"Caprica," a new series set more than 50 years before the events that began "Battlestar Galactica," has been approved by SciFi Channel, according to Zap2it.com.

The show will examine the period before the life-shattering events in the show's original mini-series, including the initial attack by the Cylons. When the series opens, the Twelve Colonies are enjoying a peaceful existence and are about to make a significant technological advance--creating the first operational Cylon.

"Caprica" will also explore the history of two important familes--the Adamas, the predecessors of future Admiral William Adama, and the Graystones. BSG executive producers Ronald D. Moore and David Eick will also guide "Caprica," which is touted as being "as much family drama as sci-fi tale. Remi Aubuchon, known for his work in "24" and "The Lyon's Den," is scripting the first episode.

The series is one of a list of new projects being developed by the SciFi Channel. The network also is planning a miniseries based on the book, "Chariots of the Gods." Based on Erich von Daniken's book, "Chariots" will be a six-hour miniseries from the pen of John Whelpley from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Andromeda." The show will focus on a soldier who may have discovered evidence that aliens have been interfering in human affairs for centuries.

Other programs in development include the thriller "Snap" produced by Jesse Alexander from "Lost," in which a government agent struggles against a powerful conspiracy with an artificial intelligence that can force people to do things against their will; "Persons Unknown" dealing with a group a strangers who wake up in an isolated town they can't leave; "The Bishop," a show from executive producer Freddie Prinze Jr. about an underachiever who realizes he has unusual abilities; and "Blink" from Eric McCormack, about a cadre of investigators who try to help people realize they are about to make a wrong turn in their lives (sort of the sci fi version of "It's a Wonderful Life").

Roger Corman, well-known B-movie director, will create two movies for the Saturday evening series of movies, including "Cyclops" about how the one-eyed monster terrorized Rome, and "Supergator."

An eight-hour limited series called "Motel Man" will be seen on the SciFi Channel in December. Called a cross between "The Fugitive" and "Twilight Zone," the show follows the adventures of a detective who finds a portal to alternate realities through what seems to be an ordinary motel room key. He encounters everyday objects that contain fantastic properties. Should the show be successful, it might become an ongoing series much like "The 4400" on USA Network.

Other air dates were not available at press time. The SciFi Channel will also develop a series of special shows with NBC News. "Today" host Matt Lauer will host "Countdown to Doomsday," while Natalie Morales will narrate "Quest for Atlantis: Startling New Secrets." NBC Universal is the parent company of the SciFi Channel.

On Monday, May 8, the network will launch its broadband channel, called SciFi Pulse. It will air full broadcasts of the SciFi Channel's regular programming and resurrect a weekly news-format show. The Pulse will also be used to gauge interest in potential shows by requesting viewers to rate progams being considered for the network.