Affirmative: Babylon 5 has been freed by Watch

TX: 4th November 2013, 5pm

The fans campaigned in their thousands for Babylon 5 to return to TV and we listened. From 4th November, viewers will be able to watch every single episode of the '90s sci-fi classic from the very beginning, only on Watch.

This exciting announcement follows a passionate campaign by the show's loyal fans, who took to social media platforms, websites and blogs to publicise their global Free Babylon 5' movement, which called for the series to be rerun on TV, to protect the show's legacy and gather new followers.

Determined to shine the spotlight on Babylon 5 once more, devoted fans have sent a whopping 4,139 Tweets using the hashtag #FreeBabylon5 and 2,780 have liked the dedicated Facebook page, since the campaign launched in September. They've even handed out bespoke merchandise at events and held auctions to fund their mission.

The quest has been an astronomical success. Now, superfans and new viewers alike will be able to see all 110 episodes of the cult classic, weekdays at 5pm, plus six feature length telefilms on Watch.

The series, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary next year, was created by J. Michael Straczynski, who also wrote Clint Eastwood's BAFTA-nominated film, Changeling.

The American writer and producer says:

I am thrilled beyond words that Watch has successfully drilled through the walls and allowed Babylon 5 to escape onto television screens throughout the UK TV universe. My thanks to the thousands of fans who made this happen. As noted more than once in the show, Faith Manages.

General Manager, Watch, Steve Hornsey said

The fans' sheer enthusiasm for Babylon 5 proves what an appetite there is for this iconic series and I'm delighted Watch its exclusive new home. This television epic perfectly matches the channel's premise of being a unique viewing destination that provides out-of-this-world programming.

Set between the years 2258 and 2281 CE, Babylon 5 is the name of an enormous space station, placed into orbit by the Earth Alliance. Run by a peaceful crew of Earth men and women, Babylon 5 serves as a refuge for anyone seeking sanctuary from the hostile federations which fight to control the galaxy. In this strange and dangerous world, humans and aliens strive to build a new and better future.

Watch also showcases other popular sci-fi classics, including Dr Who, Torchwood and Doctor Who: The Doctors Revisited.

END

For more information, please contact: Lara Feinstein, Corporate Communications Coordinator

Notes to editors: About Watch Watch is an entertainment channel that promises to surprise with out of the ordinary programming. Premiering hit fantasy and science-fiction dramas such as Grimm, Beauty and the Beast, Masterchef Australia, Perception and Sanctuary, it also showcases a selection of distinctive series like Dr Who, Torchwood and Paranormal Witness. Watch is the exclusive home of Dynamo: Magician Impossible, an award winning original commission from UKTV.

Where to find Watch: Sky 109 (HD)/155 and Virgin 125 (HD)/124. www.justwatch.co.uk / @Watch_Channel

About UKTV UKTV is the multi-award winning media company that reaches 42 million viewers per month.

UKTV's ten imaginative channel brands - Watch, Dave, Gold, Alibi, Eden, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home and Good Food - include the number one channel in the Factual genre, the number one channel in the Lifestyle genre (pay and free) and the most famous channel and programmes in the Entertainment genre.

UKTV has a truly innovative model, curating brand-defining commissions, high-profile acquisitions and the very best of BBC and Channel 4 content, and embracing technology to deliver inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision, You View, TalkTalk on YouView, plus direct On Demand digital services. The network distributes its highly valued programmes to 200 territories around the world.

Now celebrating its 21st year at the forefront of digital television, UKTV - an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Worldwide and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) - is proud to be the only British broadcaster to be recognised by Best Companies.

@uktv_press / corporate.uktv.co.uk

LINK:	http://corporate.uktv.co.uk/news/article/affirmative-babylon-5-has-bee...
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