Syfy to Update Classic British Detective Series

LOS ANGELES: Syfy has reached a deal with ITV Studios to develop a one-hour scripted series pilot based on the late 1960s British detective series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

Josh Bycel (Scrubs) and Jonathan Fener (American Dad) will write and executive produce the pilot, along with Howard Braunstein of Jaffe/Braunstein Entertainment. The 26-episode show originally ran on ITV from 1969 to 1970, starring Kenneth Cope as a murdered detective who returns as a ghost, assisting his former partner, played by Mike Pratt. (The series was also remade in 2000 by Working Title Films for BBC One, where it ran for two seasons).

“Josh and Jonathan have found a great way to update the buddy-cop formula with a supernatural twist," said Mark Stern, executive VP of original programming for Syfy. "We look forward to working with them, Howard, and ITV to bring new life to this British classic.”

The project was packaged by International Creative Management, which reps ITV, Josh Bycel and Jonathan Fener.