Syfy’s “Haven” integrates Twitter-based storyline starting tonight

By Jeff Pfeiffer

In what could be the first successful interactive storytelling merging of a TV series with Twitter, Syfy’s Haven will begin a seven-episode story arc that flows between the show itself and Twitter, starting with tonight’s episode (10pm ET/PT).

“Although there have been simple integrations [with Twitter] before, no one has fully and organically integrated Twitter into the fabric of the show in the way Haven is doing,” says Craig Engler, general manager and senior vice president of Syfy Digital. “If you watch Haven and use Twitter, you’re in for a real treat.”

In the story, Vince Teagues (Richard Donat) and Dave Teagues (John Dunsworth), who run the newspaper in Haven, join Twitter as newcomers to the medium. Viewers who follow the characters’ Twitter feeds (@VinceHaven, @DaveHaven) will see them interact with a mysterious Twitter user (@ColdInHaven) who knows more about the small town — and about Vince and Dave — than anyone should. Viewers can follow the story on Twitter with the hashtag #HavenNews, as well as on syfy.com/haven.

Executive producer Lloyd Segan assures that viewers who don’t follow the Twitter plot can still enjoy the episodes, but “for those that do [follow on Twitter], there will be a special meaning to events in Haven during these seven episodes.”

Groundbreaking storytelling or a gimmick? If you follow the show on the air and over Twitter, let us know what you think as this storyline progresses.