27.Sep.05

SciFi Channel Gains Ratings Over 2004

Posted in Press Watch at 10:01 pm by michelle

The SCI FI Channel reported today that they had their best 3rd quarter (Summer) ratings ever. The Friday line-up of Stargate: SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica made the channel the number one cable channel for persons aged 18-49 and persons aged 25-54 on Friday nights. In the latter group it had higher ratings even than the WB and UPN networks.

In terms of ratings growth, while the channel did not specify the growth versus the Summer of 2004 for Friday nights, its overall ratings grew by 11% for persons 25-54, 12% for persons 18-49, and 12% for persons 18-34. The growth was much higher for Wednesday nights than these overall numbers.

Networks measure their ratings for various age groups because advertisers often want to target specific demographics. The younger demographics are the ones ‘coveted’ by advertisers.

Here is the full press release, courtesy of Mary McNamara on the Our Stargate Forum:

SCI FI BEATS THE HEAT WITH BEST 3RD QUARTER EVER

#1 Cable Net on Friday Nights

Triple-Digit Increases in Key Demos on Wednesday Nights

Best September on Record

New York, NY (September 27, 2005) – SCI FI blazed a ratings trail this summer, giving the Channel its best third quarter ever. Its SCI FI Friday block of originals cemented the Channel as the #1 cable destination on Friday nights among P18-49 and P25-54 for the entire quarter – averaging more P25-54s than even the WB or UPN. The SCI FI Wednesday block of alternative reality series also scored for SCI FI, delivering double and triple-digit increases among young adults. The Channel’s Saturday action movie franchise added to the ratings bonanza with Pterodactyl (August 27), which devoured over 3.1 million viewers and became the highest-rated original movie in SCI FI history.

SCI FI’s total day (M-Su 6am-6am) for 3Q05 saw an 11% increase in P25-54, a 12% increase in P18-49 and a 12% jump in P18-34 versus 3Q04.

Other 3Q05 highlights for primetime (M-Su 8pm-11pm) include:

• Best 3Q delivery of P18-34, P18-49 and P25-54 in SCI FI history
• +10% among P18-49s vs. 3Q04
• +6% among P25-54 vs. 3Q04
• +12% among P18-34 vs. 3Q04
• +7% among F18-49 – best-ever 3Q performance in the demo
• Pterodactyl (Aug. 27 @ 9-11pm) becomes the highest-rated SCI FI Channel original movie in history
• Top 10 among all basic cable networks among P25-54 and P18-49

SCI FI owned Friday nights during 3Q05, becoming the #1 cable network on Fridays among P18-49 and P25-54. The strength of the SCI FI Friday franchise was proven with its recent summer finales. In spite of stiff competition from network premieres, the Stargate SG-1 finale (Sept. 16 @ 8-10pm) and a new episode of Battlestar (Sept. 16 @ 10pm) were Top 2 cable entertainment programs among P25-54 that night. A week later, the summer finale of Battlestar Galactica (Sept. 23 @ 10pm) drew 2.3 million viewers and became the #1 entertainment program on cable for the night among P25-54 – it was also the only non-news program to finish within cable’s Top 10 among that demo.

Some of SCI FI’s greatest third quarter gains were made on Wednesday nights. The SCI FI Wednesday lineup, led by Ghost Hunters, gave the Channel double and triple digit increases in key demos versus the previous year.

• +83% among P18-34
• +33% among P18-49
• +114% among M18-34
• +34% among F18-34
• +43% among F25-54

SCI FI also had its best September ever. Averaging a 1.0 HH rating, the Channel was up +17% among P18-49, +12% among P25-54 and +19% among P18-34. SCI FI ranked within the Top 10 cable networks for primetime for both ratings and delivery among P25-54, and P18-49. It also scored double-digit increases among M18-34 (+28%), M18-49 (+20%) and M25-54 (+11%) vs. September ‘04. During September, SCI FI Wednesdays grew +102% among P18-34, +112% among M18-34 and 90% among F18-34.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where “what if” is what’s on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 85 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies.

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25.Sep.05

Submit Your Stargate Interview Questions

Posted in News at 11:14 pm by michelle

From the Sci Fi Channel Bulletin Board:

Help Sci Fi Magazine Interview the Stars of Stargate

Next issue, the editors of Sci Fi Magazine are giving you a chance to interview the stars and crew of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis. You ask the questions, we’ll get the answers. If you want to participate, simply add your question to the thread. Please let us know who you want us to submit the question to as well as what the question is. The more specific, the better. We’ll select the best questions and print them along with answers in our next issue.

The SG-1 thread for questions is here: SG-1 Q&A Thread

The SG Atlantis thread for questions is here: SGA Q&A Thread

Registration for the forum is required to post, but it’s free and simple. So go forth and ask some good questions!

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Boston.com: Top 50 SciFi Shows

Posted in Press Watch at 11:59 am by DeeKayP

If you were to choose, how would you rank them?

“With the resurgence of science fiction shows this season, Boston.com’s entertainment staff decided to take a look at some of the sci-fi genre shows from yesteryear. Based on years of sci fi viewing experience and through a variety of online sources, we’ve come up with our picks for the Top 50 science fiction shows of all time.”

Stargate SG-1 made the Top 10, placing 6th, while newcomer Stargate Atlantis took the 26th spot. SciFi Channel’s new Battlestar Galactica, placed an impressive second place!

1. ‘Star Trek’ (Original)
2. ‘Battlestar Galactica’ (New)
3. ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’
4. ‘The X-Files’
5. ‘Babylon 5′
6. ‘Stargate SG-1′
7. ‘The Twilight Zone’
8. ‘Dr. Who
9. ‘Mystery Science Theater 3000′
10. ‘Sliders’
11. ‘Lost’
12. ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’
13. ‘The Outer Limits’
14. ‘Star Trek Voyager’
15. ‘Logan’s Run’
16. ‘Flash Gordon’
17. ‘Firefly’
18. ‘V’
19. ‘Dark Angel’
20. ‘The Hitchhiker’
21. ‘Quantum Leap’
22. ‘Andromeda’
23. ‘Tales from the Crypt’
24. ‘Wonder Woman’
25. ‘The Jetsons’
26. ‘Stargate Atlantis’
27. ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’
28. ‘Adventures of Superman’
29. ‘The Six Million Dollar Man’
30. ‘Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea’
31. ‘Alien Nation’
32. ‘My Favorite Martian’
33. ‘Lost In Space’
34. ‘The Avengers’
35. ‘Battlestar Galactica’ (Original)
36. ‘The Bionic Woman’
37. ‘Space 1999′
38. ‘Batman’
39. ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
40. ‘The Thunderbirds’
41. ‘Futurama’
42. ‘Science Fiction Theatre’
43. ‘Nowhere Man’
44. ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’
45. ‘The Greatest American Hero’
46. ‘That Was Then’
47. ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’
48. ‘3rd Rock From The Sun’
49. ‘The Wild Wild West’
50. ‘Earth – Final Conflict’

The Boston.com reviewers had this to say about Stargate SG-1: “‘Stargate SG-1′ is also part of Sci-Fi Channel’s Friday night lineup. The show follows a secret miltary unit that travels across the universe via a Star Gate, a device created by ancients. A great show with a solid cast.” They have the original cast pictured.

For Stargate Atlantis: “‘Stargate Atlantis’ is a spinoff of Sci-Fi Channel’s original ‘Stargate SG-1′ series and is part of the current Friday night lineup on the channel. When a Stargate portal is found in the ancients’ city of Atlantis (beneath Antarctica) a team is formed to explore it. As they use the Stargate to travel to the Pegasus Galaxy, they encounter an evil enemy called The Wraith, who threatens human existence.” They have a picture of Teyla only for this article.

Even though they have some of their facts wrong about the storyline of the shows, it’s an interesting read. Check out the rest of the selections as they count down from 50 on their website.

If you were to choose, how’d you order the Top 50 SciFi Shows of All Time? Visit our Solutions Discussion Forum and offer your list.

[Thanks to morjana for the tip — DeeKayP.]

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23.Sep.05

Ratings for First Half of Season Nine

Posted in News at 6:53 am by DeeKayP

SG-1 held fairly steady in the ratings



Stargate SG-1 ended its summer season on the SciFi Channel on September 16 and held impressive ratings for a show in its ninth season and with major cast changes, as well as a permanent move to the 8PM Eastern timeslot. The show kicks off SciFi Channel’s highly competitive “SciFi Friday” line-up which includes spin-off Stargate Atlantis and Battlestar Galactica, both programs of which are in their second seasons.

Joseph Mallozzi, executive producer and writer, has stated that ratings are a major factor in considering renewals, “When we moved to SciFi Channel, we were hoping for 1.5 – 1.7 average and ended up with slightly higher. After the SciFi Channel expanded its viewer base, we expected those numbers to drop slightly but, instead, they inched higher. Last year, we were hitting 2.0’s, 2.1’s, 2.2’s consistently. If that keeps up, I would think chances are good – but who knows. There are other variables that go into making that sort of decision – [chiefest] of which is the economic viability of continuing to produce the show. In the end, if it becomes a money-losing proposition, then the plug will be pulled. However, if DVD sales are any indication, the show seems to be doing alright in that respect.”

The following are the ratings for the 8PM Eastern first-run airings of each episode in the first half of Season Nine:

As of September 17, the producers are still awaiting news whether or not SG-1 will see a record-breaking tenth season.

Season Nine Episode Guides
SciFi.com’s Stargate SG-1 Page

[Ratings information obtained through the SciFi Channel and Gateworld.]

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20.Sep.05

S9 Spoilers: "Camelot"

Posted in SG-1 at 9:37 pm by michelle

9.20 CAMELOT PART 2

Summary

SG-1 travels to a medieval village on an alien planet in search of Merlin’s Ancient weapon. The village is known as Camelot, and the legend of King Arthur is alive and well there, complete with a library known to belong to Merlin. The team knows they need to get into the library, but according to the local legend, it is guarded by a Black Knight. Anyone who enters will die.

Details

SG-1 discusses the legend Arthur with Meurik, the governor of the medieval village, Camelot. Meurik is surprised to learn that the legend of Arthur has spread beyond their world. They are joined by Antonius, the village historian. The team learns from them that in their version of history, Arthur triumphed at Camlan rather than being mortally wounded by Mordred as in the Earth version. The villagers believe that Arthur left after his victory to search for the Holy Grail, and that when he finds it, he will return to them. Meurik also believes that the Ori are not a risk to their village.

According to the villagers, Merlin was the product of a human and a demon and therefore was capable of much mischief in spite of being Arthur’s trusted friend.

Antonius tells SG-1 that Merlin left behind a library, his private sanctuary. However it is protected by a powerful curse and a guardian: a black knight.

SG-1 learns about a key to the library from Valencia, a teenage girl who is an excellent swordsman. Once they know about the key, SG-1 is able to convince Antonius to help them get into the library, where they find a secret passageway behind a shelf of books. The passageway leads to a chamber with Ancient technology. However, the black knight has been awakened and must be dealt with.

Guest Characters

Camelot: Meurik, Valencia, Antonius

Production

Written by: Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie
Directed by: Martin Wood
Before Cameras: 28 September – 6 October

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S9 Spoilers: "Crusade" Casting

Posted in SG-1 at 5:30 pm by DeeKayP

9.19 CRUSADE: Casting

Daniella Evangelista has been cast in the role of DENYA in the upcoming episode, “Crusade”, written, directed, and produced by Robert C. Cooper, according to her official website. “Crusade” is the first part of the Season Nine two-part season finale (to be followed by “Camelot”).

When casting the part of Denya, producers were looking for an actress in the age range of 22-25 who was also beautiful. Evangelista was born 20 September 1982, according to her biography in the Internet Movie Database site, and started her career at the age of four. Her first acting job was at the age of five in the film Lies from Lotus Land, playing opposite Michael J. Fox, while most of her early work was done as a model and in commercials.

The episode’s character Denya is a prostitute who works as a barmaid in a village on the planet to which Vala Mal Doran (Claudia Black) was sent when her matter stream was captured during the Ori’s attempt to establish a foothold in the Milky Way Galaxy (9.06 “Beachhead”). Vala and Denya become friends who are able to talk to each other woman-to-woman, and Denya is instrumental in getting Vala involved with the Anti-Ori cause which aims to destroy a fleet of spaceships carrying tens of thousands of soldiers to the Milky Way.

“Crusade” is scheduled to be before the cameras through September 27th.

IMDB for Evangelista
Daniella Evangelista’s Website
9.19 “Crusade” Episode Guide

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18.Sep.05

New Tapping, Browder interviews posted

Posted in Articles & Updates, Press Watch at 8:11 pm by michelle

We’ve posted excerpts from recent magazine interviews by Ben Browder and Amanda Tapping. They both make for fun and interesting reading! Check them out here:

Taking a Browder

Sam 9 From Outer Space

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Show renewals not certain

Posted in News at 1:49 pm by michelle

Joe Mallozzi said in his most recent Gateworld blog entry that Season 10 of SG-1 and Season 3 of Atlantis are not at all confirmed:

“Contrary to the rumors, we have yet to hear word on the fate of either show – either from confirmed or uncomfirmed sources.”

He later said, in reference to the Season 9 cliffhanger now being readied for filming: “All I’ve got to say is – if there is no next season, there’ll be some major loose ends left dangling.”

How ironic would it be if, after several previous season finales tying up loose plot ends in anticipation of the end of the show, SG-1 actually did end forever with a cliffhanger?! We fervently hope this is not the case.

JM’s Blog

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17.Sep.05

SG-1 Makes Top 10 TV Buzzwords

Posted in Press Watch at 9:43 am by michelle

The Stargate: SG-1 catchphrase “It’s what we do” was ranked #6 in the list of top ten TV buzzwords for the year by the California-based Global Language Monitor. For the complete press release go here.

Excerpt:

The Television Buzzword List (TeleWORDS) for the 2004-’05 Season is released in conjunction with the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, to be televised live on CBS on Sunday, September 18th from the Leonard H. Goldstein Theatre in North Hollywood. The complete list, with commentary, follows.

The Top TeleWORDS of the 2004-05 Television Season

TeleWORDS / Show / Comment

1. Refugee
Show: Ongoing coverage of the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.
Comment: For millions, the word has now taken on a racial undertone and was subsequently replaced by ‘evacuee’ and others.
Runners-up: Evacuee, displaced persons, Katrinees?

2. Desperation
Show: ‘Desperate Housewives’/The Tsunami/Hurricane Katrina
Comment: Desperate Housewives’ began the television year in good fun, but as the year progressed the world witnessed an on-going war, a tsunami, the death of a beloved Pope, and finally unanswered death and despair on the American Gulf Coast.

3. Camp Cupcake
Show: The On-going Martha Stewart follies
Comment: The minimum security WV facility where Martha did her time.
Runner-Up: Ankle Bracelet

4. Reality TV
Show: ‘The Real World’, ‘The Bachelor’, ‘Survivor Classic’, ‘The Simple Life’, etc.
Comment: Real-world reality bested the manufactured kind by a long shot this television season.

5. Curmudgeon
Show: House
Comment: Acerbic, caustic, antisocial, & mean-spirited; those are socially redeeming qualities of this brilliant physician.

6. “It’s what we do.”
Show: Stargate SG-1
Comment: Stargate becomes the longest running Sci-Fi Series in the history of the medium.

7. Flip Flop
Show: The 2004 U.S. Presidential Elections
Comment: Formerly referred to gymnastic routines, pancakes, and dolphin acts; now transcends politics moving into pop culture.

8. Backstory
Show: ‘Lost’
Comment: ‘Lost’ takes ‘the story behind the story’ concept to the next level.

9. Tsunami
Show: The News
Comment: Before “The Tsunami” took a quarter of a million South Asian lives, most of the viewing audience had only a vague acquaintance with the word.

10. Mobisodes (Not another season of the Sopranos, but one-minute TV episodes designed specifically for mobile media.)
Show: Every ‘hip’ show worldwide.
Comment: Coming soon to a cell phone near you.

Thanks to Elyse at Yahoo! group sg1_spoilme for the tip.

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16.Sep.05

USATODAY.com: What to watch this weekend

Posted in Press Watch at 6:15 am by DeeKayP

Critic’s Corner’s Robert Bianco selects Stargate SG-1

Sci Fi’s revitalized Stargate SG-1 (Friday, 8 ET/PT) reaches its summer finale with back-to-back episodes. Fans can breathe easy: It returns in the winter to finish its split season.

USATODAY.com Critic’s Corner

[Thanks to morjana for the tip — DeeKayP]

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