Netflix To Debut 'Series8," A Sci-Fi Thriller Created By The Wachowski Twins

Online streaming service Netflix has taken another step toward becoming a powerhouse content creator, announcing Wednesday it has signed “The Matrix” directors Andy and Lana Wachowski to create an original series entitled “Sense8.”

According to a press release sent out by Netflix on Wednesday, “Sense 8” will debut exclusively via Netflix instant streaming in late 2014. The 10-episode season will be helmed by the Wachowski siblings and J. Michael Straczynski, best known as the creator of the sci-fi series “Babylon 5.”

“Andy and Lana Wachowski and Joe Straczynski are among the most imaginative writers and gifted visual storytellers of our time,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in the release. “Their incredible creations are favorites of Netflix members globally and we can’t wait to bring ‘Sense8’ to life.”

Thus far, few details have emerged about the plot or casting of “Sense8.” The show has simply been described as a “new science-fiction thriller.”

In addition to the work of Straczynski and the Wachowskis, production for “Sense 8” will be handled by the Hollywood-based Georgeville Television.

“We’re excited to work with Netflix and Georgeville Television on this project, and we’ve wanted to work with Joe Straczynski for years, chiefly due to the fact his name is harder to pronounce than ours, but also because we share a love of genre and all things nerdy,” said Andy and Lana Wachowski. “Several years ago, we had a late night conversation about the ways technology simultaneously unites and divides us, and out of that paradox ‘Sense8’ was born.” This is a big step forward for Netflix’s new mission to provide its subscribers with original content. “Sense8” is set to be Netflix’s first ever sci-fi television series, and is most likely set to compete with ratings giants like HBO's “Game of Thrones” and AMC's “The Walking Dead.”

Neflix has already earned rave reviews for its David Fincher-helmed original series “House of Cards,” which stars Kevin Spacey as a corrupt Washington politician. The series has made big waves in the television industry, but Netflix expects an even bigger hit when they premier a new season of the comedy cult classic “Arrested Development.”

Ultimately, Netflix is banking on becoming more than simply a content provider. It wants to become the next HBO, some believe. “The traditional entertainment ecosystem is built on it, and it’s a totally artificial concept,” Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said during a recent GQ interview. “The point of managed dissatisfaction is waiting. You’re supposed to wait for your show that comes on Wednesday at 8 p.m., wait for the new season, see all the ads everywhere for the new season, talk to your friends at the office about how excited you are.”