Steven Spielberg instrumental in bringing Extant to TV

Steven Spielberg was instrumental in bringing new sci-fi series Extant to the small screen according to series showrunner Greg Walker:

"Well, very involved in the very beginning. I mean, even before I was involved, he read Mickey's script and responded to it. And he kind of brought it under his roof there at Amblin Television and brought Mickey in. And then I joined up. And then we went and went out and pitched it," Walker recalled. "But every step of the way, from the creation of the world after what... you know, the extension of the world post-Mickey's pilot, and through every character's development and all the season-long arcs, we consulted with Steven and had long conversations with him."

The series starring Halle Berry as an astronaut premieres on CBS and Prime Instant Video this July.

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Sci-fi thriller Extant debuts on Amazon Prime Instant

Amazon has announced CBS Studios International's sci-fi thriller Extant, starring Academy Award-winner Halle Berry and produced by Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, will premiere exclusively on Amazon Prime Instant Video in the UK this July.

“Extant is a bold and thrilling new series from some of the biggest names in entertainment”, said Chris Bird, Strategy Director for Amazon Instant Video Film & TV. “Having such a highly anticipated and star-studded show premiere exclusively on Prime Instant Video is a perfect example of our ongoing commitment to bringing the very best in movie and TV entertainment to our customers in the UK.”

While Armando Nuñez, President and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Global Distribution Group, added: “We’re excited to see the first window of Extant stream on Amazon in the UK. With its stellar talent, unique concept and production auspices, Extant is sure to be this year’s television event in the U.S. and around the globe.”

Amazon is upping the ante in its streaming war with Netflix and NOW TV in the UK.

Extant joins a growing line up of first run content on Prime Instant Video including Starz’s Black Sails, the TF1 series Crossing Lines, History’s epic drama Vikings as well as Amazon Studios original series Alpha House, Betas, The After, Mozart In The Jungle and Transparent.