Earlier this year, Sony’s Playstation Network launched its first original drama series, Powers; which is based upon the long running creator owned comic book series by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming. It took fourteen years to bring Powers to live action, but it has quickly received a second season.
Sony has officially renewed Powers for a new season that will debut in 2016. The series stars Sharlto Copley and Susan Heyward as homicide detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim, both of whom are assigned to the Powers division that investigates superhuman crimes. In the announcement, Sony noted that season two will follow Walker and Pilgrim as “they go up against commercialized, superhumans who impose their power on the public, which both worships and fears them.”
“The reception to Powers has been incredible and we are thrilled to have successfully launched a platform for original content with the PlayStation gamer in mind,” said Sony’s John Koller in a statement.“We believe original content will continue to be a key pillar as we broaden the value proposition for PlayStation Plus, and we’re excited for what’s to come with season two of Powers.”
The real question is whether Powers will lead to more original dramas on Playstation Network. Powers languished in development at FX for years before it was released to Sony. If the Playstation Network can be a viable home for original scripted content then Sony could potentially sidestep broadcast and cable networks on projects that could appeal to Playstation users.
All ten episodes of Powers Season 1 are currently streaming on Playstation Network.