Camryn Manheim to join Halle Berry in CBS series Extant

Back in May we reported on a hot genre script called "Extant" that had garnered the attention of Steven Spielberg, later learning that CBS had ordered the Mickey Fisher-penned sci-fi thriller to series with uber-hottie Halle Berry headlining. Today we have some more casting news to share as Deadline is reporting that Emmy-award winning actress Camryn Manheim ("The Practice") has signed on to co-star in the upcoming summer series.

CBS, which already airs the Spielberg-produced "Under the Dome", will be doubling down on Spielberg as they have handed out a straight-to-series order for "Extant", and with Halle Berry leading the cast it is sure to be a hit. Manheim is a welcome addition to the cast as she has always had a knack for delivering scene-stealing moments.

The serialized mystery thriller centers on Molly (Berry), an astronaut trying to reconnect with her family when she returns after a year in outer space. Her experiences lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.

Manheim will play Sam Barton, Molly’s best friend and closest confidante.

"Extant" is a co-production of CBS Television Studios and Amblin Television. Steven Spielberg, Greg Walker, Mickey Fisher, who wrote the script, Brooklyn Weaver, Justin Falvey, and Darryl Frank will serve as executive producers. Halle Berry will serve as a co-executive producer. The series will be distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and worldwide by CBS Studios International.