With the future of many US TV shows hanging in the balance thanks to the ongoing writers’ strike, audiences may need to look to the UK for their sci-fi fix. Matt McAllister examines a few of 2008’s new arrivals…

UK SHOWS

PRIMEVAL: SERIES 2
UK airdate: 12 January 2008 (ITV)

Following the T Rex-sized success of the first season, Primeval returns for more dino-hunting antics. Expect to see new CG beasts and some surprising plot twists. And expect us to recycle the same dinosaur-related puns we used last year.

TORCHWOOD: SERIES 2
UK airdate: 16 January 2008 (BBC2)

Captain Jack Harkness and the Torchwood team are back in the second series of the adult-orientated Doctor Who spin-off. The first episode, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, features a guest appearance from James Marsters and is written by Chris Chibnall.

DOCTOR WHO: SERIES 4
UK airdate: TBC (BBC1)

Judging by the trailer at the end of Voyage of the Damned, series 4 is going to live up to the high quality set by the previous series. Catherine Tate reprises her role as the Doctor’s companion Donna, who we first met in the 2006 Christmas special The Runaway Bride.

ASHES TO ASHES
UK airdate: February 2008 (BBC1)

The much-anticipated Life on Mars spin-off sees 21st Century detective Alex Drake (Keeley Hawes) transported to 1981, where she meets everyone’s favourite tough-talking copper Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister).

With the potential for plenty of fresh Hunt quips and a new decade of pop culture to draw upon, this should be one of the new season highlights.

APPARITIONS
UK airdate: TBC (BBC1)

This two-part supernatural drama stars Martin Shaw as a priest who investigates miracles. When a young girl comes to him, convinced that her father has been possessed, he finds himself trying to avert the end of the world. It’s written and directed by Joe Ahearne (Ultraviolet, Doctor Who).

US SHOWS

LOST: SEASON 4
US airdate: 31 January 2008 (ABC)

The finale for Season 3 was one of the most exciting Lost episodes so far, and left fans ravenous for more. Unfortunately the writers’ strike has taken its toll on a full new season, but the eight episodes that have been filmed so far will at least air on ABC this year.

TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES
US airdate: 13 January 2008 (Fox)

As the title suggests, this spin-off from the movie franchise centres around the life of Sarah Connor (here played by Lena Headey), and is set after the events of Terminator 2: Judgement Day. Advance reviews of the pilot are mixed, but it’s got potential.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: SEASON 4
US airdate: 4 April 2008 (Sci Fi Channel)

The fabulous BSG is another casualty of the US writers’ strike. The episodes filmed before production shut down are due to air in April. Any further episodes are uncertain at this stage.