Battlestar Galactica (2003)

Battlestar Galactica: Part One

Sci-Fi channel airs the first part of the miniseries re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica. A reboot rather than a sequel to the late ’70s series, this more hard-edged version of the story plays fast and loose with many of the character outlines and is influenced heavily by the post-9/11-attacks western mindset. Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell star, with the script written by Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). Hotly anticipated due to over a year’s worth of speculation about the far-reaching changes to the show’s story outline, the miniseries is an instant hit.

Battlestar Galactica: Part Two

Sci-Fi channel airs the second part of the miniseries re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica. Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell star, with the script written by Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). The miniseries wins instant critical acclaim for its writers and cast, and many critics hail the new Galactica as the best Sci-Fi Channel original series to date. However, it takes some time for a full series order to happen, and will eventually involve an infusion of money from British satellite channel Sky One to be approved at all; this results in the first season airing first in the UK, and not until 2005 in North America.

Battlestar Galactica: 33

British satellite channel Sky One premieres the first episode of Ronald D. Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica, months ahead of the first season premiere in North America on the Sci-Fi Channel. The remainder of the season airs first in the UK due to Sky One’s financial contribution to the production of the series (without which it’s unlikely that Sci-Fi Channel alone would’ve continued production).

Battlestar Galactica: Water

Sci-Fi channel airs the second episode of Ronald D. Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica.

Battlestar Galactica: Bastille Day

Sci-Fi channel airs the third episode of Ronald D. Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica. Richard Hatch, who played Apollo in the original series, makes his first appearance as political agitator Tom Zarek (and plays most of his scenes against Jamie Bamber, the new series’ Apollo). Brent Stait (Andromeda) also guest stars.

Sci-Fi channel airs the 13th episode of Ronald D. Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica. This episode and its shocking cliffhanger ending bring the critically acclaimed first season to a close, with a few media outlets claiming that the new Galactica is one of the best television series in history.

Battlestar Galactica: Scattered

Sci-Fi channel airs the 14th episode of Ronald D. Moore’s re-imagining of Battlestar Galactica. This episode begins the show’s highly anticipated second season; from the second season onward, all episodes premiere in North America. Kate Vernon guest stars.