SCI FI to start remaining episodes in March

Enjoy the summer of all-new episodes of Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis while it lasts. SCI FI Channel in the U.S. will take a 6-month hiatus starting in September, with the second half of the current season to begin in March, according to a report from last week’s San Diego Comic Con event.

SCI FI’s Executive Vice President of Original Programing Mark Stern reportedly stated that the network is making the schedule switch so that it can air original programming year-round. Battlestar Galactica‘s third season will premiere in October, running 20 episodes without a break into March.

SCI FI recently premiered its new series Eureka to strong ratings, and has several other series in development.

Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis traditionally have returned from the fall break with new episodes in mid-January, airing the season finale in late March before a 3-month hiatus in between seasons. September will leave fans wanting more with a pair of cliffhangers: SG-1‘s “The Quest, Part 1” and Atlantis‘s “The Return.”

It is not yet known how this will affect next season’s schedule, should either series be renewed. If SCI FI sticks with a July premiere, the end of the current season would run up against the start of the next with little break in between.

This information has not yet been confirmed, so until then please treat it as you would any rumor. Stick with GateWorld for the latest updates!

(Thanks to tsaxlady for the tip!)