or


[08/22/08 - 08:27 AM]
Sci Fi and Mgm Reach for the Stars with 'Stargate Universe'
Production on the series will begin in early 2009, with the show targeted to premiere that summer.

[via press release from Sci Fi]

SCI FI AND MGM REACH FOR THE STARS WITH 'STARGATE UNIVERSE'

SCI FI AND MGM REACH FOR THE STARS WITH 'STARGATE UNIVERSE'

New Stargate Series Targeted For Summer 2009 Premiere

New York, NY � August 22, 2008 � SCI FI Channel and MGM Television Entertainment have reached an agreement to extend MGM's Stargate brand with a new series for the Channel. Production on the first season of Stargate Universe, a weekly series based on the popular Stargate franchise, will begin in early 2009, with the show targeted to premiere that Summer. Brad Wright and Robert Cooper, co-creators of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and who both currently serve as executive producers on Atlantis, will serve as executive producers and writers on the new series.

"SCI FI has enjoyed tremendous success with Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis and we're proud to be the home of the new Stargate Universe," said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI & Co-Head Original Content, Universal Cable Productions. "Universe will continue the Stargate legacy of vibrant storylines and compelling adventures, but will re-invent the format in a whole new way."

"The Stargate franchise enjoys a loyal and substantial fan base that welcomes each new installment with fevered enthusiasm," said Charles Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Corporate Development for MGM. "We are delighted to be working again with Brad and Robert and look forward to seeing new adventures with the launch of Stargate Universe on SCI FI Channel next year. Stargate Universe will continue the longstanding relationship between MGM's stellar science fiction franchise and cable's premiere destination for all passionate science fiction fans."

Thomas Vitale, Senior Vice President Programming & Original Movies said, "Stargate Universe is a natural progression for the Stargate brand and for our network. Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis have been key drivers for SCI FI and we are looking forward to seeing where this next chapter leads, as each new installment of the Stargate franchise further engages the SCI FI audience."

Wright and Cooper said: "In 'Universe,' we plan to keep those elements that have made the franchise a success, such as adventure and humour, while breaking new ground in the relationships between mostly young and desperate explorers, thrust together and far from home. Above all, we believe the Stargate itself remains an enduring icon with infinite potential as a jumping off point for telling stories."

After unlocking the mystery of the Stargate's ninth chevron, a team of explorers travels to an unmanned starship called the Destiny, launched by The Ancients at the height of their civilization as a grand experiment set in motion, but never completed.

What starts as a simple reconnaissance turns into a never ending mission, as the Stargate Universe crew discovers the ship is unable to return to Earth, and they must now fend for themselves aboard the Destiny.

The crew will travel to the far reaches of the universe, connecting with each of the previously launched Stargates, thus fulfilling the Destiny's original mission. Challenges will arise though as the ship comes into range of Stargates placed centuries ahead of the Destiny and the crew is unable to control the ship's navigational schedule. If someone is left behind, there is no way to go back for them, adding to the drama of encountering new races, enemies and adventures.

Stargate Universe will debut as a two-hour movie event on SCI FI. Following its premiere, Universe will assume a regular hourly slot in Summer 2009.

Universe will be distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching approximately 120 countries and territories around the world. MGM ownership is currently as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgmchannel.com

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 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.





  [august 2008]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
     


· STARGATE ATLANTIS (SCI FI)
· STARGATE UNIVERSE (SYFY)
· STARGATE: SG-1 (SCI FI)





[08/20/26 - 12:31 PM]
Netflix and AMC Global Media Announce New Gritty Drama Series, "Bannerman"
The series will premiere on AMC in the US and Canada and will also be available on Netflix in the US and Canada 90 days after the premiere of the season finale on AMC.

[08/20/26 - 11:24 AM]
"Agatha Christie's Tommy & Tuppence": Modernized Crime-Solving Duo Leads BritBox's Fall 2026 Slate
BritBox heads into fall with the highly anticipated return of some of its most acclaimed crime and mystery favorites.

[08/20/26 - 11:00 AM]
CBS to Mark 25 Years Since the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks with Extensive Live Coverage and Two Primetime Specials
At 8:00 PM, Tony Dokoupil will anchor a CBS News special from Ground Zero, "9/11: We Remember," featuring three stories of survival, loss and hope.

[08/20/26 - 10:01 AM]
Headed Back to Muskoka: Prime Video Renews "Sterling Point" for a Second Season
The eight-episode series debuted on August 5 and quickly became a top series on Prime Video.

[08/20/26 - 09:45 AM]
Academy Award Nominee and Emmy Winner Steven Yeun to Lead Netflix Series "Pagans"
Yeun will play Gus: A single father struggling to raise two kids alone following his wife's death.

[08/20/26 - 09:37 AM]
AMC Global Media's September Highlights Include "The Walking Dead: Dead City," "Blue Murder Motel," "Age Inappropriate," "Hell Mode," the Return of "Season of Screams" and More!
Other offerings include Sundance Now's "Murderer Behind the Mask"; Acorn TV's "The Sommerdahl Murders"; and We TV's "Love After Lockup: The Road to Rehab."

[08/20/26 - 09:33 AM]
CNN Brings Farm Aid Live to Audiences Nationwide on Saturday, September 26 at 7PM ET
CNN's airing of the evening will include star-studded performances board member artists Willie Nelson and Family, Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and more.

[08/20/26 - 09:30 AM]
From Arcade to Animated Series: "Golden Axe" Set to Premiere Exclusively on Paramount+ Wednesday, September 16
In a hilarious homage to Sega's iconic 1989 video game, "Golden Axe" follows legendary warriors Ax Battler, Tyris Flare and Gilius Thunderhead as they reunite to save Yuria from the evil giant Death Adder, who just won't seem to stay dead.

[08/20/26 - 09:17 AM]
BET Unveils "Get Your Mind Right," A Multi-Platform Mental Health Initiative Designed to Inform, Inspire, and Connect Black Communities
Rooted in BET's longstanding commitment to uplifting and serving Black audiences, "Get Your Mind Right" reflects the urgency of advancing conversations around mental wellness while encouraging communities to seek support and connecting audiences to culturally relevant support.

[08/20/26 - 08:45 AM]
Genie Bouchard Joins ESPN for 2026 US Open
ESPN will present exclusive "first ball to last ball" coverage of the 2026 US Open beginning Sunday, August 24.

[08/20/26 - 08:34 AM]
ESPN Debuts Little League Alumni Alt-Cast of the MLB Little League Classic Presented by New York Life
Mike Monaco will handle play-by-play alongside analysts Todd Frazier and Devon Travis, with the trio calling the game on-site in Williamsport.

[08/20/26 - 08:31 AM]
Netflix Renews "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" for a Fourth Season
Season four will follow a fresh batch of rookie candidates, comeback hopefuls and seasoned vets across the 2026-27 season.

[08/20/26 - 08:10 AM]
Food Network Serves Up a Frightfully Delicious Fall in New Seasons of "Halloween Baking Championship" and "Halloween Wars"
First up, on Sunday, September 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT "Halloween Wars" will return with host Jonathan Bennett and a "Back from the Dead" theme featuring all-star expert pumpkin carving artists, sugar masters, and cake mavens who will face more difficult challenges than ever before.

[08/20/26 - 08:01 AM]
"The Hunting Wives" Season 2 - First Look Images & Date Announcement
Season two premieres on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday, November 26, 2026) and will release exclusively as a Netflix branded series in nearly all countries Netflix is available.

[08/20/26 - 08:01 AM]
Apple TV's Sports Comedy "Stick," Swings Back Into Season Two on November 4
"Stick" returns for its second season on Apple TV on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with two episodes, followed by one episode weekly until December 30, 2026.