When Stargate SG-1 ended its run in March 2007, fans of the franchise could take solace that they’d still have weekly Stargate adventures courtesy of spin-off Stargate Atlantis. Now, Atlantis is being cancelled as well.
Stargate Atlantis debuted on July 16, 2004 on Sci Fi. The series follows the adventures of a human expedition to the lost city of Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy. While Atlantis generally hasn’t been as popular as the SG-1 series, it still has a lot of fans. After five seasons on the air, Sci Fi Channel has announced that the series is ending.
The cancellation didn’t come as a complete surprise to the producers. On his blog, showrunner Joseph Mallozzi cites rising production costs and the decline of the US dollar as contributors. He and showrunner Paul Mullie broke the news to the cast and crew themselves. Thankfully it seems like the adventure isn’t over quite yet.
The second half of season five will air as expected on Sci Fi beginning in January. The 100th episode, titled “Enemy At the Gate,” will be the show’s last. The Atlantis story will then continue in a two-hour movie. The as-yet-untitled movie will run on Sci Fi and soonafter be released on DVD.
Mallozzi and Mullie will write the movie script. It’s not yet known who will direct the project. Mallozzi writes, “Obviously, I can’t say much about it at this point but suffice it to say that it should include the entire cast in addition to a certain gaunt and pallid flowing-locked guest star.” A release date should be forthcoming soon.
Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper, the SG-1 and Atlantis co-creators, are upbeat about the news. In a statement, they said, “We’re excited to tell Atlantis stories on a bigger canvas. The successes of the two original Stargate DTV movies The Ark of Truth and Continuum have shown us the opportunities that the movie format offers. We have plans for both SG-1 and Atlantis to remain vital as we expand the franchise.”
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“We share in the producers’ enthusiasm to move forward in this direction and we look forward to a strong and continued relationship on Stargate Atlantis in this new format,” said Thomas Vitale, Sci Fi’s Senior Vice President of Programming & Original Movies.
The network has indicated that “the show will live on as a network franchise.” What the statement actually means is unclear. Sci Fi may be planning additional Atlantis movies, or it could be a general indication that the Stargate franchise will continue, likely as a third series.
In late 2007, Cooper and Wright pitched Stargate Universe to the channel. Earlier this year, Wright told Gateworld, “The idea of Stargate Universe is that it is set on a ship that was part of an Ancient experiment that was set in motion probably millions of years ago — one that they never saw to fruition, but that we can.” He went on to say that the ship’s mission would be to help seed the galaxies with Stargates. Universe hasn’t been given a greenlight yet but, now that Atlantis has been cancelled, Sci Fi may have the funds to do it.
Though the Atlantis cancellation is surely a disappointment to fans, Mallozzi is confident the story isn’t over. He writes, “And, if [the Atlantis movie] proves anywhere as successful as the first two SG-1 direct-to-video features, you can be assured that this will be the first in a long, long line of Stargate Atlantis movies.” Stay tuned! 
Photo courtesy SciFi Channel/Joe Pugliese.
I am disappointed that the show is not continuing I really love watching Stargate Atlantis why not carry on please do . I give the show 10/10 tops
SGA was a great show! The characters were every bit as important as the idea of the Stargate. I think you run a risk trying to use the Stargate theme again when you already had a good combination. If the knew show’s characters are not as good, I will not watch.
I find it just Pathetic to see so many shows cancelled. Im sure alot of people can relate when I say I’ve watched all the seasons at least twice SG1 and SGA, and when you get the the last season and last Episode it just feels empty like you want more…. SG1 had 10 years + the movies, now thats what Stargate Atlantis should be like. Why in the Hell would they cancel it now, when there at the peek of exitement, once the wraith are out of the picture or they come to a alliance, anything is possible why… Read more »
Man this sux. I love watching stargate atlantis. I love watching reruns of stargate sg-1. All we can hope for now is that Stargate Universe will be twice as good as both Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis combined. Lets also hope that there will always be a stargate series out.
what the hell are u thinking. I can’t beileve it, u should not cancel it. Who care how many people in the world are watching. Not give up unit the end. i feel sorry for people who is fan of Stargate. All u care about money than people.
I can’t believe how stupid! Why would ANYONE cancel something so popular? It is our family’s favorite show and we have been wondering why season 6 has not started yet. So this is new news to us. Well… at least to me. I am not looking forward to telling my wife. She too will be VERY upset. I can’t believe how stupid this is! I’m just sitting here shacking my head in disbelief that they would do this They have done this to so many shows that were so good over the years. You would think they could of found… Read more »
I’m a huge fan of Stargate SG1 and beginning to be a fan of Stargate Atlantis. I want to see 5 more seasons of Stargate Atlantis. The writers, producers, & directors need to bring the crew of SG1 to Stargate Atlantis and bring back Dr. Elizabeth Weir from an alternet reality or clone of her.
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I have seen on television every episode of Stargate SG-1, in fact I liked it so much i decided to buy every season, including the Arch of Truth and Continuum. Once Atlantis came into the picture, I have wanted to see what would happen next after every episode! The story is Incomplete! This cannot happen! I have never watched television. But sci-fi’s SG atlantis has captured my imagination and many others! Its a shame that it will be over! Thanks Alot!
HOW COULD SIFI CANCEL SGA? I’ve been waiting patiently all All of these months to see Season 6!!!! NOT only do I watch it once, I PURCHASE IT TOO! I am inclined to believe that these people at the top may not even watch the shows and they are making decisions based on what? Do they even know the plots, are they even aware of how interesting and appealing these shows are? Some of us whom have grown up watching scifi believe in a better world and act accordingly, we feel inspired, and behave in a noble way just because… Read more »
cant believe ur gunna end a season on 5 there is no way u can end it… stargate atlantis needs more seasons, like stargate sg1… this is outrageous, u have them fight one big wraith ship, and thats it for the series…. what happens with the rest of the wraiths that are out there, and all of the habitable planets in the pegasus galaxy…. what happens to makay and the doctor? what happens with teyla and ronan, earth isnt there home…. u need to end this stargate atlantis leading to stargate universe, just cant leave things hangin. i have all… Read more »
I am so sad about this. Warehouse 13 has bad actors, no Star Trek series in some time. Stargate SG1 and Atlantis were so good. SG1 ending was ok, since Jack left the show, but Atlantis had more years in it and could’ve lead to something else. Really disappointed and depressed with this news. Really.
The last episode of season 5 was awesome, just like all the other episodes of Stargaet Atlantis, but they only defeated the one hive ship, not the whole population of wraith. You can’t expect to end it that way and not have fans complaining. In total, yes they did defeat alot of wraith but they’re still out there. If this new movie doesn’t show the end of them then you’re just dragging on the series when you don’t need to. I would much rather have it end good and with no ties or questions then have it end the way… Read more »
I have all 5 seasons and I think it would be great to have series 6. I love the show and there are thousands/millions of fans out there who feel the same too. Don’t dissapoint us, give us series 6….
unbelievable, i am not ready to quit watch this lovely show i bought all stargate sg-1 seasons plus altantis also movies from stargates sg-1