The channel said in a news release that this 10-episode series, planned for next year, would find Ash as a "stock boy, aging lothario and chainsaw-handed monster hunter who has spent the last 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity and the terrors of the Evil Dead." But, the release added, "when a Deadite plague threatens to destroy all of mankind, Ash is finally forced to face his demons - personal and literal."

Mr. Raimi will direct the first episode of "Ash vs. Evil Dead," which he wrote with his brother, Ivan Raimi. The producers include Rob Tapert, who produced "The Evil Dead" movies as well as "Spartacus," the popular Starz series that was no less teeming with viscera.