The Stargate franchise has captivated audiences for over two decades, transforming a singular 1994 film into a sprawling multimedia universe. For new fans or those looking to revisit the saga, a common question arises regarding the television legacy: how many Stargate series are there? The answer is four distinct shows, each offering a unique lens through which to explore the galaxy-spanning mythology.
The Core Television Franchise
When discussing the number of mainline television series, the count is definitive at four. These are not spin-offs, miniseries, or alternate reality shows, but the core pillars that support the expansive Stargate narrative. Collectively, they form a connected timeline that allows for character crossover and a shared history, making the franchise a pioneer in long-form serialized storytelling on cable television.
Stargate SG-1
The foundational series, Stargate SG-1, launched in 1997 and ran for ten seasons, establishing the template for the entire franchise. The show follows the adventures of Colonel Jack O'Neill and his team as they explore distant planets through the titular Stargate, encountering new allies like the Tok'ra and formidable enemies such as the Goa'uld System Lords. Its decade-long run provides the deepest lore and the most episodes, serving as the bedrock of the universe.
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate Atlantis, which premiered in 2004, shifted the focus from the Milky Way to the Pegasus galaxy. This series follows a military and scientific expedition that discovers the lost city of Atlantis, leading to intense conflicts with the Wraith. It maintains the exploratory spirit of its predecessor while introducing new threats and technologies, running for five seasons until 2009.
Stargate Universe
Taking a bold departure, Stargate Universe debuted in 2009 with a darker, more serialized tone. Stranded on an ancient alien ship light-years from home, the crew faces a desperate struggle for survival rather than military conquest. This series intentionally avoided the campy humor of its predecessors, focusing on character drama and the mystery of the ship’s origins before concluding in 2011.
Stargate Origins
Capping off the main lineup is Stargate Origins, a 2018 web series that serves as a prequel to the original film. This eight-episode series reimagines the early adventures of Catherine Langford and her team, explaining the initial discovery of the Stargate. While its format is shorter, it completes the quartet of main television entries, ensuring the franchise covers the origins of the journey.
Navigating the Franchise Landscape
Understanding that there are four main series is just the beginning. The Stargate universe also includes numerous television movies that bridge gaps between seasons, particularly for SG-1 and Atlantis. Furthermore, a vast library of novels, comics, and video games expands the continuity, meaning the "canon" timeline extends far beyond the four showrunners. This rich tapestry allows for deep dives into side characters and unexplored plotlines without cluttering the main narrative flow.
For the viewer, this structure offers flexibility. One can engage with the military-action focus of SG-1, the horror-suspense of Atlantis, the existential dread of Universe, or the historical mystery of Origins. The decision on where to begin often depends on personal taste, but recognizing the four distinct series provides a clear map of the franchise's impressive scope.
