The event series, based on Dan Simmons' Hugo Award-winning book, will centre on seven pilgrims who set out to learn the truth about their lives.

Cooper will executive produce alongside Todd Phillips, Graham King and Itamar Moses, who will also write the screenplay.

A statement from the actor reads, "It is an absolute honor to enter into the world created by Dan Simmons that is arguably one of the greatest works of science fiction, and help realize it for television audiences."

The series will air on America's Syfy network.

This is The Hangover star's second foray into producing a TV show - he is also the executive producer of Limitless, which is based on his 2011 movie of the same name, while he has also worked behind the scenes to produce films including Silver Linings Playbook, American Hustle and American Sniper.