servant. The series focuses on one family that buys a refurbished unit, and the challenges and consequences that come along with it.
"Humans not only questions personal relationships, we loved how this sci-fi show toys with reality and our connection to technology," said Nancy Tellem, president of Xbox Entertainment Studios, in a post on Xbox Wire. "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."
Xbox Entertainment Studios, which was founded last year, is also working on a live-action Halo series; a series of documentaries, including one about excavating the fabled E.T. dump in New Mexico; and reality television.
