Syfy has ordered the action-adventure 90-minute pilot, Alphas (working title) from writers Zak Penn (X-Men: The Last Stand) and Michael Karnow, it was announced today by Mark Stern, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, Syfy and Co-Head of Content for Universal Cable Productions, which is the studio for the project. Alphas is executive produced by Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun for BermanBraun Television and is expected to commence production in early fall 2009.

Alphas follows a team of ordinary citizens who possess extraordinary and unusual mental skills. Using physical feats and mental trickery, this elite force of heroes take the law into their own hands and uncover what the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have not been able or willing to solve. Each possessing their unique and not always visible power, they alone solve the crime, stop the ticking time bomb and catch the enemy.

"Alphas unconventional approach to the traditional superhero genre couldn't be a better fit for Syfy as we continue to build a programming slate of fun, imaginative entertainment," said Stern. "Zak and Michael's dry, naturalistic humor, combined with Gail and Lloyd's incredible producing leadership promise to make this a very special project."

"We are pleased to be in business with Syfy and delighted to be extending the reach of our relationships within the NBC-Universal family," said Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. "Zak and Michael have created a unique and compelling story which we believe the Syfy audience will find both intriguing and entertaining."