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An Open Letter to the Sci-Fi Channel

Jan 7, 2008, 06:48 AM | by Marc Bernardin

Categories: I'm Just a Geek, Sci-Fi, Television

Flash_l Dearest Sci-Fi,

Why are you not way more awesome?

Don't get me wrong, when you're good—like with Battlestar Galactica or Eureka (and I'll even give you credit for Doctor who, despite that being a BBC show you just imported)—you're a phenomenal destination network. But let's be honest here, there's not a lot of "good" on your schedule. The Stargate franchise is stale, Flash Gordon (left) is a derisible, stillborn remake, and ECW Wrestling is…wrestling! (And I swore an oath never to speak of Who Wants to Be a Superhero again.)

The thing that infuriates me is that you have so much potential. We're living in the Age of the Geek, where pop culture has finally come around to our way of thinking. Where the most-watched shows on TV are geek-nip like Heroes, Lost, and Bionic Woman; where we buzz about movies like Pan's Labyrinth, Spider-Man, I Am Legend, and Iron Man. The audience could not be more primed for this material, so why are you offering them Ghost Hunters International and crappy "original movies" like Mansquito?

Again, why aren't you more awesome? After the jump, some friendly advice.

Why aren't you adapting more classic sci-fi texts—like you did with Dune—into miniseries events? (Ones that, hopefully, will fare better than Tin Man.) Where's the Foundation saga, or Ender's Game, or Footfall, or The Man in the High Castle, or The Forever War?

Why aren't you engaging today's premiere purveyors of genre material and giving them ten episodes to do whatever the hell they want? I'd watch contained, BBC-style series from folks like Neil Gaiman, William Gibson, John Scalzi, Cory Doctorow, Warren Ellis, Charlie Huston, Neal Stephenson, or China Mieville. The names alone would attract viewers by the truckload. And even if what they produced were failures, they'd be interesting failures—marked by reaching too far, instead of not far enough.

Why don't you try a daily sci-fi soap opera? Airing late at night, so people could actually be home to watch it—or DVR it. Why can't the same kind of serial storytelling that's worked for 50 years on shows like General Hospital be marshaled to create compelling science fiction? (Actually, I've got to give Evan Narcisse a tip of the hat for this one. Because I'm just that kind of bloke.)

Mark Harris was right when he said that science fiction needed to ditch the nostalgia if it's going to reclaim its integrity. Lucky for those of us who love sci-fi that there's a whole network devoted to it. I just want them to fulfill their mandate.

Imagine that. (No, seriously. Get to work imagining.)

1 2 3 4 Next »

hopeless Mon, Jul 6, 2009 at 06:54 PM EST

The SCYFY Channel just got worse. Talk about a lazy American fast food of TV corporation. They have gotten worse and are going to get even more worse. Their program director needs to be FIRED and a real geek needs to be hired! Rise up people! I want the SciFi of old. Where they showed quality Sci Fi type of shows. Ghost Hunters and this chasing Elvis and his UFO crap has got to go! Oh the humanity!

Sean Sat, May 23, 2009 at 12:47 AM EST

SciFi broke my heart when they (out of nowhere) cancelled EXPOSURE back in 2002. I LOVED that show! :(

PS: I had every episode recorded on VHS, then my dumb sister stole the tape and recorded music videos over them! Blasphemy!

Save Scifi Channel Tue, May 5, 2009 at 02:39 PM EST

I just found out that the channel most looked to for Science Fiction will be changing its name to a Polish term that means garbage or sewage. The idea claimed by NBC Universal is to broaden the channels ability to grow a viewer base and to disassociate the channel from all the anti-social GEEKS that are Science Fiction viewers. NBC Universal’s cable networks include USA, SciFi, Sleuth, Chiller and it has an interest in other cable networks as well as the NBC broadcast network.

Save Scifi Channel Tue, May 5, 2009 at 02:31 PM EST

The TRUTH is if NBCU had went after every quality Science Fiction movie, series and documentary when they became available to cable and continued to do this year after year they could be the dominant provider for the genre and the channel would consistently be within the top five rated cable channels. There is about 35 million folks that admit they enjoy Science Fiction programs or about 10 percent of the population of the country. If The channel could get the loyalty of just 10 percent of these folks the ratings would be about double what it is now.

Darryl W Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 12:20 PM EST

These are your hard-earned dollars at work when you pay your cable bill. Once these pigs eat as much as they can, they don't want to spend any more money. It's not that the good series and movies are too expensive to broadcast; it's because Sci-Fi and NBC want to keep the money in their pockets. It's really odd how when cable TV was once 30-35 a month we got to see marathons of 'The Six-Million Dollar Man, 'The Incredible Hulk', and 'Godzilla' movies. Now that the rates have doubled, we are treated to abominations like 'Mansquito' and 'Roswell' all-dayers. It's no longer about what we want to see, but about what the networks want to pay for to keep their bank accounts full.

LOL Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 07:12 PM EST

Sci Fi is a shadow of it's former self, i was once glad that we had such a good channel to watch but now you can't pay me to watch it

dma69 Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 11:27 PM EST

Sci-Fi Channel has been going downhill for a looong time. They picked up Sldiers and ruined the last two seasons (even though Fox ruined half of the third season). I never forgave them for cancelling MST3K. I still can't believe I sat through that atrocity called Tin Man. And just seeing the title Mansquito is enough to make your eyes roll (imagine what Mike and the 'bots would do with that one).

Jason Lewis Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 11:11 PM EST

SciFi channel sucks because NBC (who owns scifi) is just another fatcat american corporation that totally fails at management and has no clue how to run a science fiction channel. Remember, they canned Star Trek after 2 seasons, a show that spawned a multi-trillion dollar franchise. Do you think NBC ever wised up? Have you seen any of the homegrown scifi movies? lol heck no! another failed corporate managerial failure. they are using scifi to to manipulate ratings for their own shows like Heroes. Plain and simple. Slurp it up america.

Clay Michaels Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 03:34 AM EST

What they did to Battlestar in Season 2.5 is unforgivable. Havent they learned by now that the average Sci-fi fan is an intelligent viewer???

They did a great job on Dune, but that was years ago and they dropped the ball on Children of Dune.

I wouldn't want them to do the Ender saga for fear that they would ruin it.

Taylor Fri, Mar 6, 2009 at 02:04 PM EST

Ender's Game FTW!! Has such potential to be an awesome miniseries!

Sci-fi advocate Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 11:55 PM EST

Great Comment! Absolutely correct. And another note: Horror is NOT Sci-Fi. Fantasy is better than Horror. Let the Horror channel show Horror.

Skip Wed, Feb 25, 2009 at 06:54 PM EST

There is sooo much potential. Why waste our time with a low class "Jerry Springer" show of the Sci Fi schedule called Ghost Hunters.

Jeanie Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 02:50 AM EST

FTL was great. My favorite was a character I saw briefly...Chasity Oberall...She was like a moral majority woman of the future. The amazing part was she did a short segment about virtual reality sex....way before it was possible. Bring her back.
Thanx

Sean Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 03:43 PM EST

Yes, thank goodness. Someone had to say it. I don't even pause on the scifi channel as I'm flipping around anymore. They should have picked up the 4400 and continued it, or something. Oh and your idea above, "Foundation saga", excellent. I would watch every episode, even if it was terrible.

Dennis moxness Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 08:33 PM EST

goast watchers , is the stupidest program / I have seen on sci/fi.
even watching reruns of enterprize star track is better than that ... speaking of are there going to be any new enterprize love that program , especialy deval wow .

Bob Tue, Feb 3, 2009 at 05:01 PM EST

I feel the same as most of you. The sci-fi channel is unwatchable. There are so many good stories out there to get ideas from and the best they can do is ghost hjunter and reality shows? Go figure it goes down hill as soon as the networks get there paws on it. IT like what happens to good stores once K=mart buy them.

randel Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 11:34 PM EST

Stargate Stargate Stargate Stargate!!!! BRING IT BACK...DONT SCREW WITH WHAT WORKS.

Kathy Ford Mon, Jan 26, 2009 at 06:05 PM EST

I was under the impression that The Sci-Fi Channel was set up for those who love science fiction or horror genres. Old and new material. BTW why don't they also bring over Torchwood and Primeval from the BBC?????

Mark Sun, Jan 25, 2009 at 09:07 AM EST

I'm not sure anyone is getting it-- sci-fi isn't bankable, and the whole point of it is neo-american empire hoopla about forever developing power, futures, tech and human oriented worlds. Trouble is, American Empire has been getting into trouble of late, and BSG points this out. Even Star Wars is about the empire turning in on itself. I loved Sci-fi Prime, featuring first wave, farscape, lexx, GvsE, Poltergeist: Legacy and some others-- slick packages, but funding soon clinked and so with the content. With the end of Clinton Era Financial Speculation, where for a while everyone could borrow money (in hollyweird)--soon to become a credit crisis near you-- it is impossible for 100 pe cent of everyone to make good shows that hope, as sci-fi is supposed to. That's why Obama is the best Sci-fi show on TV. And for all of those who beleive in it, the Obama is just another sci-fi series that has a few years of excellent funding before having to deal with the reality of the world order:$!

Mike Herncane Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 03:18 AM EST

Well said. So much potential. So much garbage.

Mike Herncane Sat, Jan 24, 2009 at 03:18 AM EST

Well said. So much potential. So much garbage.

Bob Sat, Jan 17, 2009 at 06:43 PM EST

SciFi Channel? I thought it was the cheap horror fantasy channel. F/X channel has more SciFi than the SciFi channel. of the thousands of SciFi programs, movies and series that were ever made, SciFi chooses boring lame SciFi original movies instead. What a joke. Does anyone watch it?

old shakey Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 08:41 PM EST

Learn the differences between sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. The latter two are generally boring. Try making movies of some of the works of the great authors. I would suggest Robert A. Heinlein. His book "Friday" would be a good start.

Bob Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 08:45 PM EST

I hate the Sci-Fi channel and I love Sci-Fi. Ever since just before they axed MST3K, the SFC has done nothing but show aweful horror movies (sci-fi is NOT horror) and create truly bland and forgetable shows. Do they do any market testing at all? If they do, they had better fire who ever is in charge.

Paolo Sun, Jan 4, 2009 at 12:52 PM EST

I randomly click-on the Sci-Fi channel and I can bet $$$ that I will usually find a commercial instead of programming. The Sci-Fi Channel has become un-watchable.

lazuras Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 12:26 AM EST

ecw well it may not be sci-fi but it is fantasy wheres robinson crusoe on mars

Ahxockin Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 06:38 PM EST

I never comment on website articles but I just had to add a comment. Marc I wish you where the SciFi exec in charge of programming. Down with Mansquito!

nfhqvyias ryvpdb Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 05:35 AM EST

ljvbxnui tgrvnmb yqvcmte zxmtiru fgdubxrnm ojdwfnmrz ufgzpcmh

Wed, Dec 24, 2008 at 01:26 AM EST

I'm still only thirteen, yet I've been a huge fan of Stargate for years. I have one painted on my wall. The idea that we're losing Stargate... it's depressing. I think I'm losing interest in the scifi channel(or TV in general). Dr. Who, Dead Like Me... I liked those. Stargate was my favorite.
A soap opera? Go watch Battlestar... all the newer shows are turning that way. And enough with the reality shows; that's not scifi. Give us something good, will you?

MYST Sat, Dec 20, 2008 at 06:24 PM EST

"Why don't you try a daily sci-fi soap opera?"


UH MARC, WHY DON'T *YOU* GO TAKE A FLYING LEAP DIRECTLY ONTO THE FICKLE FINGER OF FATE???

A SCI-FI *SOAP OPERA*??? *THIS* FROM A GUY THAT THINKS THAT THE SCI-FI CHANNEL IS ALREADY SCREWED UP???

(OH GOD, JUST KILL US ALL NOW, PLEASE...)


P.S. The WORST episode of the entire Stargate SG/Atlantis phenom was far superior to anything ever hellspawned from "PA CARTWRIGHT IN SPACE" (AND SUBSEQUENTLY HYPED TO DEATH EVERY 6.75 MINUTES EVER AFTER IN COMMERCIALS AND OBNOXIOUSLY INTRUSIVE VIDEO PROMOTIONAL OVERLAYS DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER ENJOY *ANY* SCI-FI PROGRAM IN PEACE EVER AGAIN.)

Ken Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 08:58 PM EST

ditch the nostalgia

No soap operas (future, past or present). Sorry, this is what happened to Battlestar Galactica and I quit watching. They all seem like a bunch of crybabies now, not someone fighting for the survival of humanity

Leon Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 07:54 PM EST

Anyone ever stop to consider how many of us Sci Fi fans aren't the people with the Neilson boxes? If I thought it would make a difference I'd boycott the network, but as it turns out, they wouldn't know if i was watching or not. Sure their ratings probably do go up with some of their mediocre movies, reality garbage (*shudders*), and non-sci fi content like wresting (*i feel nauseated*), but honestly, how can they even think that those ratings even reflect the loyal sci fi viewer. How do they even know how many people watch the network, especially when they continue to ignore what the network represented and continue to alienate their fans. Even some of their sc fi created movies have the worst special affects of their day. What's next? Clay-mation based reality shows? Nerd wrestling? Really, someone at the network needs to step up and take charge and replace all the idiots that think the sci fi channel is going in a good direction.

Catherine Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 08:31 AM EST

I am happy to see so many speak out against the Sci-Fi Channel's programming. It saddens me to hear that Stargate Atlantis is leaving us. What a loss? I don't like wrestling (what in the world is that doing on Sci-Fi) or reality shows. I could watch them on other stations. I used to watch only Sci-Fi TV. Now, I don't watch too much TV other than news. I don't like the other stations' programming. So, to the Sci-Fi Channel, I say, open your minds, move forward in time. Give us a reason to return to the Sci-Fi Channel.

Catherine Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 08:23 AM EST

I am happy to see that so many are speaking out against the Sci-Fi Channel's programing. It saddens me that Stargate Atlantis is leaving. There is nothing left to watch on Sci-Fi. I don't like wrestling (why in the world would that be on Sci-Fi) or reality shows. I could watch reality shows on other stations if I wanted to. There was a time when I only watched the Sci-Fi Channel on TV. That time has long gone. I want it back. So, to you, Sci-Fi Channel, I say open your minds, move forward in time; give us a reason to continue watching the Sci-FI Channel.

Angela Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 09:11 PM EST

Why not pick up the cult favorite, Blood Ties? Lifetime inexplicably declined to pick up this paranormal/ vampire series. It's witty, humorous, and does explore the supernatural. It's an amazing show. Maybe with the phenomenal success of Twilight and True Blood, they'll decide to add this great gem of a show to their lineup. I ALWAYS change the channel with ECW comes on. How is that sci fi? Fantasy, maybe, but not sci fi.

Angela Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 07:49 PM EST

Why not pick up the cult favorite, Blood Ties? Lifetime inexplicably declined to pick up this paranormal/ vampire series. It's witty, humorous, and does explore the supernatural. It's an amazing show. Maybe with the phenomenal success of Twilight and True Blood, they'll decide to add this great gem of a show to their lineup. I ALWAYS change the channel with ECW comes on. How is that sci fi? Fantasy, maybe, but not sci fi.

Alex Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 06:19 PM EST

Does the sci-fi channel even show science fiction any more? All I've seen for weeks has been substandard reality shows and straight-to-video horror movies (DVD is probably beyond their budget).

tom black Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 06:31 PM EST

I am 55 years old and have never filed a complaint like this before. Although a fan of amanda tapping and the stargate crew her new show is not up to the quality of th stargate. I am so dissapointed to here star gate atlantis has been cancelled I don't think I will watch this channel anymore.Cheep crappy little shows like estate of panic remain yet Atlantis hits the can. Who the heck is calling the shots !!It never fails. Isn't it about time the people were listened too instead of some stuffed shirt who obviously doesn't know any better. The characters and comradery of atlantis are stuff dreams are made of. its a magic that doesn't happen often. How sad to loose it. i could go on and name several examples but why bother. I'm done.

kbenedict Fri, Nov 7, 2008 at 06:31 PM EST

i usually enjoy the sci-fi channel but 2 full nites of stargate is more than enough. and where does ecw fit in to the catagory or scare tatics for that matter. please think about your lineup

weed420 Tue, Nov 4, 2008 at 01:55 AM EST

did you see the previews for there new shows, there getting worse, sci-fi needs to be cancelled they have more crap than a sewer

Ihateprejudice Sun, Nov 2, 2008 at 03:24 AM EST

dingdongscifichannelisdead your a prejudice piece of garbag why would you use cracker when all races are involved, when one person puts aside prejudice it impacts many, the world would be a better place without it

ding dong scifi channel is dead Wed, Oct 29, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

Its official i've blocked SciFi from my satellite set and sent a letter to DishNetwork and the Carlie Fiorna of SciFi...
I refuse to even tune into a hack channel that shows wrestling, dumb white guys with camcorders scaring each other for ratings...oh wait i was alking about ghosthunters but scare tactics is another hunk of dung that was picked up AGAIN! (come on, has there ever been any actual ghosts seen on the show? nope, just a bunch of crackers complaining about each others work performance.. SciFi channel is dead and if anything worth watching is actually made by them, it'll be cancelled and fast tracked to DVD, so less time wasted on my end

JT Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 09:25 PM EST

SciFi shows WRESTLING DURING PRIME TIME.

I hated trash-talking jocks all through school - I'm not watching them now.

Every time I see wrestling on SciFi, I'm not watching them for 24 hours.

And, I'm writing to the wrestling sponsors to tell them I'm not buying their products for at least one year.

STICK TO SCIFI TOPICS!

CableHater Tue, Oct 7, 2008 at 10:56 PM EST

This anti-genre programming seems to be a trend that is making me get rid of pay-TV altogether. Sci-Fi channel has wrestling (W!?T!?F?!) History channel has shows about trucking on ice. Discovery has shows about angry fat men who make pretty motorcycles. Diversity = more viewers = more advertising = more revenue. But wait, aren't you paying for pay-TV already? Here's a clue, these companies don't care. Adios Comcast, Dish and DirecTV!

billy1985 Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 02:56 AM EST

i cant stand jack carters sister on Eureka that has to be the worst character ever created, i agree they should vaporize her and bring back nathan stark, its funnier than hell watching him and carter go at it

Celt1114 Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

Posted by Jack Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST


"HMMM, the SciFi Channel, now I could really go on a spree here. Like how they won't allow me into their Forums"

Who in God's name would want anything to do with the Sci Fi forums?
Have you ever been there?
There are more whackjobs that post in those forums than you'll find in a mental institution.

Celt1114 Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

The channel sucks.
There are no redeeming shows on Sci Fi.
It amazes me really because you would think that sooner or later they would produce something half-way decent just through luck, taking into account the law of averages.
The Sci Fi channel needs to be erased.

Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

I

Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 09:36 AM EST

I

jason Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 01:36 AM EST

i agree with just about all of you,WTF has happened to the scifi channel. When I first started watcing it,it was a good channel.Now I just watch a science fiction movie from my dvd/bluray collection when im not on my ps3(High187)

jason Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 01:36 AM EST

i agree with just about all of you,WTF has happened to the scifi channel. When I first started watcing it,it was a good channel.Now I just watch a science fiction movie from my dvd/bluray collection when im not on my ps3(High187)

jason Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 01:34 AM EST

i agree with just about all of you,WTF has happened to the scifi channel. When I first started watcing it,it was a good channel.Now I just watch a science fiction movie from my dvd/bluray collection when im not on my ps3(High187)

gfoster@call-post.com Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

First of all, I don't appreciate the abbreviated season that "Eureka" has and second but most important: How could you kill off Nathan Stark, the hottest man on the show and give Jack Carter a sister from out of the blue. If you want to keep me as a viewer, resurrect Stark, vaporize theh sister and find a way to keep the show on more than 6 to 8 weeks at a time.

soundping Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:20 PM EST

The Sci-Fi Channel is NBC's redheaded step child. NBC is doing everything they can to kill science fiction.
NBC should be ashamed of themselves!!!

Bill Sun, Aug 10, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

Actually, Professor_D most of the SciFi movies suck. You may liek them, but a lot of people commenting hate 'em. I've only seen a few with good acting (and I mean only a few). God, I'm tired of those ham-acted, low-budget movies coming on. I udnerstand SciFi may not have as mcuh moeny as other stuideos, but put more intersting dialogue, plot lines, actors, etc. in your movies from now on.

Speaking of the shows, BSG and Stargate: Atlantis are the only ones that I like, but even they have lost appeal. BSG and SGA are fantastic shows, but it feels as if the characters aren't as interesting, and the plot lines aren't played out their full potential.

Buddy Fri, Aug 8, 2008 at 09:55 PM EST

Sci-fi channel sucks. They used to show anime movies Saturday morning which was cool but now they don't. Their log of old Twilight Zone and Outer Limits is shown rarely or for marathons. Firefly, the best sci-fi tv series there has been (bar maybe the TZ), wasn't picked up by them. Stargate+Dr.Who are cheesy, BG's a soap opera, b horror movies, wrestling...cyberpunk authors or licenses: Warhammer 40k, Starcraft, and Star Wars could all be used to produce solid series. What they put out wouldn't even have to be a familiar property to pull in an established fanbase just GOOD and it'd establish a fanbase. Sci-fi.com should have uploaded shows like Adult Swim does. Do even those who like the channel watch it on days other than Friday?

RJP Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 10:47 PM EST

Stargrate, Yourgeeka, and Wimp Gordon are still on? Guess I should maintain my avoidance of anything SciFi channel.

avenger48 Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 09:05 PM EST

We need to have sci-fi get the license to play Star Wars movies any time. Use them and some classic Sci-Fi movies to fill the Saturday night slot. Also make a series based on the Xanth books by Piers Anthony, and use that to replace ECW (wrestling doesn't belong on Sci-Fi!) Also buy the license to Firefly and use that to replace Sarah Jane. Replace most of the terrible series with Sci-Fi classics and Star Trek, only keeping Eureka, SGA, and BSG. Bring back SG1, it was one of your best series. Or rename yourselves crap TV and continue with what you're doing now, sans SGA, BSG, and Eureka

Try it, it just might work.

John O'Neill Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 07:23 AM EST

The thing that turns me off the most about the SciFi Channel is their dependence upon cheap, risible made-for-TV American disaster movies which consist mostly of file film of traffic jams in Los Angeles

John O'Neill Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 07:23 AM EST

The thing that turns me off the most about the SciFi Channel is their dependence upon cheap, risible made-for-TV American disaster movies which consist mostly of file film of traffic jams in Los Angeles

Dustin Mudd Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

t least it would be better then some of the junk thatyou show.You have no love,oh, I'm not talk sex.Violence is good,when there is a good.But sometimes reason for all the blood and gore.I'm talking about Oscar winning material.My God man,the sky is the lemit...Dustin Mudd

Dustin Mudd Wed, Jul 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

t least it would be better then some of the junk thatyou show.You have no love,oh, I'm not talk sex.Violence is good,when there is a good.But sometimes reason for all the blood and gore.I'm talking about Oscar winning material.My God man,the sky is the lemit...Dustin Mudd

revengeofscorpious Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 06:53 AM EST

who the hell owns scifi?i thought they were bought by turner broadcasting.

Wilwolf Sat, Jul 12, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Sci-fi Channel,
Your import movie Warbirds (you called it a Sci-fi original) was absolutely horrible. Did all of the producer's biologists, historians and technical staff die,along with all of the competent writers in the world? Who is responsible for funding such shameless, pointless CRAP? I mean, PLEASE! flying dinosaurs that can fly along side or even over take a WWII Zero?(the Zero's top speed was over 320 mph) My God! what idiots you must take us all for?!
Almost without exception your imported original movies are the utmost in third rate garbage. So far,they all seem to have stars who can't act, or worse, stars who can but who are given dialog from the back of a cereal box. Did you fire all of your quality control people or did they do the honorable thing and just die of embarrassment?
You have so much to produce so little. But,I suppose that you're happy with so many sponcers and incessant commercial breaks.You even take up show time with those tacky screen blockers.Please!

Gary Thu, Jul 10, 2008 at 12:31 AM EST

This is my new favorite site. SciFi Channel SUCKS Okay maybe not sucks but could be so much better than they are. I sent them an email about the same stuff almost every one of you feel. (no reply) Who every is in charge of programing is either 11yrs old or is 82 and with out a clue of what Scifi type people are intrested in. The Ghost hunting Plumbers WHOA!!! What makes them think they are an authority on spooks. They arent even PLUMBERS And thats FACT. (I can Prove it) so why should I believe them about anything else. Theres another show that is not put together very well at all. I guess if a network channel gives you a few Brand New Trucks and equiptment ta boot anyone can make a TV show Who said it has to be good, or you have to have people who arnt affraid of evey little bump in the dark or spider. Ghost Hunters who run when something lurks in the dark. The arguing amongst each other like a reality show sucks. Please a little compatition and Scifi would have to step up their GAME

David Richards Sat, Jun 28, 2008 at 02:53 PM EST

To add to your list of writers, how about Terry Goodkind and Laurel K. Hamilton.

Ben Sun, Jun 22, 2008 at 11:08 PM EST

I've never particularly liked the Sci-Fi channel. Mostly because I never felt that the owners/etc of the Sci-Fi channel don't share my enthusiasm for science fiction. I mean first lets get things straight, there is more horror and fantasy on the Sci-Fi Channel than science fiction. Though I can excuse the fantasy as long as its good and as long as they balance it out. Horror though needs to go, they need to make a new channel called "The Horror Channel" and that way they can stop showing all that crap.

Then there is Journeyman, I mean why the hell didn't they rescue it? I can understand if another network is the rights to the show at the moment but that isn't the case with Journeyman. AS it was made for NBC, the same company that owns the SCI-Fi channel. Then of course there's the fact that there is wrestling on the Sci-Fi channel, WTF?

Clearly whoever is in charge of the sci-fi channel isn't particularly partial to science fiction/fantasy.

chuckingthe tv Sun, Jun 22, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

Just get rid of the damn bugs, and popups the networks plaster all over the screen, and I'd watch just about anything.

Professor_D Thu, Jun 19, 2008 at 07:44 PM EST

I love those Sci Fi original movies. Seriously. Raptor Island, Interceptor Force, Reptillian, Dinocroc, Snakehead Terror... Besides, what else would Harry Hamilin, Lorenzo Lamas, Jack Scalia, Corbin Bernsen, David Keith, Dean Cain, etc. do without them?

On the other hand, I can't stand Ghost Hunters or whatever it's called. What physical theory indicates that ghosts would show up on IR cameras anyway? Why not UV sensitive cameras, or in the microwave region. Oh, anyway I also don't like wrestling... jeez.

and just for teh record, I still think SG-1 rules!!! Especially with Jack O'Neill!!!

Ok. that's my rant. SG-one-niner out.

Semifore Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

Why has the Sci-Fi station gotten so poor. I acquired Cable, years ago, just to be able to see that Channel and have always been a Sci-Fi fan; inheriting the fascination from my father. However, I recently cancelled Satelite TV because Sci-Fi no longer airs anything that I'm interested in. They brag about a show that was more soap opera than Sci-Fi; expanding neither your intelligence nor your imagination, and the critics loved it. But as a real Science Fiction fan, and maybe we should stop abreviating the name, it was not all that exciting. I found I could miss it without even wishing I had taped it. And that is the essence of true devotion. The stations broadcasting should not have been injured by progress but I swear it appears that the content has become female oriented, or just as my grandmother coined all Sci-Fi, 'stupid'. Chick flick pablum is not worth my time or my expenditure, I now understand young males alienation from TV..

Rene Mon, Jun 9, 2008 at 01:06 AM EST

I used to like the scifi channel when it first came into existence. Now i hardly ever tune it in. It showed a lot more retro stuff. Now there's nothing of the great classics from the past. they've gone stale with crappy movies and reruns of the same old scifi-TV shows over and over again! To all those brain-dead execs at the network, get a grip people!! There are a lot of classic scifi, fantasy and horror films, as well as wonderful B-flicks from the past 70 years. Heck, TCM actually shows more classic scifi than you do!! It's time you started airing these shows on your channel.

Mark Lukas Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

I could not agree more! If I see an add for one more damn disaster or dinosaur "movie" on sci-fi channel I am going to vomit up my innards!
Aside from the aforementioned ideas for new mini-series (I would watch each and EVERY one of them!), what about replaying some old sci-fi favorites? Space 1999, UFO, The Prisoner, old 80's sci-fi films, the old Buck Rogers & Flash Gordon serials? There is over 50 years of great sci-fi our there! Why do they feel we need more sensless disaster and dino movies?

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Gomez Wed, May 28, 2008 at 09:30 PM EST

Ghost Hunters is awful. I love how They alone decide the rules of what is or is not paranormal activity or what is a haunting . Did they go to college to study paranormal activity?

Jennifer Thu, May 22, 2008 at 03:05 PM EST

I was just talking about those horrible original movies that the Sci-fi channel cranks out. We decided that if they pool the money that they spend on all the movies for a year and just make ONE amazing movie, it would be worth it. Instead of subjecting us to this torture. One more thing, I noticed that a lot of people are talking about Sci-fi cancelling Firefly. Sorry, but Fox was responsible for that travesty of justice. Sci-Fi only showed the reruns. If they were smart (which we all have determined they aren't) they would have picked that up when Fox cancelled it. I'm surprised Eureka is still on. Thank goodness it has escaped the ax, so far.

Kdogg Tue, May 20, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

I think to please everyone you could change your cable name to crappy horror channel and we may leave you alone as long as you release Eureka, BSG and Firefly to the "original" writers. I really haven't seen any SCI FI once BSG was on its hiatus. But yeah by canvasing some previously done works (and overlooked) books you can invest some "B-grade" funding to quality entertainment!

Todd Effler Tue, May 6, 2008 at 05:29 PM EST

Part Two: The Sci-Fi mini series of Dune and Children of Dune was truly a great event. Actually, I have not really been disappointed in Sci-Fi mini series. But this craptastic programming stuff for 9 year olds has to stop (i.e. Flash Gordon, Sarah Jane, ECW and Mansquito type original movies). For the love of God; if you want to know what you audience wants to see – put a poll on your website with a wide variety of programs. Ask your viewers what they want to see while you still have some. I can’t deal with the fact that a show like Flash Gordon is on and Firefly is cancelled after a handful of incredible episodes.

Todd Effler Tue, May 6, 2008 at 05:28 PM EST

Part Obe: Okay…. And now you come up with “Aztec Rex” and the Sarah Jane Chronicrap. You people that are in charge of managing and programming at Sci-Fi – what the hell is wrong with you people? Is someone at NBC calling all the shots? Someone that is not the least bit interested in quality Science Fiction? You have destroyed this network. Once Galactica is done with its final season; you’re done as a network. I’m not sure what makes you cancel or stop running quality shows. If you are using the Nielsen Box (ratings); you must know that those boxes are placed in homes that are outside your demographics for science fiction lovers. If anyone at Sci-FI or NBC that has any say about programming – here are the quality Sci-Fi shows your target audience want to see: BSG, Firefly, Dresden Files, Dead Like Me, Odyssey 5, Babylon 5, Eureka, Farscape, Star Trek OS and NG, Ghost Hunters.

someperson Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 03:08 PM EST

Sci-Fi needs to do what you what expect out of a network called Sci-Fi. Keep shows like BSG, Eureka, SGA etc. And for cryin’ out loud quit making those stupid crappy Sci-Fi Original Movies! They're the very definition of a bad movie. Bring back some of the classics: Babylon 5, Firefly(actually make a new series out of it), they could even buy the rights to all the Treks. But if I hear about another movie like "Bloodmonkey" and "Ice-Spiders" I might just throw my T.V. off my deck! Ridiculous!

Ajaan Rob Mon, Mar 31, 2008 at 09:15 PM EST

It IS time for the Board of Directors to take Sci-Fi channel to the next level. It is time to release people within that holds backs this promise that was made when they first went out looking for investors money to create this proactive - creative venture. I agree there are so many good books to consider, one being the Terry Goodkind series Wizards First Rule. This would make a great daily sci-fi soap opera. It would also do the series justice. Another series for soap opera contender would be the Raymond Fiest series or even the funny Peirs Anthony book series and the list goes on and on. Remember when you listened to your viewers... now is the time to get plugged back in to your market...or lose it to others.

ELLIS E. Keel Thu, Mar 20, 2008 at 08:46 PM EST

I am seriously considering droping the Sci Fi channel, because In the begining I got it because I love Sci Fi programs But tell me what WW raw or those animated foreign programs have to do with science fiction. The cable system has a multitude of channels that it devoted to this kind 0f junk. as for me you are ruining the sci fi channel

Jack Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 01:00 PM EST

HMMM, the SciFi Channel, now I could really go on a spree here. Like how they won't allow me into their Forums since I write them so much, imagine that, professional station being that thin skinned.
Well,quality is a joke anymore, and I agree they don't care what the public say or wants, they just cancel shows without regard to the public or the fans.
The joke is, I don't watch the station anymore, finally though I am a Sci Fi nut, I can get all the Wrestling if I want on n

Random Guy Tue, Mar 11, 2008 at 07:28 AM EST

In a half hour using only MS excel I put together a schedule of content for the SciFi channel that would entertain the target viewers AND keep fresh (even if recycled) content on the "air" all year round.
If it only took me a half hour to think it up and lay it out why can't the "experts" make something even better.... instead of crap.

When my TiVo dies I am going to get rid of cable and just subscribe to netflix instead. That is how bad the overall quality of tv has gotten and the SciFi channel is one of the major perpetrators of the problem.

ml lowe Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 08:52 PM EST

The Ben Franklin guy way down in the comment trail has it right. Sci-Fi doesn't give two bits what folks tuning in want to see. They cancelled Dresden, PKJ, Farscape, etc, etc, etc not because they had bad ratings, but for apparently no reason whatsoever. Or, because the shows were doing well. I'm sick and tired of reruns of old shows every day, I'm sick of the retarded c horror flicks. I mean, jeez, it says Sci-Fi, not Joe Bob's Drive in (that old series on Showtime back in the eighties. I know it wasn't Joe Bob, but those of you who remember can correct me) - it supposed to be Sci-Fi. Science Fiction. Heck, I'd even take Spec-Fi, which could include some horror or urban fantasy. But Mansquito -- if I could drop Sci-Fi alone, from my DTV, I'd save myself the ninety cents and do it.

SamuraSaint Mon, Mar 10, 2008 at 08:14 PM EST

Ok hold on...

Ghost Hunters is awesome. How can any of you talk bad about it or say its crap? yes the international version is baaaaad.

But the Origonal is one of my favorite shows ever.

Wrestling has no business on the SCiFi channel at all. Its Disgraceful.

Lastly i totally agree with these points.

1. Have a classic movie night. Where you play nothing but black and white scifi classics.

2. Make more mini series headed by quality scifi authors.

3. Please make a Mini-series based on the Thomas Covenant books.

maowun cyqbjwkx Tue, Mar 4, 2008 at 11:33 AM EST

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Matthew Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 01:23 AM EST

ECW must die! It would be tolerable except that it constantly runs about 5 minutes over the hour. This is incredibly annoying and may even effect the commercial break timing of the show on after it.

Tue, Feb 26, 2008 at 03:14 PM EST

Firefly was indeed amazing, "amazing". Bought the box set as soon as I saw it, along with "Serenity". *bliss*

Rob Mon, Feb 25, 2008 at 01:11 PM EST

I totally agree! SciFi needs a change for the better.

Please revive Firefly, Dresden Files and Dead Like Me!

Sun, Feb 17, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

the budget costs for providing nice special effects for a daily sci-fi show would be exorbitant and no where near profitable, nice idea though.

archworf Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 07:48 PM EST

Stranger in a Strange Land

ISHMAel back Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 06:01 AM EST

MESSAGE

ISHMAel back Wed, Feb 13, 2008 at 06:01 AM EST

MESSAGE

ISHMAel back Sun, Feb 10, 2008 at 09:37 PM EST

MESSAGE

ISHMAel back Fri, Feb 8, 2008 at 06:41 AM EST

MESSAGE

Dude Thu, Feb 7, 2008 at 08:58 PM EST

The Sci-Fi Channel is to science fiction what MTV is to Music.

Snowy Tue, Feb 5, 2008 at 06:14 PM EST

Take note:
Asimov, Card, Heinlein, Bradbury...
Even the sucky authors like Eddings and Goodkind.

I dropped my satelite two years ago because I was just watching sci-fi and it turned sucky. Quit watching SG-1 because they stopped going off world.

I hope the sci-fi channel reads these. You disappoint. If special effects are too expensive, hire an animator.

I miss Farscape!!!

screwtape Mon, Feb 4, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

Sci Fi saved Dune from a really bad movie, totally reanimated Battlestar Gallactica, and should do the same for Starship Troopers.

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