|
Syfy won't be renewing Stargate Universe for a 3rd season
|
|
Topic Started: Dec 16 2010, 09:14 PM (330 Views)
|
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 16 2010, 09:14 PM
Post #1
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
Syfy won't be renewing Stargate Universe for a 3rd season
- Quote:
-
Syfy announced today it will end its original action-adventure series Stargate Universe once the show returns to finish its second season in the spring of 2011. The upcoming 10 episodes will be the series' last.
The Stargate franchise—consisting of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe—has aired on Syfy since 2002.
Syfy has a slate of new scripted projects lined up for 2011, including the series premiere of Being Human on Jan. 17, the recently green-lit one-hour drama series Alphas and the much-anticipated Battlestar prequel pilot movie, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome.
Warehouse 13, Eureka and Haven will also be returning with new seasons next year.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 16 2010, 09:15 PM
Post #2
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
This actually makes me happy. I thought the show stunk and it was an embarrassment to the Stargate franchise.
|
|
|
| |
|
Swidden
|
Dec 17 2010, 12:20 PM
Post #3
|
Professional Gadfly-at-large; Provisional wRench-fly at large
- Posts:
- 3,725
- Group:
- Co-Admin
- Member
- #6
- Joined:
- December 13, 2006
- Gender:
- Male
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- Star Trek , but barely.
|
Hey 24,
Found this link on another article about SG-U's cancellation. I think it tells the tale pretty well of what went wrong anf producers who were really ignorant of the audience.
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2009/11/stargate-universe-syfy-.html
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 17 2010, 04:58 PM
Post #4
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
- Swidden
- Dec 17 2010, 12:20 PM
Thanks. I've actually read that article. There was a big stink about it on a lot of SGU forums, which is why I recalled the interview. I pretty much agreed with Ryan's review of the show. She touched on the issues that negatively affected the series and continued to until I couldn't watch anymore.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 19 2010, 09:56 AM
Post #5
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
SyFy Signs Movie Deal With Universal But Cancels Stargate Universe
- Quote:
-
SyFy is making news this week for two very different reasons. The network has just signed a deal with Universal that will bring their original films from Saturday nights on the cable network to the big screen. However, Stargate Universe wasn't so lucky this week as the network has canceled the series. This means for the first time in years, the network will not have a Stargate related series in its line up.
The deal with Universal will create a new studio for films called SyFy Films, and the plan is to put one or two theatrical releases a year starting in 2012. Yes, this means that movie fans can head to their local theaters to see films like the most recent hit, Sharktopus. Really? Do people really want more bad cheesy films at the box office? What are Universal and SyFy thinking? These films are bad enough on television. They are meant to be fun and cheesy is the only word to describe these films. It looks like the cable network is just looking at the potential dollars to be made, or it isn't really thinking at all.
The same could be said about SyFy canceling Stargate Universe this week. What is the network thinking here? The announcement of the cancellation was made on Thursday. The Stargate franchise has been a part of the lives of many since the first film hit theaters back in 1994. The cable station has been the home of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and then this most recent series since 2002.
The plan is to air the final ten episodes of the series next year because they had already been filmed before the news of Stargate Universe's cancellation was released, but no more episodes will be filmed. A season three just won't happen. Fans are not happy about this cancellation especially since it appears that no loose ends will be tied up once the series is yanked off the air this spring. Why the cancellation? Low ratings are the cause for the end here. Stargate Universe didn't pull in the same amount of viewers that SG-1 and Atlantis did while on the air.
This is the second big cancellation from the network in recent months. The last was Caprica from the Battlestar Galatica franchise. The network did pick up another in that franchise though. Stargate doesn't have a new series waiting in the wings. That could change, but it doesn't seem likely at this point. What do you think of these new developments in the world of SyFy? Big screen movies and the end of Stargate Universe both have people talking about the network this week. Sound off in comments if you have something to say. Go here for the latest in entertainment news and gossip.
No way would even consider paying to see one of their original movies at the box office unless it was extremely obvious the quality of the production had gone up a 1000 fold over what is aired on TV.
|
|
|
| |
|
Swidden
|
Dec 20 2010, 08:29 PM
Post #6
|
Professional Gadfly-at-large; Provisional wRench-fly at large
- Posts:
- 3,725
- Group:
- Co-Admin
- Member
- #6
- Joined:
- December 13, 2006
- Gender:
- Male
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- Star Trek , but barely.
|
^^^ No kidding!
They produce a few gems once in a while that overcome the cheese factor and low budget visuals. Usually, though, I just skip those original productions when they air on TV. I'm very picky about just what movies I pay to see in the first place.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 20 2010, 09:08 PM
Post #7
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
- Swidden
- Dec 20 2010, 08:29 PM
^^^ No kidding!
They produce a few gems once in a while that overcome the cheese factor and low budget visuals. Usually, though, I just skip those original productions when they air on TV. I'm very picky about just what movies I pay to see in the first place. Seriously. They expect people to pay to go see movies like Giant Snake takes on Rabid Bird or Dinocroc or some other nonsense?
|
|
|
| |
|
TribbleMom
|
Dec 20 2010, 11:15 PM
Post #8
|
Rear Admiral
- Posts:
- 4,121
- Group:
- Flag Officer
- Member
- #13
- Joined:
- February 7, 2007
- Gender:
- female
|
I stopped watching SGU because I was sick of all the lying and back-stabbing the characters were doing on it. After a while, I just felt like, "OK, just kill each other and get it over with already so the ship and the show can move on!"
I watch TV to be entertained, to escape, to relax and enjoy -- not to see more of what I can see in everyday life. Sorry to say, I will not miss SGU.
And I cannot even imagine actually paying money to see a movie in a theater made in the same vein as many of the made-for-SyFy TV movies. I might watch them on TV since I've already paid the monthly cable bill, but otherwise, I wouldn't waste my time on a "Sharktopus" type of flick in a theater.
|
|
|
| |
|
Swidden
|
Dec 21 2010, 12:28 AM
Post #9
|
Professional Gadfly-at-large; Provisional wRench-fly at large
- Posts:
- 3,725
- Group:
- Co-Admin
- Member
- #6
- Joined:
- December 13, 2006
- Gender:
- Male
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- Star Trek , but barely.
|
^^^ I could have handled all of the "lying and back-stabbing the characters were doing" if it actually went somewhere. However, it was way too slow in doing that. Over time, I kind of came to view it as those they were trying to lift elements of "Lost" and stick it into the SG universe.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 21 2010, 07:31 PM
Post #10
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
- TribbleMom
- Dec 20 2010, 11:15 PM
"OK, just kill each other and get it over with already so the ship and the show can move on!"
Seriously, they needed to eject that entire crew! 
- Quote:
-
And I cannot even imagine actually paying money to see a movie in a theater made in the same vein as many of the made-for-SyFy TV movies. I might watch them on TV since I've already paid the monthly cable bill, but otherwise, I wouldn't waste my time on a "Sharktopus" type of flick in a theater.
I saw an image of the Sharktopus a while back. It looked pretty interesting, but I bet the movie sucked.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 29 2010, 08:50 PM
Post #11
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
Saving 'Stargate: Universe' Is Only Wright Showrunner says it's not too late to bring the show back
- Quote:
-
Syfy may be done with "Stargate: Universe," but executive producer Brad Wright isn't, and suggested there's still a chance the series could live on in some form.
"Stargate: Universe" will end its brief two-season run early next year after Syfy airs its 10 remaining episodes. And while there always is a chance the newly reformed Metro Goldwyn Mayer could continue the show in a series of telemovies for DVD, there are some television possibilities as well.
"We haven't given up on finishing the story we started," Wright told Chicago Red Eye reporter Curt Wagner in his Show Patrol blog. "It's heartening to see so many people upset about Syfy's cancellation of the show, but it's important to remember that their license fee represented only a portion of our total budget."
That suggests that MGM was banking on DVD sales syndication sales to fully fund the SGU budget, and could consider reducing that license fee to another cable channel that might be interested in picking up the show. Some have suggested a few possibilities, including Showtime, the original home of "Stargate SG-1," that would bring the franchise full circle.
However, convincing another outlet to pick up leftovers is a hard sell to make, especially on a show that continues to be as expensive to produce as SGU. That means any potential pickup would happen only if MGM assumed a large portion of the risk, something that studio -- which is now emerging from bankruptcy -- won't do unless it receives assurances that DVDs in the future will sell.
That has been the primary advice offered by Airlock Alpha since the cancellation: Buy Season 2.0 (and later) Season 2.5 DVDs, and encourage others to do so. By creating a DVD market for SGU, MGM would be more convinced to assume more risk in continuing a show, which then increases the currently slim chances of a third season pickup elsewhere.
Or, as an alternative, MGM could opt to create straight-to-DVD movies, with Syfy or some other channel possibly picking up the broadcast rights. While that might not be the best alternative (considering MGM still owes fans at least one "Stargate: Atlantis" movie), some believe that getting a wrap-up that way is better than nothing.
Low ratings killed "Stargate: Universe," especially after its move to Tuesdays from its Friday slot that has been traditional for all Stargate series. It was one of two high-profile cancellations Syfy made this year, the other being the "Battlestar Galactica" spinoff "Caprica," which is expected to conclude its run in January in a single-night marathon. However, fans who don't want to wait to see how the first (and only) season ends can pick up the Season 1.5 "Caprica" DVD set in stores now, which include the final five episodes.
Campaigns have been underway for the return of both series, although "Caprica's" return is just short of impossible. Unlike SGU, "Caprica" is an in-house production (thus little motivation to try and continue with another network), and Syfy already has announced a replacement series, "Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome," which currently is in the pilot stage.
Plus, "Caprica" will air a five-minute wrap-up piece to the final episode, providing a bridge from "Caprica" to "Blood & Chrome," which would make it harder to continue a series with that story information released.
Just let it go.
...and no, I won't be buying any SGU DVDs.
|
|
|
| |
|
caltrek
|
Dec 31 2010, 11:09 AM
Post #12
|
Lieutenant Commander
- Posts:
- 654
- Group:
- Officer
- Member
- #59
- Joined:
- July 2, 2010
|
I guess I am the only one who actually liked the show. I should add that I haven't been able to see most of this season's shows, so that might have some affect on my opinion.
I actually liked that most of the characters were so flawed. It drove home the point that these people were in a really stressful situation. I also liked that the most innocent were also those who were the most powerless. A favorite theme of my in my postings at that other place.
In my mind, it all kind of relates back to the notion of original sin and eating from the tree of knowledge. Perhaps there is something inherently corrupting in our gaining knowledge and with it the power over our environment. Like the song (otherwise unrelated to the show) says "...and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden."
Yes, sci fi is good for escapism, and there is nothing wrong with that (if not taken to excess), but I like shows with some philosophical meat to them, or that at least help me think about the real world.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 31 2010, 11:47 AM
Post #13
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
- caltrek
- Dec 31 2010, 11:09 AM
I guess I am the only one who actually liked the show. I should add that I haven't been able to see most of this season's shows, so that might have some affect on my opinion. I actually liked that most of the characters were so flawed. It drove home the point that these people were in a really stressful situation. I also liked that the most innocent were also those who were the most powerless. A favorite theme of my in my postings at that other place. In my mind, it all kind of relates back to the notion of original sin and eating from the tree of knowledge. Perhaps there is something inherently corrupting in our gaining knowledge and with it the power over our environment. Like the song (otherwise unrelated to the show) says "...and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden." Yes, sci fi is good for escapism, and there is nothing wrong with that (if not taken to excess), but I like shows with some philosophical meat to them, or that at least help me think about the real world. I like complex, even flawed characters too (perfection can sometimes be boring), but in general I thought the characters were poorly developed, that the story was all over the place (i.e. the writers were just winging it) and the use of the stones as a plot device was a major turn-off. The crew’s behavior while using the stones was often deplorable. For example... Spoiler: click to toggle Col. Telford having an affair with Col. Young’s wife. I find it a little unrealistic that people would volunteer to have their body/mind taken over so others could act at will too. There were a lot of shenanigans going on with those stones. They were also focusing way too much on what was going on back on Earth too in my opinion.
I probably could have overlooked a lot with this series if I had developed a strong interest/like for a majority of the characters. But not even David Blue (Eli…the most affable character) could carry a whole cast. I questioned the mental stability of most of those characters as well (especially the soldiers). How could they even get assigned to such a program?
I like the Stargate franchise, so I tried to get into this new series, but it just didn't work out.
|
|
|
| |
|
caltrek
|
Dec 31 2010, 12:25 PM
Post #14
|
Lieutenant Commander
- Posts:
- 654
- Group:
- Officer
- Member
- #59
- Joined:
- July 2, 2010
|
...but the point I was trying to make was how affable Eli really was. He and the girl he was attracted to (I forget her name) are the true heros of the piece. Eli needed the other characters to be so flawed so that we could come to understand what a thoroughly decent sort of fellow he is.
Don't get me wrong, if the show didn't work for you, it didn't work for you. Nothing wrong with that. Just trying to explain why I thought there was value there.
|
|
|
| |
|
24thcenstfan
|
Dec 31 2010, 06:50 PM
Post #15
|
- Posts:
- 25,464
- Group:
- Admin
- Member
- #1
- Joined:
- December 11, 2006
- Gender:
- Female
- Favorite Sci-Fi?
- ST, SW, DW, SG... a little bit of everything!
|
- caltrek
- Dec 31 2010, 12:25 PM
...but the point I was trying to make was how affable Eli really was. He and the girl he was attracted to (I forget her name) are the true heros of the piece. Eli needed the other characters to be so flawed so that we could come to understand what a thoroughly decent sort of fellow he is.
Don't get me wrong, if the show didn't work for you, it didn't work for you. Nothing wrong with that. Just trying to explain why I thought there was value there. Not sure what I think of the idea that Eli and Chloe (I believe that is who you are referring to) being the heroes on the series. Interesting thought. I'll think about it further.
|
|
|
| |
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
|