Sci-Fi Storm

At least one program from Syfy’s Spring development slate has made it to pilot…Syfy announced today that it has ordered a pilot for The Magicians, an adaptation of Lev Grossman’s best-selling fantasy book series which has been published in 22 countries.

From Universal Cable Productions, the pilot script was written by John McNamara (Prime Suspect) and Sera Gamble (Supernatural). Michael London (Milk) and Janice Williams (All Good Girls) are set to produce.

The one-hour drama follows 20-somethings who, while studying magic in New York, discover that the magical fantasy world they read about as children is all too real and poses a grave danger to humanity.

In making the announcement, Dave Howe, President, Syfy, said: “Lev Grossman’s dazzling blend of magic and realism will capture the imagination of a new generation of viewers and further strengthen Syfy’s ownership of premium quality sci-fi fantasy drama.”

It’s Emmy season, and the 2014 Emmy nominations are out – and we’re getting at least a little love in genre-related programming.

Among the major nominations (see the complete list here):

Game of Thrones picked up a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series, along with Peter Dinklage getting a Supporting Actor nod for his role as Tyrion Lannister and Lena Headey getting a Supporting Actress nod for playing his sister Cersei Lannister. Headey will square off against former Robin Hood actress Joanne Froggatt and Professor McGonagall herself Maggie Smith, both nominated from Downton Abbey. Avengers star Diana Rigg also picked up an Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Lady Olenna Tyrell.

Game of Thrones also picked up Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series.

Big Bang Theory again puts up Jim Parsons for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, with Mayim Bialik again nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress, and Bob Newhart will defend his Guest Actor win from last year. The show also was nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Jessica Lange and Sarah Paulson will face each other in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Mini-series/Movie for American Horror Story: Coven, while Frances Conroy, Kathy Bates and Angela Bassett all represent in the Supporting actress category. The show also garnered the Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Directing nominations.

Notably absent was any nominations for Orphan Black, where by all accounts star Tatiana Maslany should have warranted a nomination.