In spite of massive promotion on Sci Fi Channel and other venues, Friday’s premiere of Season 3 of Battlestar Galactica in the US earned a rating of only 1.8, as reported here. This is not much higher than the 1.7 with which Stargate SG-1 finished its half season. As reported here, BSG’s 1.8 rating represents a large decline from its first season ratings, and is only 2% higher than its last half-season average. It’s not clear if BSG’s “darker” arc has turned away some viewers, or if the break-up of “Sci Fi Friday” had a negative effect.
Stargate fans may wonder if Sci Fi will be as tough on BSG as it was on Stargate for slightly lower performance, but after much less promotion.