The Stargate franchise has captivated audiences for over two decades, transforming a singular science fiction film into a sprawling multimedia universe. If you are new to the genre or looking to revisit the adventures, you might find yourself asking a fundamental question: how many Stargate shows are there? The answer is not as simple as a number, as the franchise branched into distinct narrative paths, each with its own tone, setting, and dedicated fanbase.
The Core Television Trio
When counting the television series officially produced by MGM, the number settles at three core shows. These are the pillars of the franchise, running concurrently for years and weaving a complex tapestry of continuity. They are not just variations of a theme; they are unique stories that explore different corners of the galaxy and different aspects of the human (and alien) condition.
Stargate SG-1
Stargate SG-1 is the flagship series and the one that started it all, launching in 1997 and concluding in 2007 after ten seasons. This show defined the template for the franchise, focusing on the military exploration team SG-1 as they traveled through the Stargate to encounter new civilizations, battle the Goa'uld, and uncover the mysteries of the Ancients. With 214 episodes, SG-1 is the longest-running series in the franchise and serves as the foundational text for all that followed.
Stargate Atlantis
Premiering in 2004, Stargate Atlantis spun off from SG-1, shifting the focus from Earth to the lost city of Atlantis submerged in the Pegasus Galaxy. This series embraced a more adventurous and science-fiction tone, emphasizing exploration of ancient technology, the human-Wraith war, and the ethical dilemmas of isolation. Running for five seasons until 2009, Atlantis introduced a new cast of characters and raised the stakes with the existential threat of the Wraith.
Stargate Universe
Stargate Universe, which aired from 2009 to 2011, took a starkly different approach. Stranding its cast on an ancient, derelict spaceship light-years from home, the show traded military action for psychological drama and survival horror. This darker, more serialized narrative divided fans but remains a bold and ambitious entry that explored the fragile line between humanity and machine.
Beyond the Main Series
While the three core series represent the main canon, the Stargate ecosystem has expanded to include other televised formats that cater to different audiences. These shows deviate from the traditional military sci-fi formula, offering animated adventures and family-friendly comedies.
Stargate Infinity
Released in 2002, Stargate Infinity was an animated series designed to introduce younger viewers to the universe. Though it lasted only one season, it is considered part of the official canon, presenting a new version of the Stargate Command team on a mission of exploration.
Stargate SG-1: The Webisodes
In 2006, the franchise dipped into the emerging medium of online content with "The Webisodes." These short, comedic sketches featured the SG-1 cast in humorous, self-parodic scenarios and served as a lighthearted bridge between seasons of the main show.
Total Count and Viewing Recommendations
So, to directly answer the initial question: there are three main live-action television series, one animated series, and one comedic digital series, totaling five distinct television shows in the primary Stargate television canon. If you are eager to dive in, the viewing order is generally recommended to be SG-1, Atlantis, and then Universe to appreciate the evolution of the lore and the escalating conflict. This progression allows you to understand the foundation before exploring the depths of the Pegasus Galaxy and the mysteries of deep space.
