The Stargate franchise has captivated audiences for over two decades, transforming a singular 1994 film into a sprawling universe of interstellar conflict and philosophical exploration. For newcomers or casual fans, the question "how many Stargate series are there" can be surprisingly complex, as the answer requires distinguishing between core television shows and the broader multimedia landscape. This guide cuts through the noise to provide a definitive breakdown of every television series that carries the Stargate banner.
The Origin: The Stargate Film
To understand the television output, one must first look to the source. The Stargate franchise began with the 1994 science fiction film directed by Roland Emmerich. This movie introduced the concept of the Stargate, an ancient alien device capable of creating wormholes between distant planets. While the film was a commercial success, it was the subsequent television series that truly expanded the mythology and built the lasting legacy that keeps the franchise relevant today.
Defining the Television Series
When fans ask how many Stargate series exist, they are almost always referring to the main television lineup that aired on the Sci-Fi Channel (now Syfy) and its related networks. These shows are distinct in their continuity, sharing core concepts like the Stargate device, the Ancients, and the Goa'uld, while telling unique stories. The number is often debated because of spin-offs and crossovers, but the foundational series count remains consistent across official sources.
The "Big Three" Main Series
At the heart of the franchise are three flagship series that form the primary canon. These shows ran sequentially, allowing for character crossovers and a shared timeline that deepened the overarching narrative. They represent the core of the television answer to "how many Stargate series are there."
The Main Canon Lineup
For the purpose of clarity, the main Stargate television series are universally recognized as three distinct shows. Each series brought a unique tone and focus to the table, from military drama to archaeological adventure to horror-infused space battles. Understanding these three is key to understanding the entire franchise.
Stargate SG-1 (1997–2007): The cornerstone of the franchise, this series followed the missions of the titular military team. It ran for 10 seasons and established the gritty, military-political drama that defined the early years.
Stargate Atlantis (2004–2009): A direct spin-off of SG-1, this series shifted the focus to the lost city of Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy. It introduced new threats like the Wraith and embraced a more adventurous, exploration-based tone.
Stargate Universe (2009–2011): Taking a darker, more serialized approach, this series followed a different cast of characters stranded on an ancient ship light-years from home. It deliberately avoided Earth to craft a unique survival story.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
When researching the answer to how many Stargate series there are, you might encounter references to other shows. It is important to distinguish between main series, miniseries, and animated productions. While these other projects exist, they do not typically count in the official tally of primary television series that define the franchise.
Other Projects and Crossovers
The franchise has seen various other releases that sometimes cause confusion. "Stargate: The Ark of Truth" and "Stargate: Continuum" were direct-to-DVD movies that concluded the SG-1 storyline. There was also the animated series "Stargate: Infinity," which is generally considered non-canon entertainment for children and not part of the main continuity. These are supplements to the core three series, not replacements.
