"Reaper" to Debut on The CW Tuesday September 25  7/24/07

"REAPER" Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) on The CW For the first 20 years of his life, Sam (Bret Harrison, "The Loop," "Grounded for Life") wondered why his parents went so easy on him. Whether it was school, sports or career choices, Sam's mom (Allison Hossack, "Falcon Beach") and dad (Andrew Airlie, "The L Word") always let him get by with the least possible effort. As a result, Sam skipped college, took a dead-end job at the local Work Bench home improvement store and now wastes endless hours playing video games. Everything in his slacker world changed the day Sam turned 21 and discovered the ungodly reason his parents let him slide: they sold his soul to the devil before he was even born.

Though his guilt-ridden parents try to explain the circumstances that led them to the forfeit his soul, Sam can't wrap his mind around what is happening to him. He's always been the under-achieving son, while his younger brother Kyle (Kyle Switzer, "15/Love") was pushed to get straight A's, excel at every sport and join every club. Kyle resents the easy ride Sam has enjoyed, and Sam can't help but feel jealousy over Kyle's achievements. What neither brother realizes is that their lives have been shaped by forces they can't yet begin to understand.

When Satan himself (Ray Wise, "24," "The Closer") drops by to personally explain that Sam must now serve as his bounty hunter, tracking down evil souls that have escaped and returning them to Hell, Sam refuses to accept his bizarre fate. After getting just a glimpse of Satan's temper, however, Sam realizes that breaking a deal with the devil has consequences that are very, very bad. Still, Sam is fascinated by the devil's charm and his flattering insistence that Sam is full of untapped potential.

Armed with a constantly changing series of vessels ?? starting with a Dirt Devil mini-vacuum ?? to collect the escapees, Sam finds that his new line of work is dangerous and frightening, even with the goofball help of his friends and co-workers Bert "Sock" Wysocki (Tyler Labine, "Boston Legal," "Invasion") and Ben (Rick Gonzalez, "Coach Carter"), along with Sock's former-girlfriend-turned-paralegal, Josie (Valarie Rae Miller, "Dark Angel"). 

Sock has been Sam's closest friend and slacker role model for many years and was the first person Sam turned to with the news about his gig with the devil. A perennial adolescent who attended high school on the six-year plan, Sock is perfectly happy with his life and his job at The Work Bench, where he is a thorn in the side of the assistant manager, Ted (Donavon Stinson, "The Fantastic Four"). Sock thinks Sam's news is totally cool, and is happy to help with Sam's assignments from Hell. Ben, on the other hand, immediately grasps the seriousness of Sam's situation. A college student and the son of a reverend, Ben is also on board to help, but he knows that dealing with the devil is no game.

Sam knows he'll have to go to great lengths to hide his new identity from the person who matters most in his world: his smart and pretty co-worker Andi (Missy Peregrym, "Smallville," "Heroes"). Trapped by his lack of self-confidence, Sam has loved Andi from afar, despite Sock's constant urging that he ask her out. Andi had gone away to college, but came home to her mother and her job at The Work Bench after her father died. Now she's stuck in a safe job and a safe friendship with Sam.

Though his life has suddenly turned weird and scary, Sam is surprised to find that he somehow feels good about his newfound "mission" ?? removing evil-doers from the world and sending them back where they belong. Back when nothing was expected of him, Sam never had to push himself to achieve. Now, with his friends and his trusty vessel-of-the-week at his side, Sam is ready to face his destiny as the Reaper.

"Reaper" is from ABC Studios with executive producers Michelle Fazekas ("Ed," "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit"), Tara Butters ("Ed," "Law & Order, Special Victims Unit"), Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy," Criminal Minds"), Deborah Spera ("Criminal Minds") and Tom Spezialy ("Desperate Housewives").

CREDITS FOR "REAPER" ON THE CW

Day and time: Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET

Network debut: September 25, 2007

Format: Blending suspense and humor, "Reaper" follows Sam, a slacker whose world turns upside down on his 21st birthday when he learns that his parents sold his soul to the devil before he was born. Now, charged by the devil himself to be Hell's bounty hunter, Sam, with the aid of his goofball friends, must track down evil-doers and send them back where they belong.

Cast: Bret Harrison as Sam Oliver

Tyler Labine as Bert "Sock" Wysocki

Ray Wise as the Devil

Missy Peregrym as Andi

Rick Gonzalez as Ben

Valarie Rae Miller as Josie

Donavon Stinson as Ted

Andrew Airlie as Mr. Oliver

Executive Producers: Michelle Fazekas, Tara Butters, Mark Gordon, Deb Spera and Tom Spezialy

Origination: Vancouver, British Columbia

Produced by: ABC Studios

BRET HARRISON

Sam Oliver in "Reaper"

Familiar to television audiences from his roles on "The Loop" and "Grounded For Life," Bret Harrison stars as Sam Oliver, a young slacker forced to become the devil's personal bounty hunter in The CW's new series "Reaper."

Harrison played Brad O'Keefe in the series "Grounded For Life." Other featured television credits include appearances on "The O.C.," "Boston Public," "That 70's Show" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."

In the world of feature films, Harrison recently wrapped production on the independent film "Deal," with Burt Reynolds. He also starred in the Paramount / MTV film "Orange County," with Colin Hanks; the independent film "Lightning Bug," with Laura Prepon, and the original MTV movie "Everybody's Doing It."

When not working, the Oregon native enjoys playing guitar with his band, Big Japan.

TYLER LABINE

Bert "Sock" Wysocki in "Reaper"

Tyler Labine was most recently seen in the feature film "Flyboys," the story of a group of young Americans who volunteered for the French military before the United States entered World War I, and became the country's first fighter pilots. In The CW drama "Reaper," Labine plays "Sock," the quintessential slacker who enthusiastically aids his best friend Sam (Bret Harrison) in the hunt for escaped souls from Hell.

Labine was born in Brampton, Ontario, and as a child moved with his family to Vancouver, British Columbia. He began his acting career in local theater, quickly landing a number of small television roles. After appearing in lead roles on the series "Breaker High" and "That Was Then," he set his sights on the big screen. Labine subsequently starred opposite Nathan Lane in "Trixie," Cybill Shepherd in "Marine Life" and Tim Robbins in "AntiTrust." Movie audiences are also familiar with Labine from his unforgettable role in "My Boss's Daughter," with Ashton Kutcher. Labine's other notable film appearances include working opposite David Bowie in "Mr. Rice's Secret" and the feature film "The Zero Sum," with Even Bremmer. Labine also relished the challenge of portraying John Belushi in the television movie "Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of 'Mork & Mindy.'"

Labine's television credits also include a starring role in the suspenseful drama "Invasion," where he gave a memorable performance as Dave Groves, a man who harbored conspiracy theories, and as ADA Jonathan Winant in "Boston Legal."

Off camera, Labine pursues his musical and creative talents. In 2004, Tyler produced the film "Everyone," which won the "Best Film" Award at the Montreal Film Festival. Labine recently submitted his new mockumentary film, "Extreme Walking," which he executive produced, starred in, wrote and co-directed, to film festivals.

Labine is also a talented music producer. Labine, his brother Kyle Labine, Jeff Gustafson, and Ryan Robbins, make up the hip-hop band Self-Dep. His band jams and records in their home studio.

Although he is now based in Los Angeles, Labine remains close with his family, often enjoying snowboarding in British Columbia and vacationing at the family cottage in Ontario.

RAY WISE

The Devil in "Reaper"

Acclaimed actor Ray Wise stars as the Devil himself in The CW's "Reaper."

A veteran of television and film, Wise received widespread critical acclaim last year for his memorable performance as troubled newsman Don Hollenbeck in the Warner Independent film "Good Night, and Good Luck," written, directed and starring George Clooney. Wise and his co-stars shared "Best Ensemble Cast" nominations at both the 2006 Critic's Choice Awards and Screen Actor's Guild Award ceremonies. On the small screen, Wise recurred as Vice President Hal Gardner on the popular series "24," starring Kiefer Sutherland.

Wise's impressive acting resume includes more than 30 feature films, including starring roles in "Jeepers Creepers 2"; "Two Can Play That Game," with Vivica A. Fox; "Bob Roberts," with Tim Robbins; "Rising Sun," with Wesley Snipes; "The Chase," with Charlie Sheen; "Robocop," "Powder," with Mary Steenburgen and Jeff Goldblum, and "The Rainmakers." One of his favorite roles was playing Sol Gann, a Depression-era father in Disney's classic family drama "The Journey of Natty Gann."

On the small screen, Wise starred in Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's television movie, "The Battle of Shaker Heights" for Project Greenlight on HBO. Other recurring and guest roles on television include "The Closer," "Bones," CSI," "Law & Order: SVU," "The West Wing," "Resurrection Blvd.," "Second Chances," "Savannah," "The Larry Sanders Show," "Knots Landing," "The Colbys," "Dallas" and "Twin Peaks." It was his role on the latter that Wise credits for catapulting him into international stardom.

To date, Wise has also starred in 85 stage productions, including Broadway performances of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Tartuffe." His role as Yank Smith in Eugene O'Neill's "The Hairy Ape" garnered rave reviews, and in 1983, he received an OBIE Award for his work in Sam Shepard's "The Tooth of Crime."

Upcoming theatrical releases include "The Flock," opposite Richard Gere and Claire Danes; "One Missed Call," with Edward Burns; and "Infestation," an action comedy from Mel Gibson's Icon Productions.

Wise lives in Southern California with his wife and children.

MISSY PEREGRYM

Andi in "Reaper"

Missy Peregrym stars as Andi, a young girl who returns home from college after her father's death and finds safety in her old ways in The CW's "Reaper."

Familiar to television audiences as the illusive Candace Wilmer from "Heroes," Missy Peregrym stands out in the industry as one of Hollywood's most promising young actors. She began her career in modeling when she was 18. Her print advertisements soon led to commercials for Mercedes Benz, Sprint Canada and the Olympics. Peregrym caught the eye of casting directors and quickly transitioned into acting, landing her first television role on the action-drama series "Dark Angel."

In addition to her role on "Heroes," Peregrym starred in the martial arts series "Black Sash" and the drama "Life as We Know It" as Jackie, the sarcastic beauty with a troubled family life. Additional guest appearances include "The Chris Isaak Show," "Smallville" and "Andromeda."

Peregrym made her feature film debut last summer with "Stick It." She starred as a rebellious girl who is ordered to participate in a regimented sports world to clean up her act.

Peregrym lived most of her life in Canada before heading to California full time. Outside of acting, she is a dedicated athlete, playing soccer and snowboarding as well as coaching high school basketball. She currently resided in Los Angeles.

RICK GONZALEZ

Ben in "Reaper"

Familiar to audiences from his role in the hit feature film "Coach Carter," Rick Gonzalez next stars in The CW's drama "Reaper" as Ben, the son of a reverend, who aids his friend Sam (Bret Harrison) in his quest to capture escaped souls from Hell.

Gonzalez will next be seen in a lead role in the highly anticipated thriller "Illegal Tender," from producer John Singleton and writer/director Franc. Reyes. The movie tracks a young Latino man (Gonzalez) on the run to clear his family name and save his mother's (Wanda De Jesus) life. Most recently, he appeared in the supernatural thriller "Pulse," a film about a web site hoax that turns deadly. He recently completed production on the upcoming feature films "Pride and Glory," "Quebec," "First Snow," "What We Do is Secret" and "Oranges," which is set for release in 2007.

Gonzalez received critical acclaim for his star-making performance as Timo Cruz in the feature "Coach Carter," opposite Samuel L. Jackson. Based on a true story, this inspirational film stars Jackson as a high school basketball coach who benched his undefeated team due to their collective poor academic record. Gonzalez's Cruz is the heart of the film; he portrayed a young man torn between his roots and a burning desire to achieve, both in basketball and in the classroom. In "Roll Bounce," a 1970s roller skating coming-of-age comedy, Gonzalez played the role of Naps, a young Latino who takes part in the annual Roller Jam competition on the more affluent side of the tracks. Most recently, Gonzalez was seen in Steven Spielberg's updated version of the H.G. Wells' classic "War of the Worlds," in which he starred opposite Tom Cruise.

Hollywood first began to take notice when Gonzalez won the role of Primo, opposite Laurence Fishburne, in the motorcycle actioner "Biker Boyz." He followed this memorable role by winning a spot as a member of Dennis Quaid's struggling baseball team in the box-office hit "The Rookie." Additional big screen credits include the ensemble comedy "Old School," with Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn, and "Laurel Canyon," with Frances McDormand and Kate Beckinsale.

On television, Rick had a recurring role on the drama "Boston Public." Additional television credits include guest turns on "CSI: Miami," "CSI," "The Shield," "ER," "Law & Order: SVU," "Touched by an Angel" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, Gonzalez was trained at New York's High School of the Performing Arts, where he also excelled in basketball and baseball. While in the city, he appeared in numerous off-Broadway productions at the Harold Clurman Theatre. Gonzalez currently resides in Los Angeles.

VALARIE RAE MILLER

Josie in "Reaper"

Familiar to television audiences from her role as Original Cindy in "Dark Angel," Miller returns to the small screen as Josie, Sock's (Tyler Labine) ex-girlfriend who works for the district attorney, a job that enables her to help Sam (Bret Harrison) locate escaped souls.

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Miller became interested in acting when she was young. She attended a high school for performing arts and landed a number of commercials while still in college. On summer vacation in Los Angeles, she took a course in stand-up comedy and went on to perform at such well-known clubs as The Improv and The Comedy Store. Despite offers to go on tour with her stand-up routine, Miller decided to move to Los Angeles and pursue acting. She quickly landed a hosting job on Channel One then was hired to host the pre-game sports show "In the Zone," which she anchored for four seasons.

In addition to her role on "Dark Angel," Miller was also a regular on "Hollywood Confidential" and had recurring roles on "Smith," "In the House" and "Malcolm and Eddie."

On the big screen, Miller starred opposite Ice Cube in "All About the Benjamins," with Harrison Ford and Josh Harnett in "Hollywood Homicide" and in the crime thriller "Crank."

Miller currently resides in Los Angeles with her dog Pinky.

TARA BUTTERS AND MICHELE FAZEKAS

Creators and Executive Producers of "Reaper"

Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters met as assistants on the hit series "The X-Files" and have been writing partners for nine years. They spent five years as writer-producers on the highly rated police drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," for which they received two Writers Guild Award nominations in 2004. Prior to their work on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," they wrote for the critically-acclaimed series "Ed" and the family drama "Get Real." In 2007, Michele and Tara created "Reaper," a supernatural comedy, for The CW network.

MARK GORDON

Executive Producer of "Reaper"

Mark Gordon has over 60 motion pictures and television programs to his credit.

With the start of the Fall '07 season, Gordon will have five series on the air, including "Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice," "Criminal Minds," "Army Wives" and "Reaper."

Gordon's most current motion picture releases include "Talk to Me," starring Don Cheadle; "The Hoax," starring Richard Gere; and "The Painted Veil," starring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts. Gordon is currently in post-production on "10,000 B.C.," directed by Roland Emmerich.

Among Gordon's other motion picture credits are such international blockbusters as "The Day After Tomorrow," "The Patriot," "Speed" and the multiple award-winning "Saving Private Ryan."

He has been nominated for an Academy Award and is the recipient of multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Producers Guild of America awards.

Gordon serves on the boards of the Producers Guild of America, the Virginia Film Festival, Teach for America, Los Angeles and Seeds Elementary School at University of California, Los Angeles. He is a graduate of New York University Film School.

DEBORAH SPERA

Executive Producer of "Reaper"

Deborah Spera is currently serving as President of The Mark Gordon Television Company, where she oversees a prolific slate of programming, including "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice," and serves as an executive producer on "Criminal Minds," "Army Wives" and "Reaper."

Previously, Spera served for eight years as Vice President of Movies, Minis and Series at Showtime Networks. She developed and worked on over 30 projects, several of which garnered Emmy, Golden Globe and Peabody nominations and wins. Some of those credits include "This American Life," "The Baby Dance," "Wild Iris," "12 Angry Men," "Inherit the Wind," "On the Beach," "Rocky Marciano," "Freak City" and "10,000 Black Men Named George."

Before Showtime, Deborah was in features at Eden Roc Pictures and New Regency Productions, where she worked on films such as "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?," "Under Siege," "Free Willy," "Sommersby," "The Mambo Kings," "Guilty by Suspicion" and "JFK."

TOM SPEZIALY

Executive Producer of "Reaper"

Tom Spezialy has written and produced on an eclectic collection of television programs.

Spezialy served as executive producer on the wildly popular, dark satire, "Desperate Housewives," which has won Golden Globe Awards for both season one and two. He also served as executive producer on the Showtime black comedy "Dead Like Me," and co-executive producer on the crime drama "The District," the family drama "Get Real" and the romantic comedies "Ed" and "Jack & Jill." Other writing credits include "Veronica's Closet," "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," "Players" and "Weird Science."

Spezialy currently lives in Los Angeles.

Source: The CW Press Release