Russell T Davies' Hit U.K. Kids Series "Wizards vs Aliens" Makes Its U.S. Premiere On Hub Network

LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hub Network, a destination for kids and their families, announced today that the popular U.K. series, "Wizards vs Aliens," will make its U.S. debut on the network with a two-part episode Saturday, June 1, 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET. New episodes will air weekly Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. ET. "Wizards vs Aliens" was the number one show in its time slot amongst all U.K. channels for children 6-12 and children 10-15. Additionally, it was the second-highest rated series on CBBC for viewers (4+) and women 16+ in 2012. The acquired live-action series comes from acclaimed writer-producers Russell T Davies ("Doctor Who") and Phil Ford ("Sarah Jane Adventures").

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View promo at http://www.hubworld.com/watch/2319057291001

As the latest international import to land on U.S. soil, "Wizards vs Aliens" takes viewers on spellbinding adventures with two of the U.K.'s hottest actors Scott Haran ("Upstairs Downstairs") and Percelle Ascott ("Mandem on the Wall"). Kicking off with an action-packed two-part episode, the series follows Tom Clarke (Haran), a 16-year-old teenager who's hiding a secret – he's a wizard.  Bound by secrecy to never reveal his powers, Tom confides in his best friend Benny Sherwood (Ascott) and together they embark on a dark crusade to save the world against Nekross, an alien race determined to drain the world of magic. Mentored by his enchanted grandmother (Annette Badland, "Doctor Who"), Tom must use his growing powers on an evil force he never imagined existed until now.

This hit series also stars some of Britain's most talented actors, including Gwendoline Christie ("Game of Thrones"), Michael Higgs ("EastEnders"), Jefferson Hall ("Vikings"), Tim Rose ("Star Wars"), the voice of Brian Blessed ("Star Wars") and Dan Starkey ("Doctor Who"). "Wizards vs Aliens" is produced by BBC Cymru Wales and FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment.

As previously announced, June marks the start of The Hub's summer programming with the premiere of several new and returning series, including the following:

• Two all-new, back-to-back episodes of "Pound Puppies" on Saturday, June 1 at 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. ET
• "SheZow" on Saturday, June 1 at 12:30 p.m. ET
• "The Aquabats! Super Show!" on Saturday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET
• UK hit series "Wizards vs Aliens" with two back-to-back episodes on Saturday, June 1 at 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. ET
• All-new episodes of "Kaijudo: Clash of the Duel Masters" on Friday, June 21 at 3:30 p.m. ET

About Hub Network
Hub Network is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery's library of award-winning children's educational programming; from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. Hub Network's lineup includes animated and live-action series, as well as specials, game shows, and family-favorite movies. The network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence at www.hubworld.com. Hub Network rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and is available in nearly 73 million U.S. households. The Hub Network logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

To find the channel in your area, please visit http://www.hubworld.com and check the channel locator at the top of the page.

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About FremantleMedia
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators, producers and distributors of television entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of RTL Group, the leading European entertainment network, which is in turn majority-owned by the international media company Bertelsmann. FremantleMedia is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama, factual entertainment and kids & family programming, with market leading capabilities that extend from content creation to licensing, digital and branded entertainment, gaming and home entertainment. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, FremantleMedia UK, FremantleMedia Australia, Ludia, @radical.media and Original Productions, among others) has one of the most comprehensive global networks with operations in 22 countries, creating over 9,200 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. The company also distributes more than 20,000 hours of content in over 150 countries.  FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally produces such programmes as: Idols, Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.
www.fremantlemedia.com

About FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment
FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment was founded in 2009 and has quickly become a worldwide leader in the family entertainment business. With 15 titles in production in collaboration with top producers on four continents, FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment is already one of the most prolific independent producers and distributors of content in the sector today. Its growing portfolio of content spans across four key genres: preschool, kids comedy, action/adventure and tween/teen fare. FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment is bringing to networks around the world innovative and exciting shows for television and new media platforms that feature live-action, 2D animation, CGI, stop-motion, puppetry and real-time animation with programming targeting demographics ranging in scope from preschool through high school.

SOURCE Hub Network