US import 'Weeds' headlines Sky One's autumn season

by Sam Matthews, Brand Republic 17-Aug-05, 11:00

LONDON – Sky One has unveiled its autumn line-up including the highly praised controversial US comedy drama 'Weeds', a slew of sci-fi shows and the hunt for the next David Beckham in 'Football Icon'.

'Weeds' stars 'West Wing' actress Mary Louise Parker as a widow selling marijuana to support her family after her husband's death. It debuted in the States last year to critical acclaim, with The New York Post describing it as "so good... it's in a class by itself".

Heading the sci-fi line-up is 'Threshold' is a chilling US drama about the US Navy's discovery of an extraterrestrial craft in the Atlantic Ocean. The show stars Brent Spiner, best known as Data from 'Star Trek:TNG', among others.

Returning sci-fi series include 'The 4400', 'Stargate SG-1', 'Stargate Atlantis' and homegrown supernatural drama 'Hex'.

'Football Icon' follows Sky One and Chelsea Football Club's hunt for the next big football star. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho will judge 12 aspiring young footballers to decide which lucky winner will receive the top prize -- a contract with the Premiership team's academy.

The world of sport and celebrity collide in the 'All*Star Cup' and 'The Match'. The former features a host of celebrities competing in a Ryder Cup-style clash. Catherine Zeta Jones, Jodie Kidd and Chris Evans compete for the UK while Michael Douglas, Rob Lowe and Cheryl Ladd tee off for the US.

'The Match' returns in October with Zoe Ball and Mark Durden Smith presiding over the action between celebrity football teams managed by Graham Taylor and Sir Bobby Robson.

Provoking documentary 'Final Chance to Save' sees 'Ab Fab' star Joanna Lumley and comedian Griff Rhys Jones highlight the plight of endangered animals and with the help of experts implement strategies for their survival.

In addition, Hollywood stars Minnie Driver, Macaulay Culkin, former footballers Vinnie Jones and Ian Wright and comedians Neil Morrisey and Harry Enfield try to survive in some of the world's toughest destinations in 'Excellent Adventure'.

James Baker, controller of Sky One, said: "Our autumn programming promises to be our strongest line-up to date. We're confident that Sky One continues to bring the best from the US with 'Weeds' set to mirror its emphatic US reception from audiences and critics alike, 'Threshold' exhibiting the potential for an 'X-Files' style cross-over success and returning series 'Nip/Tuck' and 'The 4400' continuing to captivate audiences."

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