Heroes is an American science fiction television drama series created by Tim Kring, which premiered on NBC on September 25, 2006. The plot tells the stories of disparate and ordinary individuals from around the world who inexplicably develop superhuman abilities, and their roles in preventing catastrophes and saving humanity. The series emulates the aesthetic style and storytelling of American comic books, using short, multi-episode story arcs that build upon a larger, more encompassing arc. Kring and the writers have an idea of where the series is heading for the first five seasons. The series is produced by Universal Media Studios in association with Tailwind Productions, and it is filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California. The executive producers are Allan Arkush, Dennis Hammer, Greg Beeman and Tim Kring. The critically acclaimed first season's run of 23 episodes garnered an average of 14.3 million viewers in the United States, receiving the highest rating for any NBC drama premiere in five years. The second season of Heroes attracted an average of 13.1 million viewers in the United States. The second season was NBC's top series in adults 18-49, the top Monday series on any network in adults 18–49, and the top scripted series on any network in adults 18-34. In addition, the second season marked NBC's sole series among the top 20 ranked programs in total viewership for the 2007-2008 season, according to Nielsen Media Research. A total of 24 episodes were ordered for the second season, but only eleven episodes were broadcast, due to the 100-day strike by the Writers Guild of America. The dispute led to the initial postponement and eventual cancellation of a six episode spin-off titled Heroes: Origins. Heroes returned with its third season on September 22, 2008.