IGN Live has exclusively unveiled the first five minutes of SYFY’s highly anticipated series Revival, offering fans a gripping glimpse into the mysterious world where the dead return to life in unexpected ways. We also sat down with the show’s co-creator and showrunner, Aaron B. Koontz, to discuss what makes this supernatural drama a must-watch.
Set to premiere on SYFY on June 12, Revival is based on the Harvey Award-nominated comic by Tim Seeley and Mike Norton, which spanned 47 issues from 2012 to 2017. The exclusive clip opens on “Revival Day”—the moment the deceased suddenly come back to life. But these aren’t your typical zombies; the revived retain their personalities, memories, and identities just as they were before death.
The sequence closely mirrors the opening of the original comic, a choice Koontz championed. “This was one of the first scenes in the comic, and it immediately hooked us,” Koontz explained. “I had no idea where the story was going, and that sense of mystery is exactly what we wanted to capture. And without spoiling anything, this opening holds far more significance than you might realize. Later episodes will make you look back and see it in a whole new light.”One standout moment in the clip features a startling scene at Randy's Crematorium in Wausau, Wisconsin, where a revived individual is cremated—only to burst from the flames and flee, engulfed in fire. The effect was achieved entirely through practical means, not CGI.
“I wanted to go big,” Koontz said. “I wanted real fire, real stakes. We filmed in a small town where emergency resources were limited, so we actually felt bad having so many paramedics on standby. I remember thinking, ‘I hope nothing else happens tonight—everyone’s already on our set!’”
The scene also introduces Randy, played by Graeme Barrett of Divorced Dads and Court of Chaos. Koontz discovered him on Instagram, drawn to his unique energy. “He perfectly fits the tone we’re going for—this quirky contrast to the show’s heavier themes,” Koontz noted.
Koontz emphasized how even minor characters serve a narrative purpose. “These aren’t the main players, but they’re crucial for getting us to the Cypress family quickly. I love that Randy’s ‘It’s not my fault’ echoes the very first line spoken by Wayne Cypress. Right away, you’re thrust into tension between Wayne and Dana, feeling the family’s fractured dynamic. That’s vital—because the Cypress family is the emotional core of the entire series.”
*Revival* doesn’t aim to be a relentlessly dark horror. Instead, it blends eerie suspense, emotional drama, and moments of levity. Koontz describes the tone as a fusion of *Mare of Easttown* and *Fargo*—a character-driven mystery with offbeat charm, chilling horror elements, and a fresh twist on familiar zombie tropes.The series stars Melanie Scrofano (Wynonna Earp), Romy Weltman (Backstage), David James Elliott (JAG), Andy McQueen (Mrs. Davis), Steven Ogg (The Walking Dead), Phil Brooks (aka CM Punk, Mayans M.C.), Gia Sandhu (A Simple Favor), Katharine King So (The Recruit), Maia Jae (In the Dark), Nathan Dales (Letterkenny), Mark Little (Doomlands), Glen Gould (Tulsa King), Lara Jean Chorostecki (Nightmare Alley), and Conrad Coates (Fargo).
Revival is based on the acclaimed Image Comics series from the 2010s by writer Tim Seeley and artist Mike Norton, which earned a Harvey Award nomination and built a passionate following over its 47-issue run.
For more, don’t miss our exclusive trailer reveal for Revival and stay tuned to IGN Live for ongoing coverage.
