Gateworld reports here that the ratings for this past Friday’s episodes of SG-1 and Atlantis were poor once again, with SG-1 falling to a season low of 1.3 and Atlantis fairing not much better at 1.4.
Whatever the reason for the slip, from the break-up of Sci Fi Friday to any number of other speculations, it seems it’s time for fans to do what they can to increase the ratings, or prepare for this season to be the end for both shows.
Joe Mallozzi hinted at Comic Con that the ratings need to be close to 2 for renewal, and the shows are missing that by more than 30%. If you know anyone with a Nielsen box or a TiVo, ask them to watch the show live!
Here is a summary of ratings so far this season, with everything after the first week based on leaked reports of overnight ratings, though the overnights have always turned out to be accurate in the past:
Stargate SG-1: 1.4, 1.6. 1.5, 1.3
Stargate Atlantis: 1.5, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4
Scifi had a good lineup with SGI at 8:00, Atlantis at 9:00 and Battlestar at 10:00. I think if they returned to that lineup ratings would pickup for all shows. (Battlestar not aired as yet). I wonder if anyone is looking into this and I wonder if anyone with the shows are looking into ways to boost ratings. It seems that they have messed around with Scifi Fridays trying new shows which appears to effect their regular shows. I believe in the saying ” if it ain’t broke, don’t try and fix it”. Maybe fans should start writing the network and voice their opinions. Who do we write?
Those are excellent comments, and I agree with you. Here is the address to write for the Sci Fi Channel:
NBC/Universal–Sci Fi Channel
Attn: Nora O’Brien, Vice President, Original Programming
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY
10112
FAX: 212-413-6509
I think now is the time to start voicing our support!
Unfortunately, Sci Fi Friday is going head to head with a blockbuster detective theme evening on USA Network. SG-1 is airing at 9pm in direct competition with established favourite Monk in its new timeslot while Atlantis is airing at 10pm in direct competition with new show Psych.
This news was posted regarding the exceptional ratings performance of these two shows:
“USA Network’s new drama series Psych debuted to 6.1 million total viewers Friday night, making it the highest-rated premiere for a new basic cable series this year.
In addition, the cable network’s Monk averaged 5.1 million total viewers for its fifth-season premiere Friday night, according to Nielsen Media Research.”
Both Monk and Psych have continued to do well in the cable ratings, with 3.3 and 2.8 respectively for the period 07/24/06-07/30/06.
I’m not saying that’s the only reason, but it can’t be helping Stargate to be facing such stiff competition.
Yes, and how ironic is it that USA is the big sister network to Sci Fi… I bet there are lots of scheduling discussions going on these days at Rock Plaza…
I understand the rating numbers and it maybe that Scifi will not be able to complete with the new cable shows in numbers. However, SG1 and Atlantis, and Battlestar still have a huge following. From what I have read SG1 has a following not only in the US and Canada but around the world. I think that if the Scifi network cancels these shows, in particular SG1, they are going to lose a huge audience and I think it will cost them viewership for the Scifi network. Fans are loyal and they can make or break a network as far as audience goes. What good are ratings if no one is watching. Ratings are an up and down game. A 1.4 this season can be a 2.0 or more the next. This is only my opinion but I think the Scifi should stick with the Stargate series even if they are 1.3 or 1.4. These shows have to be generating money given the audience around the world. I wonder if Monk or Psych has a world wide viewership. I think Sg1 help put Scifi on the map and I think it will keep it on it.
Does anyone know about the international ratings?
I’d be curious to know how well the show is doing in the UK and Germany where there is a huge following and if that fact is even a factor with SCIFI when considering a show for renewal.