I quite like the show, really like Stargate Atlantis

but is the series really that popular ?

I'm just puzzled it's still going in it's 9th season when shows like Angel have been cancelled !

Is it because it's on the sci fi channel, there's not the same commercial need to rate as shows on other networks ?

For the Sci-Fi Channel it is. If Angel had pulled in the kinds of numbers it did on WB on the Sci-Fi Channel instead, it would still be going, too. Different channels, different expectations (and different budgets).

For several years there it seemed like the folks at Stargate thought that year would be it's last but it just kept going. Now it probably could have several years left since it's almost like they are starting over with a few new characters and semi-closing out most of the old storylines and starting up new ones.

Shows like stargate SG, and andromedia

Remember for a long time stargate was synidcated..your tv life seems to do decently when you are in syndication (Hercules/Xena etc)

As long as you have the ability to swap out casts and writers, a decent science-fiction show can go on for quite a while. Look at Dr. Who. It's the breadth of stories that you can tell across multiple galaxies that gives them an unlimited sandbox to play in, plus I imagine the DVD sales are also a big revenue-generator.

also spending 6 years on showtime's with Jeremiah (and other shows) helped. It started on season 7 (or was it 8) on scifi channel.

I never watched it until this season. I only started because of Ben Browder and Claudia Black. I'm glad they are letting Ben Browder play it a lot like he did on Farscape.

Battlestar Galactica may have topped it by now but first run episodes of SG-1 is the highest rated show in Sci-Fi channel history.

I just can't bear it.

I see Ben Browder and I want bonkers, insane Crichton - not this "Stargate" shit. Same for Claudia.

It's just torture to see them "step down" to "Stargate."

True dat.

Like you said, it's going on it's 9th season, that's pretty much your answer (looking pretty iffy for another, though). I like it too.

I think some of it's longevity is tributed to that it hasn't been limited to just U.S. appeal.

eh, I thought just the opposite: "Why did they bring in the Farscape cast?" Pretty sure this will end the run.

I never got into SG1, but I am a fan of Farscape. So season 9 is the season where Browder and Black join the cast? I guess I'm going to have to try and catch the reruns.

What I don't understand is if they are going to go through all the trouble to get Brouder and Black under contract for this season, why not just cancel Star Gate and bring back Farscape? Get the actors who played Dargo, Chiana, and Rigel signed up and we are good to go. I just found Farscape through the Starburst edition DVDs (which have very nice special features, contrary to some opinions). It seems to have a much bigger following than Star Gate, and better acting.

um... each to their own, to me it seems like they've stepped up from working w/ muppets and have joined an adult show

From my point of view...Browder and Black went from one fantastic show to another equally fantastic show! I am just glad to see them on the screen again!

I tried to get into Stargate with Netflix, but it seemed pretty mundane, so I gave up on it. I'm giving it another chance because of Browder and Black joining the cast, but I have to admit it's a little painful to see actors from my favorite scifi show move to one I didn't like that much (at least the first half of season 1). I miss the muppets and the zaniness of Farscape, but I'm hoping season 9 of SG1 will be good.

I bailed before they moved it to Sci Fi. The show seemed to run out of steam from a creative standpoint.

Tried to do SG1 on DVD, and Farscape was just like moving wallpaper on my TV.

Now, the original Stargate movie, that's where it's at!

There are just two reasons to watch this show

Frankly it didn't really kick into gear until about season 4. Everything before then was just providing background info.

I have only seen a few episodes of Farscape(all I know about it is it seems very bizarre from the little I've seen) but plan to watch it all on DVD at some point. A couple years ago I did the same with Stargate, started at season 1 and just before season 8 started I was caught up. I thought the pilot was great, then all but the rest of the last couple episodes of season 1 stunk..just boring. But started to kick into gear. I loved the whole idea of it, always been interested in history and to blend history(particularly Egyptian at first) and the ancient gods actually being aliens..just cool. I like Browder so far, but have thought Black is very annoying..by the time she grows on me I guess she'll probably be gone..

So would it be fine if I start with season 8 (when Browder and Black first join) or will I miss important backstory? If so, what's the latest season I can start with without having to go all the way back to 1?

I never watched Stargate until this season, and everything thus far makes pretty good sense. So the beginning of S9 is a relatively decent starting point, but it is its own plotline and kind of just started. They explain a good deal of background while trying to explain it to others.

Atlantis on the other hand, I missed S1 for and it still doesn't make much sense to me. But then, it's apparently a direct continuation.

I started watching because of Browder and black and I bought season 1 of Stargate this weekend to learn some of the backstory to what I was seeing.