Credit: SyFy.
The cosmos continues to fascinate mankind and while we wait for signs of extraterrestrial life, Robert Zemeckis’ hit UFO drama Project Blue Book will return for a second series, the news comes before Project Blue Book has even started to air on UK TV. Deadline reports that History has made a 10-series order of the show.
The order comes amidst top ratings. Just last month, Project Blue Book ranked number 1 for new series on cable in the US with an average of 3.4 million viewers in L+3. Deadline credits the show for driving History to the number 1 spot amongst cable networks as far as Tuesday night prime viewership is concerned.
“We are believers in Project Blue Book and so is our audience who has sparked a conversation about the hundreds of unsolved cases and our nation’s military response to UFOs that have remained relatively secret until now,” Executive Vice President and Head of Programming and History Eli Lehrer stated.
“Zemeckis, A+E Studios and our extraordinary creative team have shaped a compelling narrative that is the perfect blend of historical authenticity and entertainment that inspires curiosity in our viewers to learn more. We’ve touched on a very relevant topic and look forward to a second season.”
What is Project Blue Book about?
Based on true top-secret U.S. military operations to identify unidentified flying objects, the series follows UFO researcher Dr. Josef Allen Hynek.
Unfolding events are inspired by Hynek’s true personal experiences. The U.S. Air Force recruited Hynek, then a brilliant college professor, to lead an underground government operation researching the thousands of UFO sightings that took place in the 1950s and 60s. Allegedly, there are over 700 unsolved cases to this day.
Each episode of Project Blue Book draws from actual case files, combining them with authentic historical events from one of the most thrilling eras of U.S. history. Real incidents explored in the series include the Gorman Dogfight of Fargo, the North Dakota Flatwoods Monster of West Virginia, the Lubbock Lights of Texas, and the Chiles-Whitted UFO Incident of Montgomery, Alabama, to name a few.
Who is behind the series?
Project Blue Book is produced by A+E Studios in association with Compari Entertainment. Robert Zemeckis, the Academy award-winning director and producer behind the Back to the Future trilogy and Forrest Gump executive produces.
Zemeckis works alongside Sean Jablonski (Nip/Tuck) who serves as showrunner, co-executive producer, and writer. David O’Leary is a creator, writer, and co-executive producer on the series. Other EP’s include Jack Rapke, Jackie Levine, and Barry Jossen.
Who stars in Project Blue Book?
Aidan Gillen stars as lead character Dr. Josef Allen Hynek. This Game of Thrones and Peaky Blinders alum is best recognized for his role as Petyr Baelish (aka Littlefinger) in GoT. Deadline describes Hynek as a “brilliant college professor recruited by the Air Force to spearhead this clandestine operation that researched thousands of cases, many of which never were solved”.
Neal McDonough plays General James Harding, who oversees the affairs of Project Blue Book. His previous small screen appearances include Suits, Arrow, and The Flash.
Laura Mennell (The Man in the High Castle, Watchmen) stars as Josef’s wife Mimi.
The Vampire Diaries’ Michael Malarkey stars as Captain Michael Quinn while Orphan Black’s Ksenia Solo plays Susie Miller.
When does it air?
In the U.S., Project Blue Book Series 1 currently airs on Tuesdays at 10pm ET/PT on History.
Like its predecessor, Series 2 will also consist of 10 episodes when it eventually airs.
But more importantly…
When will Project Blue Book air on UK TV?
Despite yet another pesky delay, viewers across the pond will get to see what the fuss is all about rather soon.
Series 1 will premiere in the UK at 9pm on March 27th on SyFy.
Although there is no official release date for Series 2 in the UK, we do expect to find out relatively soon given History’s recent renewal announcement.
Did you know there’s a podcast?
Delve further into UFO sightings and related events via the official Project Blue Book Podcast courtesy of Syfy Wire.
While it offers a nice compliment to the show, those worried about spoilers may want to hold off until after the series airs. The podcast features cast members and creatives who discuss episodes and cases in detail.
For a tease of the series, try the Project Blue Book Series 1 trailer below instead!