10 DEC 02: STARGATE SG-1 OPENS A PORTAL TO 7TH SEASON- BY PAUL GENDREAU (MGM SCI FI NEWSLETTER #11)

Coming off record-breaking original episodes this summer and extraordinary October ratings fueled by acquired episodes of Stargate SG-1, Sci Fi Channel has renewed the series for a 22-episode original seventh season with MGM. Richard Dean Anderson will resume his role as both the series' lead (cast as Col. Jack O'Neill) and executive producer.

"Stargate fans are everywhere. The ratings prove it. We are delighted to renew SG-1 for a new season," stated Bonnie Hammer, president of Sci Fi Channel. She continued: "Clearly the show has done phenomenally well for Sci Fi, both with original and acquired episodes, and we look forward to another record-breaking year."

"It is gratifying to see so many people's hard work rewarded with the kind of record-setting ratings we've experienced since the show arrived at its new home on Sci Fi Channel," added Hank Cohen, president of MGM Television Entertainment. "The continued interest of the series' fans is a testament to our talented producers and writers, our wonderful cast, led by star Richard Dean Anderson, and the incredible support from the entire Sci Fi Channel team."

The addition of Stargate SG-1 to Sci Fi's lineup has helped energize the channel's ratings in recent months. The new-to-Sci Fi sixth original season of Stargate SG-1 served as the centerpiece of the channel's explosive summer performance. The original series started strong in June and gained momentum throughout the summer. The series broke a Sci Fi Channel record with its summer finale episode (2.0 rating; 1,588,000 HHs*).

Beginning in October, acquired episodes of early Stargate SG-1 seasons began airing as a Monday-night block-four back-to-back episodes-which allowed viewers to catch up on the series from the beginning. The SG-1 block delivered the biggest average monthly 8-11 PM audience for the time period in the history of the channel*, and helped catapult the channel to an overall 45% delivery increase over the same time period last year.

Reaching a milestone seventh season, Stargate SG-1 is now among the longest-running sci-fi series in the history of television. Produced by Kawoosh Productions and distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, the show centers on the Stargate, an ancient portal that allows instantaneous travel across the galaxy. Executive producers on the series are Brad Wright, Robert Cooper, Michael Greenburg and Richard Dean Anderson.

Original Season 6 episodes will resume on Sci Fi Channel in January. Production on the new season is slated to begin in Vancouver early next year for a summer 2003 launch.