Sci Fi TV News Briefs: Emergence Joins ABC's Fall Schedule, Disney Takes Control of Hulu, And More

Sci Fi TV News Briefs: Quick hits keeping you updated on sci fi and fantasy television news.

ABC Fall Schedule: The alphabet network released its Fall schedule this morning prior to its upfront presentation with the advertisers, and that includes one (potential) genre entry. As previously reported, ABC picked up Emergence to series after NBC passed on the show and that will air on Tuesdays at 10 PM EST. Following is the official description of the show:

Emergence is about a police chief who takes in a young child she finds near the site of a mysterious accident who has no memory of what has happened. The investigation draws her into a conspiracy larger than she ever imagined, and the child’s identity is at the center of it all.

It sounds like this one could bring in some sci fi and/or paranormal elements, so it could be worth watching. At this point ABC has no other genre entries planned for next season except the seventh year of Agents SHIELD which will air Summer 2020.

Hulu Joins the Mouse House: Disney is taking over as many entertainment properties as it can these days, and now it will take full control of the streaming service Hulu. The Mouse House already had a majority stake in the company and has now worked out a deal with Comcast to take over NBCUniversal’s remaining 33% ownership. Having Hulu may seem redundant seeing as the Disney+ streaming service is scheduled to launch later this year, but Disney can use the veteran service for programming that targets a more mature audience. Hulu already had the adult animated series Howard the Duck, Tigra and Dazzler, and more in the works, and there are hopes that Daredevil and the other Defenders shows could move to the service once Netflix’s rights for those shows expire.

Freeform Renews Siren for 3rd Season: Freeform has given the third year nod to its fantasy / mermaid series Siren. Deadline Hollywood notes that it is the network’s top-rated show, but the show’s numbers have been down from its first year. That one does well in delayed and digital viewing, though, so it will keep its head above water to at least another season. It is currently on hiatus and will return with new episodes on July 11th.

Fighting Evil: The new supernatural drama Evil, which is coming to CBS next season, has two veterans from well-known genre shows. Mike Colter, who played Luke Cage in the now cancelled Netflix / Disney series, will be the co-lead, and Michael Emerson, of Person of Interest and Lost fame, will also be part of the cast. Following is the official description of the series:

Evil is a psychological mystery that examines science vs. religion and the origins of evil. The series focuses on a skeptical female forensic psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a carpenter to investigate and assess the Church’s backlog of supposed miracles, demonic possessions and unexplained phenomena.

CBS will announce its Fall schedule later today or tomorrow.

This is Upfront week when the networks are announcing their schedules for the Fall 2019-20 season. Be sure to stay tuned to this site and r/SciFiTV for breaking news throughout the week.