What's the longest-running U.S. sci-fi show?

O'Connor Mon, Jul 14, 2008 at 05:56 AM EST

I have just finished watching the 8th season of Stargate. It got really good at about season 5 and kept getting better. Seasons 1-4 were formulaic and a little light for me but were interesting enough to keep me watching.
I agree with the sentiment that the shows willingness to not take itself seriously and the right combination of story and character interaction is what made it succeed.

It does not have the depth or character dynamics of Babylon 5 but stands on its own as a truly great series and is better than MOST Sci-Fi. Jack O'Neill (with 2 L's for those who missed that) was really what kept me watching. I am interested to see how Season 9 will pan out without my favorite character. I was also sad to learn Don S. Davis who played my second favorite character, General Hammond just passed away at the end of last month. Godspeed General

Tom Fri, Jul 11, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

starring Ben Browder, Christopher Judge, and Claudia Black you say? I think you missed out Michael Shanks and Ammanda Tapping.

Big Fan Sun, Jul 6, 2008 at 06:06 PM EST

You know all the bickering about docter who and stargate is irelevant. I just read all the comments and from the knowledge I got from there, its pretty clear. Docter Who ran for longer. I mean it ran for 26 years.(I think). Stargate only ran for 10 years. Still saying that. I think Stargate SG-1 is the best sci-fi show EVER!!! Thats just my opinion and you are entitled to disagree but I have seen every episode of Enterprise most of voyager and at leaast some of every other Star Trek show plus some Farscape(which looks interestingish but I've only seen a little bit) and Batllestar Galactica(which I think is the worst) so thats what I think. I just absolutely LOVE Stargate. The actors, the plot, the bad guys. All of it.

Rokkorokko Sun, May 6, 2007 at 04:28 AM EST

Reading the above amazes me

Different shows are different shows and they are nOT competing each other
Just because someone loves Stargate doesn't mean they have to diss anything else comparable.

I love sci fi shows, and admit some are better than others but each has their own charm & style, good points & bad points.

I'm interested in everything that makes up a show, style, characters, story SFX, music, sound, etc

That means, for me, even the worst episode of a show can have something interesting.

I loved Dr Who and That and Lost in Space were my first ever favourite shows. I still love them. The new version blows my mind. Pure Pleasure in all production areas.

I love all the Star Treks, Farscape, the Stargates, Sliders, Time Tunnels, Earth 2's etc etc.

I enjoy great shows with good characters I can 'get to know' episode after episode.

All countries have unique viewpoints so no need 2 Yank, Brit, Oz bash etc as each style has its own trademarks.

Bring em on!

Vic Fri, Oct 27, 2006 at 02:17 AM EST

for the guy who said SG-1 is made in the US...its filmed in british columbia, thats canada.

JMacbeth Fri, Oct 13, 2006 at 06:38 AM EST

for all the british bashers out there, british shows are fantastic. In fact, a lot of american shows are remakes of british ones i.e the office, american idol, teachers, etc. So stop being so racist and consider your comments before you make them.

Hobbie Thu, Sep 7, 2006 at 08:10 AM EST

Okay, there are a few rather silly comments here knocking Dr Who. There is not need. SG has done something remarkable and it is a great show but there is no need to knock Dr Who, which is a show loved as much as SG1 and by many SG1 fans, including me.

The basically racist and Anglophobic criticisms of some here shame the posters and make SG1 fans look bad, mean and spoilt.

The fact is, Dr Who ran for 26 continuous seasons in the UK with 700 TV episode. There are also a further 150 radio episodes and two movies.

And it ran as a new show in the US from the mid 1970s through until the early 1990s. So even in the US, it's the longest running sci-fi show.

However, SG1 is the longest running sci-fi show MADE in the US.

Although, didn't Dark Shadow's run longer or at least make more episodes.

crazy topple Sun, Jul 16, 2006 at 08:16 AM EST

gotta say, stargate both SG-1 and atlantis are the best shows the science fiction genre has ever come out with. I don;t understand how some people who like science fiction can not like this show, it has the best storylines ever, and the scenes with technology from the ancients, and wraith ship and asgard, its just amazing, you're lucky to see such great quality space shots in movies, rarely happens. thats what has me hooked on the show, love the scenes with ships, not to mention the humor. the plot is astounding...some people say, oh get a life, its just a show...but no, it isnt just A show, it's THE show. i hope it will continue on for countless more seasons, as im sure there is much left to tell of the story. there is so much more potential for the show it's just unbelievable. You've got the wraith in atlantis and the Ori (however its spelt) in SG-1 and there is so much potential between the two in regards to continuing episode plots. then theres the ancients, i watch the show also because after you are hooked to it you want to know whats next, what new discovery's SG-1 and the Atlantis team will come across, and if earth will survive, and how, and if they will find out how to ascend. If stargate (either of the series) is taken off the air anytime soon, it would be the stupidest think the network could ever do as it is quite possibly THE best series ever, and i am speaking with no bias, as i have seen farscarpe, star trek, babylon 5, both the new and old battlestar galacticas and many more, and science fiction is among my favorite genres, THE favorite in fact, i read it, watch it, and even write it, and given such i believe my opinion should be taken seriously to anyone considering the show is not as good as i say. It's the best out there now and has been for 10 years. on another note, man i wish Richard Dean Anderson would rejoin the show, even in a light capacity, even guest star a couple times a season, or go to atlantis...his humor kept the show both serious and funny, thus captivating... course "the new guy" has done a great job in replacing him so even without Oneal, the show is still amazing as ever, but would definately be better with "Macgyver" back on :p...spread the word people, keep the show running

Xaun Loc Sat, Jun 3, 2006 at 07:37 AM EST

Twilight zone: 156 episodes from October 1959 to June 1964

Then ANOTHER SERIES Twilight Zone as a rehash of the original: 110 episodes from September 1985 to April 1989

Then YET ANOTHER SERIES calling itself Twilight Zone: managed to stuff 44 episodes between September 2002 and May 2003 by counting two half-hour episodes in its one hour time slot each week.

Yes, these THREE series have a lot of episodes in their total 11 seasons if you pretend that they are somehow all one series.

Counting all three Twilight Zones would be like counting Star Trek, and Star Trek The Next Generation, and Star Trek Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek Voyager, and Star Trek Enterprise as all being one series.

Dr Who: a total of 704 episodes from November 1963 to May 1996 (with some gaps) -- it hung on forever because it was the cheapest way BBC could have something they could call Science Fiction -- and, of course, it did build up a nearly cult-like following for its campy farce.

Mike Harrison Sat, Apr 22, 2006 at 02:32 AM EST

I was a big fan of the movies and then the tv series. I have watched SG-1 on the space chanel and chum tv in Canada. There a few espisodes that I have not seen. Congratulations on the 200th espisode, may there be 200 more.

Irene Strakele Fri, Apr 21, 2006 at 01:37 PM EST

Ben Browder and his crew from Farscape should be on SG1.I miss Farscape.Everytime a good show comes around it gets cancelled.

br0kedad Sun, Apr 9, 2006 at 11:21 AM EST

Worldwide - Dr. Who by a long shot! And what kept it going - the humor and neat story-line twists.

At 10 years SG1 would be the longest running US SciFi, but the Twilight Zone ran about 30 shows a year for 5 years in the 60's and another 100+ shows in the 80's so it must have more total episodes than SG1 does.

TZ had some of the best (and worst) writing and acting ever but was pretty intense as a mirror of the world politics of it's time.

SG1 will probably be better remembered a 100 years from now because of it's excellent humor and interplay between the characters.

While Jack, Sam, Teal'c, and Daniel are GREAT, and the "new guys" are fitting in well, I feel the reoccurring supporting cast have been what has made me come back to SG1 year after year.

Janet, George, Walter, Bra'tac, Jacob, Skaara - these are vital charcters to the series.
And the villains!! I loved how they developed Maybourne, Yu, Osiris, Hathor and especially Apothos. No sense developing the heros if the villians are throw aways.

W Thu, Mar 30, 2006 at 08:44 AM EST

Love Stargate SG1 as a member of the US Armed Forces I like how they tend to always use weapons as they are intended, must have some good advisors for the show. However on the Atlantis episode when they are defending Atlantis with Marines against the Wraith there is a problem. SG1 always shot down gliders with a stinger missle (surface to air) The marines in Atlantis are using AT-4s which are (surface to surface) anti tank missles that would have no chance of hitting a moving flying target. What happened here?

KD Tue, Mar 14, 2006 at 03:14 PM EST

Stargate is the best show on TV. I do miss Jack. (What happened to him, anyway?) PLEASE don't get rid of Daniel, Sam, and T'ealc too, or the show just won't be the same. Stargate has a great concept, and it appeals to wider audiences because it doesn't take itself seriously like other shows. This is not presented as some secret government agency and we must all watch out or whatever, like X-files and similar sci-fi shows. Stargate is just for fun, and it is fun. It has a great cast, great writers, and great concepts, and it's a feel-good show to watch on a Friday night. (Or any other night, as the case may be.)

phil Sun, Mar 5, 2006 at 09:41 AM EST

hi id just like to ask a question
where has richard dean anderson gone ???

in the last episodes i saw him in he was always sitting and he was speaking funny ???
has he had a stroke ???

Gina L Sat, Feb 18, 2006 at 02:54 AM EST

I have watched Stargate SG1 since the first episode when it was on Showtime. That's the only reason I ordered Showtime. 5 years later I met my now husband who has been a lifelong trekkie and got him to watch Stargate with me, even so he never saw the show before.
Thanks to Dvds and reruns he is all caught up on his episodes. Friday night in our house is Stargate night, other couples have date nights we have Stargate. Even so we miss Jack, this season is one of the best ever produced. New guy is bringing the funny and has us busting up, he has more "Jack potential" than we ever would have dreamed of. We cannot imagine Stargate ever ending, because we love it so. Stargate Atlantis was hard getting used to, but this season is awesome too.
The premise of Stargate is just too cool for words and so much can be done with it for many many years. We are ready, waiting for Friday with our pizza and Stargate !

ZSU Fri, Feb 17, 2006 at 10:49 PM EST

mozz you don't know what your missing
go back and catch up.

Trip Sat, Feb 11, 2006 at 07:04 PM EST

Uhm, Star Trek:TOS lasted only 3 seasons, not 4, and TNG, DS9, VOY each had 7, and ENT had 4. altoghether they had 702 hours of showtime. Compare that to Dr. Who watever it is, i dont know.

Anyhoe SG-1 is awesome, good quality programmin, it not only contributes to sci-fi but makes fun of it as well, and people who make fun of themselves are the best people on the earth. Im glad sci-fi channel is smarter than UPN and has decided to keep quality shows goin instead of cancellin them.

The Magnus Sat, Feb 11, 2006 at 11:59 AM EST

Dr. Who was a 25 minute show. Who cares if it had more episodes. They probably do not even care much for ratings in that country. Why else would their best shows not last longer than 4 or 5 seasons? On top of that, it's british. I'll take a Canadian or American show over a british one any day of the year. Brits are used to watching poorly scripted/developed series. Some of their comedies are worthwhile But overall, their dramas and sci-fi shows are less than lackluster.

Knuckle9 Thu, Jan 26, 2006 at 05:00 PM EST

Dragonball consists of about 32 seasons 508 episodes 42 40 page comics and 19 movies, so I think it wins for number of movies made, i think.

Frank Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 07:02 AM EST

Great show, fantastic actors, Richard, Amanda, Christopher, Michael and so on. As for the newcomers, I think Ben was a good choice when Richard had to be replaced. I also like Claudia, but I liked her better as Aeryn Sun.

SGfan Sun, Jan 8, 2006 at 01:59 AM EST

Ahem... Did someone forget about Amanda Tapping and Michael Shanks? The show doesn't star Claudia Black (yet), and Browder only joined the series this year.

Not to be nit-picky, but the current actors responsible for the 10-year renewal are most definitely Tapping, Shanks and Judge.

dude Mon, Dec 5, 2005 at 02:28 PM EST

i have realy enjoyed watching SG-1 during the past 8 years. and im realy gone miss O'Neal's caracter. cus he was the one bringing the humer in to the show. i know guy trys to be funny but it just doest feel the same.

some of my favorite quotes:

Jack O'Neill: I just walked in with a handfull of ingredients for my world-famous omelette!
Sam Carter: World-famous huh? What's in it?
Jack O'Neill: Eggs.
Sam Carter: I don't think that that actually qualifies as a recipe.
Jack O'Neill: Oh don't kid yourself, there's a secret ingredient I can't tell you what it is or I'd have to shoot you.
Sam Carter: It's beer isn't it?
---------------------------

General George S. Hammond: It costs nearly a billion dollars just to turn the lights on around here.
Jack O'Neill: How about a bake sale? Yard sale? Garage...
General George S. Hammond: This is what I look like when I'm not laughing, Colonel.
Jack O'Neill: Car wash?
----------------------------

Homer Mon, Nov 28, 2005 at 10:48 AM EST

I think humour is a key part of the SG success story. Other shows take their Universe far too seriously but SG can swing between humour, action and drama without effort. Shows like X-Files and even the new BSG can't do that as effectively. I was brought to the show by RDA as I was already a fan of his but I've come to love the show and all the characters because they entertain me.

But there is no room for "interpretation" on the episode counts, Dr Who has 696 episodes broadcast in 26 consecutive Seasons between 1963 and 1989. The new Series adds another 13 to that tally. That is a fact, as a Gatehead I wish SG had as many but it's nowhere near.

Arch Sun, Nov 27, 2005 at 07:28 PM EST

I've watched every episode of Stargate and still intend to do so in the future.

I'm sure that a lot of people don't like or even understand the series if they just tune in every once in a while. But for those that have been along since the beginning, there are plenty of original and well made episodes to watch.

The show definitely builds a lot upon past episodes and references. It's amazing how much hidden humor is in the show. I have found myself laughing out loud at completely inappropriate times because I "got" a phrase in the "last" episode.

When you think about it, it makes sense. You can no longer use the same jokes and ideas you used during the first seasons. So you push forward. But in order to keep the concept going and enjoyable for the older fans you bring in references and backgrounds.
Newer fans won't catch the drift but they'll manage, but the older viewers enjoy it so much more.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118480/quotes

Have an hour? Check the link above. It contains a ton of quotes from the show.
For me - a long time fan, it's full of so much humor it's impossible to read it through without a laugh even for a tenth time.

Sang Sun, Nov 27, 2005 at 05:52 PM EST

The reason this show continues to be made is the ratings, in which I am happy to add to. The reason it is perceived that the show has no fans is the fact that the vast majority of viewers are casual TV watchers who would never bother to go out of their way to dress up like characters, get into indepth discussions on the plausibility of its science, or even stand up for it when it gets dissed. I'll admit there are some SG freaks out there, it's just the ratio of freaks:regular people is extremely low compared to any other sci-fi series.

Everyone seems to wonder - "How'd this show stay on while -X- gets cancelled? It was way better!" The answer? This show got the ratings which = more people actually cared enough to tune into this than -X- series. Wouldn't that mean more people actually prefer this?

Skeet Fri, Nov 25, 2005 at 10:06 AM EST

I like all the Friday shows on Sci-fi and I have nothing to complain about because I like all the actors on all the shows.

Prometheus Thu, Nov 24, 2005 at 08:09 PM EST

Do some of you guys even listen to yourself when you speak? (If anybody points out the irony of my last statement, the fact you type and not speak, then I hope it makes your dull little day) The reason Stargate SG-1 is so popular is because it possesses a unique charm, a humane quality, which in today’s modern television, filled with sterile and lifeless programming is sorely missed.

It would be possible to discuss plot lines, special effects, cast etc for eternity, but come on… Why? Stop moaning to other people about your opinions (which, by the way, nobody of any importance could give a damn about) and get on with your life.
Stargate is as much about expanding human intervention and exploration on a metaphysical level as it is on a physical one. It contains humour and drama in perfect balance with science fiction, and this formula appeals to many different emotions equally, thus fulfilling one of the key attributes of an entertainment program. In retrospect, it could be considered to justify the definition of entertainment itself.

I don’t mean to disrespect other shows, sci-fi or any other genre, in fact I wish the contrary would happen. I also don’t mean to disrespect anybody else’s viewpoints either; nobody on this earth should be able to take away your right to have an opinion, however in the grand scheme of things, maybe we should all just appreciate these shows on the only levels we’re capable of. (And get on with our lives)

Dan Thu, Nov 24, 2005 at 02:15 PM EST

My two cents:

daisyj: The link takes you a Richard Dean Anderson page

SG1/DrWho argument: Dr Who is the *longest* running, having been going on since the stone age. As for episode count, I think that may be open to interpretation.

Ben Browder fans: Sorry, Jack beats Cameron any day.

Juliana Wed, Nov 16, 2005 at 01:00 AM EST

Those who dislike Stargate watch it more fervently then us fans. It is an excellent show, lasting due to good acting, an excellent storyline and incredible amount of dedication from it's crew. However before anyone here slams it down for not being hardcore sci-fi, they should define "hardcore" sci-fi first.

As for the better shows: Nothing wrong with Farscape for example but towards the end it got more contrived in it's stories, missing one episode would seriously affect the understanding of the storyline.

Were it not for Babylon 5, Stargate, Farscape, BattleStar Galactica would not be here. Look how many of today's popular shows follow their method of creating storylines.

jan Sun, Nov 13, 2005 at 02:25 PM EST

Does anyone know if stargate atlantis is going to repeat on another chanel. Only just dicovered it has started again and have missed the first three episodes

David Davis Sun, Oct 30, 2005 at 10:04 AM EST

I think Steve need to look longer at the link he provides. He has simply misread the website he linked to. It lists about 170 stories but also shows at the end how many episodes that story consisted of.

You see like Stargate, Dr Who told stories over more than one episode. For exanmple "The Daleks Master Plan" shown in the mid 1960s actually consisted of 12 episodes.

In the same way there are many two part Stargate stories. Or does steve think that each episode of the two part Stargate episodes should be counted as just one episode.

In the 1960s there were 40 episodes of Dr Who a year.

In the 1970s and early 1980s there were about 26 Dr Who Episodes a year.

So there are 709 TV Episodes of Doctor Who over 27 Seasons. This is a fact to which there is no dispute.

I know as I have most of them on Video and I can assure you that if there were only 172 episode that my Video Shelves would be a lot more empty than they are.

Steve Sat, Oct 29, 2005 at 02:44 PM EST

Not to be a pedantic boob, but according to http://www.ee.surrey.ac.uk/Contrib/SciFi/DrWho/episodes.html, as of the end of the 27th season, there were 172 episodes, since early on the seasons consisted of 8 episodes. Regardless, 28 seasons is one hell of a respectable achievement in the TVverse

David Davis Fri, Oct 28, 2005 at 03:15 AM EST

Congrats to Stargate but I think Simon Appleford needs to be corrected.

"Doctor Who" ran for 26 Seasons in it's original run and its new run has been promised at least three Seasons.

Currently the show has 709 TV Episodes. With another 28 to come in the next year and a bit.

Plus there are over 300 Radio Episodes.

And Dr Who holds the world record for the number of official books writtten about a single character. The current tally is about 450 books.

There have been two Cinema Films staring Peter Cushing

And the show now has its 2nd Spin Off series.

Steve Thu, Oct 27, 2005 at 10:16 AM EST

Er, the show is produced by MGM (now a subsidiary of Sony), Universal is not involved. I'm an old school sci-fi geek, yet I love Stargate. I have absolutely no idea why it gets so much hate. The acting has never hit some of the abysmal lows on some of the... less polished episodes of say Babylon 5, or the insane contrivances of a Star Trek Voyager. Oh well, you can count me as one of those people happy to see the show continuing to be successful (the bulk of season 8 not withstanding).

Simon Appleford Thu, Oct 27, 2005 at 09:53 AM EST

Actually, Doctor Who aired almost 700 individual episodes (making up approximately 160 stories) in its original run from 1963-1989, plus the thirteen that aired earlier this year in the UK and Paul McGann's TV movie from 1996. Even though the majority of the episodes were only 25 minutes long, Stargate has a very long way to go to beat that!

abundantraymo Thu, Oct 27, 2005 at 12:35 AM EST

You'll be interested to know that the longest running sci-fi show in the world (if we're going on number of episodes) is actually Stargate SG-1. Doctor Who only comes it 180ish eps (I think it's 187 but don't quote me) including the new season.

The reason why it works - it has a great cast, who have great chemistry, a well structured arc lacking in most sci-fi and TV shows in general and it's budget and viewers match up. Expect it to be around for a while longer.

Maryland Wed, Oct 26, 2005 at 09:31 AM EST

I keep trying to watch SG-1, but it's pretty bad. Even though bringing on Ben Browder and Claudia Black helped a lot. Favorites? Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica (new), and Farscape. Don't have a clue why SG-1 has lasted so long. After the smashing Farscape, BB and CB deserve a better venue. Hope they get it.

Ron Wed, Oct 26, 2005 at 08:59 AM EST

Star Trek:TOS only ran 3 seasons.

Ed Wed, Oct 26, 2005 at 08:21 AM EST

Our bad. That's not Richard Dean Anderson in the photo -- made the fix. Thanks!

Me Wed, Oct 26, 2005 at 08:12 AM EST

I gotta say the X-Files! I like Stargate, but I loved FARSCAPE and the X-FILES and I am only watching the STARGATE shows for CLAUDIA BLACK, BEN BROWDER and MITCH PILEGGI.
'Nuff said.'

Whedonverse Wed, Oct 26, 2005 at 06:48 AM EST

It's almost certainly Doctor Who which has had a total of 27 seasons, 3 movies and a tv movie. It began way back in 1963 and ended in 1989 with a number of episodes "lost" along the way. (Although these resurface every now and again through collectors realising they've got a missing episode in their attic!) It was picked up again in 2005 with the 27th season starring Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper and written by Russell T. Davies. A new series is starting next year with a new doctor and we're also expecting a christmas special very soon and a spin-off for the character of Captain Jack sometime next year.

Star Trek TNG lasted 7 seasons by the way.

mozz Wed, Oct 26, 2005 at 12:37 AM EST

I only started watching when Ben Browder and Claudia Black joined the show... SG1 may be the longest running scifi series... But FARSCAPE was far and above THE BEST.

Kanner12 Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 07:22 PM EST

The "NEW GUY" in the Stargate series is Ben Browder From the series Farscape ! ! !

Vlash Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 05:46 PM EST

Star Trek TNG, DS9 and Voyager all had 7 seasons, Enterpise had only 4 and TOS had four. X-files had 9 seasons. I'm amazed by the other comments here, they aren't exactly helpful or many go off topic.

Stargate's secret is probably the combination of comedy, sci-fi and action. It appeals to many different groups, but probably not the most hardcore. Personally it is one of my favorites, right after Battlestar Galactica and Babylon 5.

A2K Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 05:42 PM EST

Props to SG-1 for keeping Sci-Fi channel in business over the years. Now they've taken it to the next level with Battlestar Galactica.

Is Richard Dean Anderson even on SG-1 anymore?

blah Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 04:54 PM EST

How long was Star Trek: TNG on? That had to have lasted at least 7 or 8 seasons? For some reason I thought it had made it to ten.

I've never seen either Stargate show, but I know one person who watches it quite obsessively. Having the guy from Farscape makes it appeal a little more, but not enough to make a point of watching it.

And you're totally right brandonk. This is exactly like 7th Heaven! I know maybe one person who watches each show, yet somehow these shows produce enough revenue to keep them going.

brandonk Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 04:21 PM EST

Just like "7th Heaven," which has also been on for 10 years, I've never watched "Stargate SG-1." The movie was good, but the TV show never looked as good.

Harold Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 03:51 PM EST

wow, the fact checking is impeccable there. sheesh.

Ep Sato Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 03:48 PM EST

I have never understood the popularity of SG-1. The longest running sci fi show of all time has got to be The X Files, at least stateside...

As for why SG-1 has lasted forever, it follows a simple formula. An unnusual storyline and plot that began as a major motion picture, and a low enough budget helps Sci fi afford to keep it on the air. Plus, Universal (which owns Sci Fi Channel) produces the show in-house.

What I find most interesting about that show is how most sci-files are quick to dis it, but despite an apparent lack of fans, the show continues to excell.

Using this formula, it is surprising that Universal hasn't purchased the rights to make a Serenity spin off or doesn't take the opportunity to make more episodes of the much better written and better acted Galactica.

daisyj Tue, Oct 25, 2005 at 03:23 PM EST

Um, nice theory, but that's not the MacGyver guy. That's the Farscape guy who replaced him.