Siberia to Premiere Monday, July 1st on NBC

NBC has acquired the rights to Siberia, a 13-episode drama where reality show contestants uncover dark secrets. The show, from Sierra/Engine Television and Oscar-nominated producer Michael Ohoven’s Infinity Films, is set to premiere Monday, July 1st at 10:00.

In 1908, a meteor hit deep into the remote Siberian territory of Tunguska. Now, more than 100 years later, 16 contestants descend on Tunguska unknowing of the land’s mysterious past. When a contestant is badly injured and no help arrives, the contestants are met with the chilling realization that the strange occurrences are not part of the show. With their safety threatened, competing contestants must band together in an effort to survive.

“NBC immediately saw the potential in Siberia and this acquisition truly exemplifies the quality of this groundbreaking series. We are excited to bring it to their viewers,” said executive producer Chris Philip, who also serves as CEO for Sierra/Engine Television.

“We created the series as a dramatic human experiment shot under difficult conditions and we are thrilled to see it on NBC,” said Ohoven.

“The concept of survival, when mysterious elements are at play, makes for a compelling show,” said Jeff Bader, President, Program Planning, Strategy and Research for NBC Entertainment. “We believe a scripted series that offers an insightful behind-the-scenes view of how a reality concept comes together — especially when things don’t go according to plan — will connect with our audience in a very satisfying way.”

The show joins Camp, Crossing Lines, and Save Me as scripted originals on the NBC summer schedule. Other shows that NBC will be airing during the coming months include America’s Got Talent, American Ninja Warrior, and Get Out Alive with Bear Grylls. You can check out a list of summer 2013 TV premiere dates here.

Will you be watching Siberia? Should NBC save the show for midseason? Which of NBC’s summer shows are you looking forward to most?