The freshman (sort of) fantasy drama Sanctuary has been renewed for a second season of 13 episodes by the Sci Fi Channel, in a statement from the executive vice president of original programming, Mark Stern.
“Sci Fi Channel will continue to trail blaze the television landscape by further exploring the many worlds of Sanctuary through its unique greenscreen environments,” said Stern. “Technology and great storytelling makes Sanctuary a fantastic addition to Sci Fi’s 2009 line-up.” Sanctuary is, of course, best known for its lead actress and executive producer, Amanda Tapping, who played the role of Colonel Samantha Carter on Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis for 11 years. The series follows Dr Helen Magnus (Tapping), a 150-year-old physician who runs a clinic and recovery centre for supernatural creatures, known as ‘Abnormals’. Along with her daughter, Ashley, and forensic psychiatrist Will Zimmerman, the episodes revolve around their encounters with these creatures, some benign and others not.
Sanctuary initially started as a web-only production, utilising extensive greenscreen processes to digitally create sets rather than build physical ones on soundstages. This practice has been carried over to the televised series, perhaps explaining why Sci Fi is so keen to pursue the show. The series had the highest audience figures for a starting original show in the history of the channel on its debut, with around 3 million viewers tuning in, a number which has averaged a 1.53 Nielsen rating since then.
Sanctuary airs in the United States every Friday night at 10pm, on the Sci Fi Channel.
