Nickelodeon miniseries ‘Tomorrow’s People’ has today’s kids in mind

The word miniseries may conjure images of steamy romantic potboilers or intensely acted biographies--basically the stuff adults watch long after the kiddies have gone to bed.

But this week, Nickelodeon introduces The Tomorrow People, the first miniseries for children. Combining two favorite genres of young viewers--sci-fi and adventure--the series focuses on a band of seemingly ordinary kids with extraordinary powers. Dreaming of one another long before they are finally brought together, these “tomorrow people” slowly learn they can read minds and “teleport.”

But when evil government scientists discover this, they try to capture the youths and examine them.

The kids must use their wits and powers to escape. The story is set in England, the United States and on a South Seas Island.

Kids, now quite sophisticated in the ways of special effects, may find these somewhat schmaltzy, more on the order of “Dr. Who” than “Dr. No.” But the international cast is earnest and engaging. Featured is European soap star and teen-idol Kristian Schmid.

The four parts of “The Tomorrow People” air Sunday 7-8 p.m., Monday 7-7:30, Tuesday 7-7:30 p.m. and Wednesday 7-7:30 p.m. Nickelodeon. For ages 6 and up.

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