The Battlestar Galactica Television Phenomenon

The Battlestar Galactica Television Phenomenon

For decades, we have been fortunate to submerge ourselves in an amazing void that is SciFi.   Old Classics ranging from Star Trek to Dr. Who and new classics like Stargate, challenge our mind and take us to a world we have never before imagined. 

In 1978 we were treated to a dark vision of the Future and the battle between good and evil that is Battlestar Galactica.  Originally created by Glen A. Larson and pitched in the 60s, the idea was scoffed at Hollywood executives.  Then, in 1978 after the huge success of Star Wars, Glen’s opportunity arose and with the backing of Universal Studios the Battlestar Galactica television pilot was created.

The pilot and the series started off with a bang attaining the 1979 People's Choice Award for Best New TV Drama Series, however after just 24 episodes, the Battlestar Galactica television series was canned by ABC.  In 1980, the series was reprised as Galactica 1980 which lasted just ten episodes before one again having the plug pulled by ABC.

Over the years, there were multiple attempts to recreate the series as well as the creation of three films (Battlestar Galactica, Mission Galactica: The Cylon Attack, Conquest of the Earth) with limited domestic and international distribution.

Then, in 2000 Bryan Singer (X-Men, Usual Suspects, Star Trek Nemesis, Superman Returns) got involved and the revival finally stood a chance.  Then joined the likes of Edward James Almos, Sky One (UK), the Sci Fi Channel and in 2003 a three-hour miniseries was created and aired.  Although short in nature, the miniseries was the highest-rated cable miniseries of that year and  turned received overwhelming positive feedback and with it the rebirth of the Battlestar Galactica Television Phenomenon.

Since 2003, there have been 3 full seasons of Battlestar Galactica which have created a loyal fanbase for the series and attained multiple accolades including being named by the American Film Institute as one the ten best shows on television. In 2005, the Chicago Tribune, Rolling Stone magazine, and Newsday also named the series one of the best on television. In 2006, the series won a prestigious Peabody Award in recognition of its creative excellence.  Then, in 2007, Battlestar Galactica was nominated for four Emmy Awards including: Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series, Outstanding Sound Editing and Outstanding Special Visual Effects and Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series

The fourth season of Battlestar Galactica Television series is set to debut in March of 2008 and the hype is building.  If by chance, you are new to the phenomenon do yourself a favor and check out the last 3 seasons on DVD or stop by one of the many Battlestar Galactica Television series fan sites like  to catch up on what you have been missing out on.

“Be dee be dee beep” -Twiki