Syfy to Take Another Bite out of ‘Sharknado’ Franchise

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Syfy will bring back its shark-infused Sharknado franchise for a fifth installment, the network said Thursday (Feb. 2).

Sharknado 5 will once again feature Ian Ziering an Tara Reid as shark-fighters Fin Shepard and April Wexler, as well as return original cast member Cassie Scerbo as bartender-turned Shark killer Nova to the franchise, said network officials. Syfy did not provide a premiere date for the film, but previous Sharknado versions have aired during the summer. 

Last year’s Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens, drew 2.7 million viewers in its July 31 premiere on Syfy, according to Nielsen.

Anthony C. Ferrante, who directed the first four Sharknado films, return to direct Sharknado 5,  based on a script by Scotty Mullen, said the network. 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.