ABC launches 6-episode 'Masters of Sci Fi'

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- ABC will air six mid-season episodes of "Masters of Science Fiction" adapted from stories by acclaimed U.S. writers.

Among the stars appearing in the spooky tales include Terry O'Quinn of "Lost," Anne Heche in the upcoming "Men in Trees," James Denton from "Desperate Housewives," Judy Davis of "The Reagans," Malcolm McDowell of "Entourage" and Sam Waterson of "Law & Order."

Physicist-author Stephen Hawking is the show's host, Zap2it.com reported.

IDT Entertainment and Industry Entertainment is producing the series.

The stories include: "A Clean Escape," written by Sam Egan from a story by John Kessel; "Jerry Was a Man," by Michael Tolkin adapted from a story by Robert Heinlein; "The General Zapped an Angel," a story by Howard Fast; "Little Brother," by Walter Mosley; "Watchbird" written by Egan based on a story by Robert Sheckley; and "The Discarded" written by Harlan Ellison and Josh Olson, adapted from a story originally by Ellison.