Under new plans made by parent company NBCUniversal in the past year, the American cable television rights to the
Harry Potter and
Fantastic Beasts film series have been shifted over to one or more of their networks, ranging from Syfy, USA, TNT and TBS.
No word yet on how this will affect the various networks that showed the
Harry Potter movies over the years, especially including Freeform (formally ABC Family) and HBO. The new contract will allow the NBCU networks to broadcast any of the Wizarding World-related movies on their channels going forward.
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The network will become a home for more than a dozen Marvel super-hero movies, and will take part in a deal its parent company struck last year that make its networks the home for all eight “Harry Potter” movies as well as the new “Fantastic Beasts” series.
This is part of a greater rebranding strategy by NBCUniversal (home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions at Universal Orlando Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Universal Studios Japan), to rebrand their Syfy network on its 25th anniversary.
In advance of its 25th anniversary this September, SYFY today announced a strategic point of view focused on a renewed commitment to the genre and fandom at large. This includes an all-new look and feel, an expansion of its news division SYFY WIRE, and high profile additions to the network’s ambitious original programming slate.
“I can think of no better occasion than SYFY’s 25th anniversary to get back to our roots, double down on premium original programming, and put fans at the center of everything we do,” said Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “As the only television network dedicated to the genre 24/7, we’re building the ultimate universe for this passionate community to call home.”
Debuting on June 19, SYFY’s updated visual identity includes a new logo, typeface and look across all linear, digital, social and experiential platforms. “This is a wholesale change, top to bottom, of the way we express ourselves,” said Alexandra Shapiro, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “Our new branding is designed for the digital age and tailored to the consumption patterns of our audience, allowing us to celebrate and engage with fans on every consumer touchpoint.”
Additionally, SYFY is scaling and expanding its editorial division SYFY WIRE to infuse breaking genre news, in-depth analysis and thought-provoking original content across its entire ecosystem. Through SYFY WIRE’s website (http://syfywire.com) and on air via future program development, programming integrations and regular interstitials and lower thirds, SYFY WIRE will cover the latest and greatest in genre TV, film, books, comics, gaming and technology.
On the programming front, SYFY’s original development filter will encompass science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and superheroes/comics, reflecting the rich depth of the genre. As part of this, SYFY today announced two new high profile series pickups. The highly anticipated Superman prequel KRYPTON and the graphic novel adaptation HAPPY!, starring Christopher Meloni will join the network’s acclaimed originals slate including THE EXPANSE, THE MAGICIANS, 12 MONKEYS and CHANNEL ZERO. Additionally, the network announced new development project NIGHTFLYERS, based on the George R.R. Martin novella, which joins previously announced high profile development including BRAVE NEW WORLD, HYPERION and STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND.
Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts film sagas U.S. cable TV rights moved to NBCU networks 
