For the first time since the NBCUniversal cable network changed its name from Sci Fi to Syfy in 2009, it is changing its logo, introducing a new identity brand refresh ahead of the channel’s 25th anniversary in September.
Syfy, which will unveil its new look to advertisers at the NBCUniversal upfront presentation on Monday before its June 19 rollout on the network, also is expanding its news division SyFy Wire, and adding to its original programming slate.
“I can think of no better occasion than SYFY’s 25th anniversary to get back to our roots, double down on premium original programming, and put fans at the center of everything we do,” said Chris McCumber, President, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment. “As the only television network dedicated to the genre 24/7, we’re building the ultimate universe for this passionate community to call home.”
The new Syfy logo, which introduces new typeface, was created by Loyal Kaspar, with 72 & Sunny doing the strategic framework.
McCumber, who took over Syfy a little over a year ago, said the goal was to “have a logo that could feel at home whether it was core space programming, or fantasy and comic books. It has has real a attitude towards it, and staked, it feels like a badge you would wear.” That was important “because Syfy is an identity brand, and what that means is people use sci fi and genre as a way to describe who they are,” he said. “It’s also really diverse and versatile, you can fill it with images.”
Additionally, Syfy is revamping and expanding its editorial division SyFy Wire, which McCumber envisions to be for genre news on Syfy platforms what E! News is for celebrity/entertainment news on sibling E!. SyFy will cover genre TV, film, books, comics, gaming and technology news, with the goal to syndicate the content and eventually migrate it to linear TV with a topical show.
On the programming front, Syfy is making a number of announcements. It has picked up David S. Goyer’s Superman prequel Krypton and Happy! a graphic novel adaptation starring Christopher Meloni, to series. In addition, the network has put in development a supernatural thriller based on George R.R. Martin’s (Game of Thrones) novella Nightflyers, joining such other series in the works as Brave New World, Hyperion and Stranger In a Strange Land.
Hahahahaha!!! Inspired by a video game circa 1983. WORST LOGO EVER!
They somehow made an already bad logo with a bad name worse. How is that possible?
Cool! There is a goldmine here if they stop being embarrassed about themselves. Excited about the direction this new leadership is taking!!
WTF is wrong with them? This is worse than their existing bad logo.