Much like the recent announcement about Syfy developing an American version of Being Human, the cable channel follows that up with today’s alert that they have acquired the rights to the classic British series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). I’m usually wary of American remakes of British TV series, but the production people already involved lead me to believe they are on the right track. Check out all the details from Syfy in the press release below:

Syfy has acquired the rights to the classic British detective series Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) from ITV Studios, Inc. for development as a pilot for a one-hour scripted series to be produced by ITV Studios. Josh Bycel (Scrubs) and Jonathan Fener (American Dad) will write and executive produce. Howard Braunstein of Jaffe/Braunstein Entertainment (The Memory Keepers Daughter/Christmas in Canaan) will also executive produce.

Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased) is based on the popular British detective series from the late 1960s in which Hopkirk (Kenneth Cope) was murdered in the line of duty. He returned as a ghost, visible only to his former partner, Randall (Mike Pratt), and assisted him in crime fighting from beyond the grave.

“Josh and Jonathan have found a great way to update the buddy-cop formula with a supernatural twist. We look forward to working with them, Howard, and ITV to bring new life to this British classic,” said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming for Syfy.

Julie Meldal-Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Business Affairs, Scripted/Digital, ITV Studios, commented, “We’re delighted at the opportunity to develop this proven property for Syfy and are fortunate to have partnered with writers of the caliber of Josh and Jonathan.”