CBS to air series about female astronaut next summer, aiming to capture ‘Dome’ momentum

NEW YORK, N.Y. – After its success with “Under the Dome” this summer, CBS is ordering another high-concept thriller for next summer.

The network said Wednesday it has ordered a 13-episode series called “Extant.” The serialized drama is about a female astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns from after a year in outer space. Her experiences lead to events that change the course of history.

“Extant” is being made in partnership with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, which made “Under the Dome.” That series has been the most-watched show most weeks this summer and has increased the appetite of broadcast networks to air more limited series and more original fare in the summer.