Jim Parsons plays a brilliant scientist trying to unlock the secrets of the universe on Warner Bros. TV’s hit CBS comedy The Big Bang Theory. Now as a producer, the Emmy-winning actor is tackling a drama series project about eight top scientists conducting a grand experiment involving the future of humanity. The project, titled The Terranauts, has been set up at the CW. It will be written by Zach Helm based on the novel by T.C. Boyle, which is being published today. The Terranauts hails from WBTV and Parsons and Todd Spiewak’s studio-based That’s Wonderful Productions.

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The Terranauts is described as an epic story of science, society, sex, survival and, ultimately, human folly and ambition. Said to be inspired by the Biosphere 2 real-life experiment, the story revolves around eight scientists enlisted to run a biosphere that will prove vital for humanity’s survival in an off-Earth colony. Their goal is to successfully create a sustainable environment to house generations to come, but things don’t quite go as planned.

Helm, Parsons and Spiewak executive produce. Eric Norsoph, Head of Development and Production for That’s Wonderful, will oversee the project for the company.

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This is That’s Wonderful’s second development season as a full-fledged pod. Last year, the company sold a family comedy written by Marisa Coughlan to CBS. Parsons’ next co-stars in the Fox feature Hidden Figures, which opens Dec. 25.

Helm is repped by CAA, Gotham Group, and Hirsch Wallerstein. That’s Wonderful is repped by CAA. Parsons is repped by CAA, Marsha McManus of Principal Entertainment LA, and Cheryl Snow of Gang, Tyre. Coraghessan Boyle is repped by CAA and Borchardt Agency.