FX has ordered The Strain, a new dramatic TV series based on the best-selling vampire novels by Oscar nominee Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. They’re executive producers and they co-wrote the pilot. In addition, del Toro directed the pilot.

The cable channel has ordered 13 episodes which are expected to start airing next July. Production begins this month in Toronto.

The show stars Corey Stoll, Mia Maestro, Sean Astin, Kevin Durand, Natalie Brown, Jonathan Hyde, Richard Sammel, Robert Maillet, Jack Kesy, Ben Hyland and Miguel Gomez.

The Strain is billed as a high concept thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), the head of New York’s Center for Disease Control Canary Team. They’re called upon to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain spreads, Eph, his team, and an assembly of everyday New Yorkers, wage war for the fate of humanity itself.

What do you think? Does this sound like a show that you would like? Will you check out The Strain?