Bryce Zabel

Bryce Zabel is an American screenwriter , producer , director, and author renowned for creating five primetime network television series, including the Emmy-winning science fiction drama Dark Skies and the superhero series M.A.N.T.I.S. . Born on May 17, 1954, in Newport, Oregon , Zabel began his career as an award-winning journalist , working as a correspondent for networks including CNN , PBS , and NBC before transitioning to entertainment. His screenwriting credits span television, film, and miniseries, with notable contributions to projects like Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), and the WGA Award-winning miniseries Pandemic (2007).

Zabel's television work includes developing and showrunning series such as Kay O'Brien (1986), E.N.G. (1989–1994), The Crow: Stairway to Heaven (1998), and contributions to established shows like L.A. Law (1986) and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997). He has collaborated with prominent figures, including Steven Spielberg on the miniseries Taken (2002) and Stan Lee on M.A.N.T.I.S. , blending genres like science fiction, action, and drama. In addition to his creative output, Zabel served as Chairman and CEO of the Television Academy from 2001 to 2003, becoming the first writer to hold the position since Rod Serling, and he was an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts from 2006 to 2016. His achievements include a Writers Guild of America Award for Pandemic , a Sidewise Award for Alternate History in 2014 for his novel Surrounded by Enemies , and nominations from the Environmental Media Association and Mystery Writers of America.

As an author, Zabel has explored alternate history and cultural topics in books such as Surrounded by Enemies (2013), part of his Breakpoint series imagining a world where John F. Kennedy survived assassination, and Once There Was a Way: What If The Beatles Stayed Together? (2017), which examines the band's potential legacy. Zabel remains active in the industry as a member of the Writers Guild of America , Directors Guild of America , and SAG-AFTRA , and he frequently discusses topics like UFOs and speculative fiction through podcasts and public appearances.

Bryce Zabel was born on May 17, 1954, in Newport, Oregon .

He is the son of Harvey Zabel, a social studies teacher, and Lucile Zabel.

Zabel spent his childhood and formative years in Oregon , including time growing up near McMinnville, a region known for its rural landscapes and early UFO lore from the 1950 Trent photographs taken locally.

Zabel attended Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Oregon , the same institution where his father taught.

Following high school, Zabel transitioned to college studies.

Zabel attended the University of Oregon in Eugene following his high school graduation from Hillsboro High School in Oregon . He enrolled in the School of Journalism and Communication, where he pursued studies in broadcast journalism . In 1976, Zabel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism .

Bryce Zabel launched his journalism career shortly after earning a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Oregon in 1976, beginning with roles at local stations in Oregon , including as a reporter and anchor at KVAL-TV in Eugene. He then moved to Arizona in the late 1970s , taking on positions at local television stations. He served as a general assignment reporter, covering a range of regional stories that required quick adaptation to diverse topics such as community events, local politics, and breaking news , which sharpened his ability to deliver concise, engaging on-air reports.

In addition to reporting, Zabel anchored evening newscasts and hosted interview and magazine-style programs at these Arizona stations, experiences that enhanced his skills in live broadcasting and audience interaction.