Syfy developing drama series based on 'Gateway' novel

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The Syfy channel is developing a drama series based on Frederik Pohl's novel "Gateway."

In "Gateway," the discovery of an asteroid containing an alien race's abandoned spaceship prompts a gold rush for the advanced technology, Syfy said Wednesday.

The hour-long series will be produced by David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica") and Josh Pate ("Falling Skies"), the channel told a TV critics' meeting.

"Gateway" raises "profound questions about mankind's possible relationship with alien life," Syfy executive Bill McGoldrick said in a statement.

Pohl's 1977 award-winning novel about the alien Heechee race was followed by sequels and was the basis of a video game.

The show's debut date and cast were not announced.