Atlantis heading to syndication in 2005?

MGM’s hit spin-off series Stargate Atlantis is among the shows being offered to broadcasters nationwide for the 2005-2006 syndication year, according to a report at The Futon Critic.

If Atlantis does indeed begin its syndication run next fall, it will follow predecessor Stargate SG-1 in making the jump just one and a half years into its run. Network series usually aim for the 100-episode mark before seeking a syndication package. Stargate SG-1 is the highest rated program in the original dramatic hour category.

The show’s executive producers told GateWorld last year that Stargate Atlantis would likely not begin its syndication run until 2006, or two years into its run.

Cable is becoming an increasingly important source of programming for the changing syndication market, which in the past has seen studios develop more original hours specifically for syndication — including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Hercules, Xena, Andromeda, and Mutant X.

Also heading to syndication this fall: SCI FI’s Farscape (currently cleared in over 50 percent of the country), WB’s Smallville, ABC’s Alias, FOX’s 24, and UPN’s Star Trek: Enterprise (over 90 percent, including 49 of the 50 top markets).

(Thanks to Morjana at SG1-Spoilergate for the tip)