Nightflyers (TV series)

Nightflyers is an American horror science fiction television series. It first aired on Syfy in the United States on December 2, 2018, and became available internationally on Netflix starting February 1, 2019. The show is adapted from George R. R. Martin's novella and related short stories of the same name. Its first season ran for ten episodes, ending on December 13, 2018, and Syfy canceled the series in February 2019.

Set in 2093, the story follows a team of scientists traveling through space aboard the advanced vessel Nightflyer. Their goal is to achieve first contact with extraterrestrial life. However, violent and terrifying events begin happening on the ship, causing the crew to suspect one another. They eventually realize something else is aboard with them, and they must save the vessel and complete their mission.

The main cast includes Eoin Macken as astrophysicist Karl d’Branin, the expedition’s leader; David Ajala as the reclusive captain Roy Eris; Jodie Turner-Smith as Melantha Jhirl; Angus Sampson as xenobiologist Rowan; Sam Strike as L-1 telepath Thale; Maya Eshet as cyberneticist Lommie Thorne, who communicates with the ship’s computers through a neuro-port in her arm; Brían F. O'Byrne as chief engineer Auggie; and Gretchen Mol as psychiatrist Agatha Matheson, who specializes in telepaths. Recurring roles include Phillip Rhys, Gwynne McElveen, Zoë Tapper, Miranda Raison, Bronte Carmichael, Youssef Kerkour, Joplin Sibtain, Josette Simon, Brielle Olaleye, Daniel Adegboyega, Olwen Fouéré, and Ned Dennehy.

Development began in 2016 after Syfy acquired the rights. The series also draws from the 1987 film adaptation. George R. R. Martin was not directly involved due to his exclusive contract with HBO but received an executive producer credit. Production started in early 2018 in Limerick, Ireland, including at Troy Studios. Daniel Cerone served as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Gene Klein, David Bartis, Doug Liman, Alison Rosenzweig, Michael Gaeta, Lloyd Ivan Miller, and Alice P. Neuhauser. Visual effects were primarily handled by Spin VFX, with Territory Studio providing user interfaces and Switch Visual Effects offering additional support. The effects were designed to integrate with the large practical set built for the ship.

Netflix joined as a co-producer, holding international rights and secondary U.S. rights.