Tricia Helfer to star in new CBC series: Ascension

CBC is adding the new sci-fi drama Ascensionto its fall programming roster, tempting viewers with a fantastical,cross-genre plot to whet many palettes.

The year is 1963, and the starship Ascensionis hurtling through space on a covert U.S. government mission, with hundreds of passengers on board, destined to populate a new world.

But the true nature of their century-long trek is thrown into question when a young woman is murdered.

• Watchthe Acension trailer here

Cougar Town's Brian Van Holt stars as the ship's heroic captain, WilliamDenninger.

Battlestar GalacticaactressCanadianTricia Helferwill play his beautiful but manipulative and dangerous wife.

The Canadian-productionwill featurea number of otherhomegrown talents, including Jacqueline Byers (90 Days, Scared Stiff) and Andrea Roth (Rescue Me, Ringer).

Ascensionis created, written and executive produced by Smallville producer Philip Levens.Canadian director Stephen Williams (Lost) is set to direct the first two episodes.

Filming is currently underwayin Montreal.

Six hour-long episodes are slated to premier on CBC Television beginning November 2014.