SciFi Channel: Galactica Options Picked Up but no official green light

[Cannikin]

SCI FI Channel has officially confirmed to SCI FI Wire that the network picked up the options for the cast of its original miniseries Battlestar Galactica before they expired on Jan. 31. But the pickup did not signal any official decision about the fate of a possible Galactica series, despite rumors on the Internet to the contrary.

SCI FI said that no decision has come from the network on whether a series will be given the green light.

The Battlestar Galactica miniseries, which premiered in December, was one of the channel's highest-rated programs. Galactica, based on the original 1970s TV show, starred Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Jamie Bamber, Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer and James Callis.

www.scifi.com

[Beetwasher]

1. It Was Surprisingly Good

I hope they green light it...

[Cannikin]

2. I taped it and I've played it to death!

I'm ready for more!

[Touchdown]

4. So say we all!

Best use of my new DVD recorder yet!

By your command...:future-cylon-eyes-smiley-somebody better than me will create:

[arwalden]

3. I Enjoyed It... But That Was NOT A "Mini-Series"... It Was TWO EPISODES...

I'd like to see more.

But they would have done better to find a way to RENEW and CONTINUE their crown jewel series "FARSCAPE"!!!

-- Allen

[Cannikin]

5. Latest news....

February 4, 2004 - More on the Galactica Series - Hollywood North Report - The Hollywood Reporter is reporting Sci-fi fans probably haven't seen the last of Battlestar Galactica. After successfully relaunching the franchise as a miniseries in December, Sci Fi Channel picked up the options last week on its top cast members, which include Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell and Katee Sackhoff. Sources said the cable network is aiming to bow Galactica as a full-fledged series as early as fourth-quarter 2004. Sci Fi declined comment, but all indications are that at least six episodes of Galactica will be shot in Vancouver as soon as April. It will likely be one of cable's more expensive drama series, with production estimates as high as $1.5 million per episode. The four-hour Galactica miniseries averaged 4.2 million viewers last year, making it the third-highest-rated multinight program Sci Fi has aired. Executive producers are David Eick and Ronald D. Moore.

Sources have told HNR that the delay of an official announcement is due to the hammering out of a deal for the second window airing with a major TV network. Sounds like Sci Fi wants to have all their ducks in a row before going official…..which well makes perfect business sense.