Multichannel News published this (typo-impaired) analysis of the Stargate Universe ratings versus the 2005 ratings of Stargate Atlantis, which would have been for Season 2 of the latter:
The fall season of Stargate Universe was the most-watched Stargate franchise since 2005, according to officials at Syfy.
Stargate Universe soared past the first second season of Stargate Atlantis season four years ago, when measured on a live+7-day basis, according to Nielsen data. The rookie run of Stargate Universe, which spanned 10 Fridays from Oct. 2 through Dec. 4, averaged a 1.9 household rating and 2.57 million watchers, according to Nielsen DVR data. Included in the total were 1.63 million adults 25 to 54, 1.43 million adults 18 to 49 and 600,000 adults 18 to 34.
Compared to the 2008-09 Stargate Atlantis, Season 5, SGU, which will return for a second campaign in 2010, improved 51% among adults 18 to 34, 33% against the 18-to-49 set, 28% with adults 25 to 54 and 22% in total viewers, according to Syfy.
A 51% improvement is certainly significant, especially in the critical 18-34 demographic.