The SCI FI Channel will premiere its new original series and heir to the Stargate franchise, Stargate Universe, this fall, GateWorld has learned.

Original plans were for a summer 2009 premiere, which traditionally has been the premiere window for new seasons of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Showtime and SCI FI, along with other networks, originally targeted the summer months — despite lower overall television viewership — in order to avoid competing with the big network premieres in the fall.

In recent years, however, cable networks have proved that they can go toe-to-toe with the broadcast networks, and channels like SCI FI now program original series year-round. Last fall, Stargate Atlantis aired the second half of its season, alongside the very successful October launch of Sanctuary.

While fans will have to wait a bit longer to meet Dr. Nicholas Rush (Robert Carlyle) and the new Stargate team, the move could be strategically very smart for the new series. TV viewership is higher (if also more competitive) in the fall, and the extra lead-time will certainly allow the network and the studio the chance to do an even bigger promotional push.

Whether this later premiere means the network will air all 20 episodes in a row, or take a mid-season break (in addition to the holiday break), is still anyone’s guess.

Stargate Universe begins filming in just 20 days. Keep your browser locked on GateWorld for more updates!