The Stargate franchise has captivated audiences for over two decades, transforming from a singular film into a sprawling universe of interstellar conflict and philosophical exploration. If you are new to this world, the question "how many stargate shows are there" is a common and logical starting point. The answer reveals a rich tapestry of television storytelling that extends far beyond the original movie, offering multiple distinct narratives within the same grand mythology.
Origins: The Film That Started It All
To understand the television landscape, one must first look to the 1994 film "Stargate," directed by Roland Emmerich. This movie introduced the iconic wormhole technology and the planet Abydos, laying the foundational concept of instant travel across the galaxy. While the film was a commercial success, it was the subsequent television adaptations that truly expanded the scope of the story, diving deeper into the politics of the galaxy and the complexities of human-alien interaction.
Core Television Series
When counting the main television series that carry the Stargate banner, the number is definitive and well-established. There are three primary shows that form the core of the franchise, each with a distinct setting and tone. These series ran sequentially, creating a long-form narrative that kept the franchise relevant for over 20 years.
Stargate SG-1
The first and longest-running series, "Stargate SG-1," premiered in 1997 and concluded in 2007 after 10 seasons. This military-science fiction show follows the exploits of Team SG-1, a unit of soldiers and scientists who travel through the Stargate on missions for the United States government. It is the definitive entry point for the franchise, balancing action, humor, and serialized storytelling.
Stargate Atlantis
"Stargate Atlantis," which ran from 2004 to 2009, spun off directly from SG-1. The show shifted the focus to the ancient city of Atlantis, located in the Pegasus galaxy. Here, the team encountered new threats, such as the Wraith, and explored themes of isolation, resource scarcity, and the ethics of advanced technology. It maintained the military structure of its predecessor while introducing a more desperate, survivalist atmosphere.
Stargate Universe
Concluding the main trilogy, "Stargate Universe" (2009–2011) took a bold departure from the military drama of the earlier shows. Stranded on an ancient vessel traveling to the edge of the galaxy, the cast faced existential threats and moral dilemmas without the support of Earth. This series leaned heavily into sci-fi horror and psychological drama, offering a darker, more serialized experience.
Spin-Offs and Related Shows
Beyond the core trio, the franchise has produced web series and direct-to-video movies that expand the lore. While these do not typically count as mainline television shows, they are important for understanding the full scope of the universe. They provide closure for characters and explore niche stories that the main series could not accommodate.
Webisodes and Movies
Following the end of "Atlantis," the two direct-to-DVD movies, "The Ark of Truth" and "Continuum," were produced to conclude the storylines. Additionally, the online series "The Stargate Commandos" offered a gritty, military perspective separate from the main cast. These supplementary stories ensure that the mythology remains active, even when the primary shows are on hiatus.
Current Status and Future
As of now, there are no new traditional television series in active production under the Stargate banner. The franchise has seen a resurgence of interest, but the focus has shifted to other media, such as the successful video game "Stargate Origins." This keeps the intellectual property alive for a new generation, suggesting that while the current show count remains at three, the story could return to our screens in the future.
