Ratings data for all nine hours of Stargate Universe aired so far is in, courtesy of our friends at TVbytheNumbers.com. After slipping steadily in live viewership following the season high of “Air, Part 3,” the show’s numbers have started climbing again over the past two weeks.
Here’s the rundown of how many viewers tuned in to Syfy on Friday nights:
| EPISODE (air date) | VIEWERS (million) |
| Air, Part 1 (Oct. 2) | 2.346 |
| Air, Part 2 (Oct. 2) | 2.346 |
| Air, Part 3 (Oct. 9) | 2.447 |
| Darkness (Oct. 16) | 2.099 |
| Light (Oct. 23) | 2.015 |
| Water (Oct. 30) | 1.974 |
| Earth (Nov. 6) | 1.626 |
| Time (Nov. 13) | 1.802 |
| Life (Nov. 20) | 1.891 |
This chart doesn’t include “Live + 7 Days” ratings, which measure DVR-delayed viewing for the week following an episode’s broadcast. SGU gets a significant boost from delayed viewing. Syfy announced in late October that the first few episodes of the season were averaging 2.85 million viewers and a 2.1 rating in “Live + 7” numbers (story).
Various sources also indicate that, all-in-all, the “Live + 7” numbers have increased as the Friday night viewership has fallen — meaning the audience is still there, but has time-shifted more since the series’ premiere.
“While the same day numbers have down-ticked somewhat, the DVR percentages continue to rise,” SGU writer/producer Joseph Mallozzi said on his blog. “What does that mean? Well, we’ve retained all of our audience from the premiere — which is pretty damn impressive.”
Note that the “HH Rating” numbers published at TV by the Numbers, ranging from 1.5 for “Air” to 1.1 for “Earth” and “Time,” do not correspond to the average household ratings numbers released by Syfy Channel. The show’s top-rated episode (“Air, Part 3”) earned a 1.8 rating on that scale.
The Friday night slot continues to be a tough one for genre shows, with television viewership as a whole lower than most other nights of the week. Universe‘s early competition this fall was FOX’s Dollhouse, which was pulled off the air for the November sweeps period and has already been cancelled.
But Stargate Universe seems likely to be renewed, considering the ratings improvement from the last season of Stargate Atlantis (1.24 “Live + Same Day” average rating) and the network’s overall commitment to the franchise. SGU is Syfy’s second-highest rated show for the fall season (behind Ghost Hunters). With so much effort put into launching a new incarnation of Stargate this year, these numbers should be enough to get the show a second year.
Optimistic about their prospects (or knowing something we don’t know), in fact, the show’s writers have already started actively working on the first batch of episodes for Season Two. They’ll have to be ready to start filming in late February (or perhaps early March, after Olympic fever has left the city of Vancouver).
Just when will the announcement about the show’s fate come? In previous years when Stargate has aired in the fall, Syfy waited only a month or so before announcing the renewal (as in Season Four of Atlantis). Since the last episode of the season is only a few days away, we’re hoping to see a press release soon after that, when the network has ratings data for all 10 episodes to tout.
The second half of Season One won’t begin airing until April, weeks after filming on a second season will have commenced.
Head over to TVbytheNumbers.com for more ratings details. The mid-season finale of Stargate Universe airs Friday, December 4 at 9 p.m. (8 Central) on Syfy!
After the curtain falls on episode 10, GateWorld will have extensive coverage of the season so far all winter long.
For me in the UK, the reason I don’t watch on the first broadcast date, is not because I have better things to watch, but because it is broadcast pre-watershed, so it is heavily censored. I have to wait a week for it to be broadcast after the watershed and in hd.
Well, ratings or no ratings, SGU is just not interesting for me personaly.I’m still waiting on some good news about SG-1 and SGA movies.
If the time slot on Sky One wasn’t completely stupid, i’d watch SGU at its original time of 8pm.
But I have to work, and I hardly ever get to watch TV so the only way I keep up, is be downloading from iTunes, which probably hurts the ratings even more.
Good for the franchise if the show goes on. Bad for the series if they don’t pick up on the live airings.
NBC owns the-network-whose-name-change-was-so-evil-as-to-never-be-uttered-again and last I checked NBC demands live ratings be as high as possible. This was what sunk a lot of science fiction in the eyes of the peacock and why reality kistch is so preferred (cheaper to dispose of when ratings slip even 1%). Just ask Howie Mandel.
“Note that the “HH Rating” numbers published at TV by the Numbers, ranging from 1.5 for “Air” to 1.1 for “Earth” and “Time,” do not correspond to the average household ratings numbers released by Syfy Channel. The show’s top-rated episode (”Air, Part 3″) earned a 1.8 rating on that scale.” For those who don’t understand why it’s different, there are two ways for cable networks to show their ratings. A “rating” represents a percentage of something. In the case of households, it can represent either the percentage of ALL TV households in the U.S. or a percentage of TV households… Read more »
Don’t like the series, but I’m happy for SGU fans, and kind of hoping that the continued success of the Stargate franchise may translate into more movies, as long as they remain firmly rooted in their respective series tone and style.
I don’t know why there’s any angst over the show getting renewed. Didn’t Mr. Wright say that a second season was contracted from the start?
Those fans hoping that a second season will translate into an Atlantis movie are going to be disappointed. TPTB haven’t even been talking with the Atlantis cast. At least the SG-1 actors have been approached for their third movie.
My fingers are crossed for renewal! I love SGU and have enjoyed watching the stranded SGC crew develop as characters and learn to live on-board Destiny and discover more about the ship as they do so!
Uggh I just had a horrible thought what if the sg1 and Atlantis movies get made with this same teen drama style. I think I just threw up a bit in my mouth.
My fingers are crossed for cancellation. Yes, I just said that. It’s a horrible show that should’ve never existed, not under the name “Stargate”. If it was called “Desperate Spacetravellers”, I wouldn’t really care. But not if its Stargate… I mean, the show has good actors, good acting, good production, good directors, good effects and good sets, but the most important part, the story & writing, reeks… stinks… just ain’t good! IF there were no earth scenes, I would probably rate 6/10, now its just 3/10, especially because one and a half of a good episode so far won’t save… Read more »
@Yxelione- I have to sadly say that I share your opinion. I hope the show either gets cancelled or at a minimum changes things up drastically. My rationale for this is that the entire Stargate franchise is resting on this show and this show has enough dislike among Stargate fans to possibly erode the fan base enough to prohibit future Stargate projects. I (along with many other posters and reviewers) find the plot boring, the characters to be superficial and unlikeable and the lack of actual exploration (of the ship or other worlds) to be inconceivable. Here we are on… Read more »
@cypher123, they wouldn’t have to try hard. They already have that triangle with McKay, Dex, and the doctor chick. Trap them on Atlantis in space with nothing to do except whine, exercise, and have sex. Dim the lights and shake the camera around. Presto!
I always expected this show to get renewed, too much money has been put into it and the Franchise is pretty much riding on it. I consider the franchise dead though after Atlantis, SGU is just not Stargate. Strange how such poor ratings and only marginally better than SGA’s FIFTH season are suddenly good enough for a renewal. I hope Brad Wright doesn’t dare to try and say SGA got cancelled because of ratings.
I am stoked that it is probaly going to get renewed, but let’s drop the freaking visits to earth and have some more freaking gate travel!!
In my opinion both SG-1 and SGA really took off starting on their 2nd seasons. They both had good starts. SGU hasn’t seemed to have as strong as a start as the other ones but if the trend continues then SGU’s 2nd season will be really good. I can’t wait.
@Imitation tofu true enough, but at least those characters had some redeeming qualities.
@jjs my sentiments exactly!
I sure hope the future episodes show more professionalism for the crew that consists of mostly Icarus Base personnel. If they’re that amateure in dealing with ####, they shouldn’t be covered by the kino or camera.
Please lose the drama, stick with SCIENCE fiction.
“The second half of Season One won’t begin airing until April”
Bit of a long break there. At least its timeslot is going to be temp replaced by Caprica, which is another show ive been looking forward to seeing.
Happy for a 2nd season, wasn’t much doubt that there wouldn’t be one though. Season 1 thus far has been slow paced for various reasons (which I understand), since we have more or less gotten the character development out of the way I would expect SGU to start to go into the main story arcs now.
I hope that SGU gets renewed. Comparing the first 9 episodes of SGU to the first 9 episodes of SG-1… SGU is much better. The only reason COTGs was so popular is because it was the follow up of the movie and the 1st episode ever. Several of my friends and family who didn’t like stargate at all with SGA and SG-1 now really enjoy stargate with SGU. And for those of you who say this isn’t stargate… I’m confused, what is the big round thing they go through every so often to get to a planet? I thought it… Read more »
Lets see how many seasons SGU actually gets to before comparing it to SGA’s fifth season. The ptb have no intention of making an SG1 or SGA movie so if SGU tanks it won’t make any difference. SG1 wouldnt have lasted for 10 years if it hadnt been a great show and Atlantis had many more years if these bored writers had put half the effort they are putting into SGU, but even with all the money and hype it still hasnt done well in the ratings no matter how much they try and spin. SGU only needs to drop… Read more »
I get the feeling from what I have read that a 2nd season was pretty much in the bag from the beginning, barring gutter ratings. But I also can’t see the show getting much more than 2 or 3 seasons, as the poster above me pointed out, it is already skirting SGA ratings in it’s first half of the first season. We know they wanted a broader audience, they have the improved demo, but I’m not sure it will be enough to carry them for multiple renewals. I would have probably watched SGU if SGA had also been on air… Read more »
Less we forget, Networks can stop DVR’s from time shifting or recording at all. There is a signal which can be sent with the show which will diable your ability to DVR. If you google this you will see that it has been used. If time shifting is a big problem because of ads then they can do one of two things, stop the ability to record or stop the ability to skip ads. Both items currently built into DVR’s but not widely discussed.
I’m throwing my hat in with the others who strongly dislike the emphasis on drama and the stones/earth. How many times have they actually used the Stargate so far, anyway? The “Sci-Fi” is barely there and just a back drop and subplot to the overdone drama being forced on us. Stargate has always been a Sci-Fi show that fueled my imagination. Drama and character development supports that, but it was never the primary focus and there were never any riduculous love triangles and so many sexually and emotionally charged situations thrown at one after the other. Stargate fans have always… Read more »
@HaxMii: Surely you Jest. 1st 9 Eps of SGU Better than 1st 9 Eps of SG1?? In What galaxy is that? I am also sure that you are confused of the Gate travel using the stargate. How many times did they use the Gate in “Earth” and “Life”? That round thing might as well be a picture on the wall, atleast people wont trip on it, on their way to touch the stones.
I would only be interested in a 2nd season if that means we get new writers and producers.
@Uncle Al the current ones are the same people that did SG-1 & SGA. Getting rid of them would just be stupid.
It’s incredibly immature to actually hope the series gets canceled. Seriously, how pathetic is that? I personally don’t care either way. I’m not overly impressed with the show and it won’t break my heart if it doesn’t get renewed. However, it seems to be doing well enough, so it is probably safe. And you know what? That’s cool. I still watch it and am hoping for something that will blow me away. There are certainly elements of the show that I do like, and I’m willing to believe that it could really take off. To those of you who are… Read more »
i don’t think in this situation that it is immature to actually hope te series gets cancelled. too much time and money is being put into this show that is destroying the stargate name. It has gone from an evil race of aliens that have ruled the universe for thousands of years, from an advanced alien race that forms an alliance with Earth, ancients and ascension to what? oh no my daddy is dead oh no my boyfriend is sleeping with my best friend oh no he’s dead isn’t he *cue alcoholic* Oh no my mum has some degenerate disease… Read more »
I was excited and optimistic for this show. The cast is pretty good; I love Robert Carlye. The ship is awesome looking. The writing is terrible. I have not given up 100%, else I would not be reading about it, but I am done watching it until I hear about some engaging stories. I do not want it cancelled. I just hope it gets better. The Real World was terrible on MTV and is worse on a spaceship. I can just imagine the mid-season cliff hanger ending in a triad of intense excitement: First, Rush and Young get into an… Read more »
@mgexiled just to nitpick: The Goa’uld did not “ruled the Universe” they were just the dominant race in our own Galaxy who enslaved Humans & Jaffa. To be frank I feel that SGU is more adult targeted than SG-1/SGA: I don’t know about you but I would think that the aliens in ‘Time’ ripping right through someone’s body might be a tad graphic for the kids, but that’s just me. Its also no longer got the out of place humour in a serious situation or wrapped up in a nice happy ever after at the end of an episode. You… Read more »
@jjs First off, let me give a response to our comments attached to the last article, the review of “Life”. In retrospect, I have to say that you were absolutely right to call me out on the snotty nature of my tirade. I have an unfortunate habit of climbing on my high horse and trying to pass off opinion as fact. While I don’t necessarily agree with your criticisms of Universe there and in the section above, I can see that they are intelligent and well-reasoned. You have defended your views well, and in the true spirit of artistic critique,… Read more »
i hope you are right. that scene where the guy gets ripped to shreds was awesome. but that was only one scene in 9 episodes. all of those quotes were cringeworthy moments for not only me but alot of people on this board. they’ll probably go through all the cast backstory as being having family problems or some sort of problems. wait they already have. if this is aiming to have a ‘real’ edge to it they should know some characters are allowed to be happy sometimes. they need balance – i don’t want to watch teenagers sulk for an… Read more »
@HaxMii “SGU looks and feels a lot more like the original movie with Kurt Russell.” I would definitely agree that Kurt Russell’s take on O’Neil would be more at home on Universe than SG-1. If you want to get a debate going on what’s StarGate or not, how many of you guys have read the Bill McKay novels that are supposed to be Roland Emmerich’s real vision of how the StarGate story would have progressed? They are VERY different from what we have come to know as the StarGate franchise, although all in all, I would have to say they… Read more »
“i want to see an alien ship attack them”
‘Space’ (The episode that will air after the mid season break) is an episode you should look out for then (According to Joe Mallozzi’s blog)
The next episode ‘Justice’ looks promising aswell.
They’re making us wait until April for new episodes?! They did this with SG1 and Atlantis in the past and it was the WORST thing they could have done. Terrible. No excuse for it. This show is evolving slow enough as it is, and it’s maximum patience with minimal pay off. They’d better fix this quick. I’m sorry, but I’m starting to with Stargate was on a different network.
Let’s face it – the ratings are less than stellar. Passable? Yes. Good enough for a renewal? Yes. Did they hope for more? Hell yes! With all the money they stuffed into it, they expected something much better than to see it drop below 2 mil. within 9 episodes. On the other hand, with this funding they basically committed themselves to keep the show on air for at least two seasons. But the ratings will have to kick much bigger butt to stay on air after that because the hype won’t fly then anymore. Me personally? I don’t care either… Read more »
Gosh, I wish this one person would stop saying, “Wait, according to so ‘n so’s blog, this future episode will cater to group ABC, and then the next episode will cater to group XYZ, but the general premise and tone of this series will be Adult and Dark and jiggly’.. gimme a break.. jeez, so throw the dog a bone once every 6 episodes, and expect everyone to be happy? Next it would “well in Season two, episode 4, they will be going over the Psych evals TJ did in Season one Ep whatever, and that sounds very promising!! who… Read more »
Didn’t Mallozzi say that the last 3 episodes of the first half were going to be great and worth waiting for? Life sucked big time.
Reading all these comments and am surprised to see no one saying what I’m thinking: I feel like I’m watching a RTS game. “Hey, let’s go collect resources to 1)Clean the air 2)Power the ship 3)Give us water 4)Feed us (which was actually a pretty good episode because there was finally some action). I don’t mind the drama, but it has to be ONE element of the show, not THE element. All the comparisons to BSG are fine, but that show had INTENSE action as well as drama. Best scifi since B5 if you ask me (haven’t watched much Farscape… Read more »
I’m sorry, I simply don’t understand the logic in comparing SGA’s final season ratings to SGU’s current ratings. They were both written by the same team, yes? And if a story can’t be properly told by that team in plotline A, then why on earth should we expect them to be any better with plotline B? The reason that Atlantis had such a broad appeal across the fanbase, was because we cared for the characters. We cared about what happened to them each week. And it was the dynamics of the core Expedition family – Joe, Rachel, David, Jason, Paul,… Read more »
SGU should take a page out of the book of V. it didn’t take long for V to get awesome. its a pity thats on hold now till march 2010 only 4 episodes in. why do these networks do this to us?
Gosh, I wish this one person had better things to do with his life than to post negative comments on every SGU related article about a show that he claims not to even watch. Who the hell cares? Anyway SGU isn’t: A Soap drama with an episode every now and then to “throw fans a bone”. It has been a sci-fi drama thus far. The drama aspect between the characters has been good for there development and will allow better stories later on. Some people just seem to want everything handed to them right away (Like a big bad enemy… Read more »
“too much time and money is being put into this show that is destroying the stargate name.”
Oh, please. A bit over-dramatic are we?
I find it interesting that the same people who complain about the drama in the show, can get all angsty about a TV show.
At least the characters are getting emotional about things like life and death and the people in their life. Their not sitting around complaining about how their favorite TV show changed its style.
Why do the fans of SGU spend so much time addressing those who don’t like the show. Why do you care. Why not spend more time talking with fans who like it instead of complaining about fans who don’t. Sure I like a bit of emotion from characters I care about, but not non stop whinging and bickering and who loves whom. I loved all the previous characters mostly because of the actors who portrayed them and how they brought a little bit of uniqueness to their characters. I have no problem with flawed characters but I like some redeeming… Read more »
“Why not spend more time talking with fans who like it instead of complaining about fans who don’t.” I would be more than happy to but haven’t had the chance since every discussion on every SGU article has turned into the same argument. Its hard to turn a blind eye to a number of people saying something that you like sucks, this makes us curious as to why those people are even still watching and complaining (One of the important life issues: a TV show has changed) since the solution is obvious. There are more insults than constructive criticism &… Read more »
@cypher123, I would rather have the entertaining “square jawed heroes” of Atlantis than the dull, mopey mess that the writers are trying to pass as flawed characters on Universe! Tune in next week to see who bangs who! @harbinger50, maybe if they collect enough survival items Universe will level up to a smart and interesting show? @MediaSavant, keep on throwing stones from your glass house. You spent most of Atlantis’s run spinning the ratings into doom and gloom and bashing the show. Nice 180. @blackhawlk, it must be more entertaining to play the white knight and bash the complainers than… Read more »
Don’t really care if it gets renewed or not. I am barely interested to watch it now.
There hasn’t been anything compelling about this show since Air 3. Where are the gun battles? Where is the exploration (of cool stuff, not fruit and vegetables)? Where is the focus on space travel or location?
Several episodes in, and the plot has barely advanced. At least BSG had the good sense to start with a genuine crisis, and for every disaster averted, two more appeared on the horizon. There is no vision with this show.
I too wonder about the ‘likely’ surely that was a deal from up front – regardless of ratings.
So far SGU has been great to watch and I can’t wait for the rest of season 1 and I will be waiting on news of season 2. However we all knew SGU was going in a different direction and as the ratings show fans like the direction this stargate has taken. I agree with there being too much drama but there is something good to this as it helps us feel connected to the new crew plus it gives the show the extra dramatic sense when the crew is in danger.
I absolutely love SGU. I think most of the haters of SGU are missing the point by expecting it to be just like SG1 and SGA. It isn’t and I’m very glad for that. I enjoyed SG1 and SGA and was upset to see both of them go. One of the reasons that I like SGU is because it is so different. The whole point of the show is that these are the absolute wrong people for this type of mission. In their previous posting on Icarus Base, they were functional. There’s real world parallels to this type of situation.… Read more »