History of Stargate Atlantis in Timeline

Stargate Atlantis is a military science fiction TV series and a spin-off of Stargate SG-1, both part of MGM's Stargate franchise. Created by Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper, it premiered on July 16, 2004, and concluded on January 9, 2009, after five seasons. The Sci-Fi Channel in the U.S. and The Movie Network in Canada aired the series, which was filmed in and around Vancouver, British Columbia.

1994: Original Stargate Film Release

The original Stargate film, upon which the franchise is based, was released in 1994.

November 17, 2003: Stargate Atlantis Greenlit

On November 17, 2003, Stargate Atlantis received approval for production.

February 2004: Stargate Atlantis Begins Filming

Filming for Stargate Atlantis commenced in February 2004.

July 16, 2004: Stargate Atlantis Premieres

On July 16, 2004, Stargate Atlantis premiered on the Sci-Fi Channel in the United States and The Movie Network in Canada.

June 7, 2005: Stargate Atlantis Pilot Episode DVD Release

On June 7, 2005, MGM Home Entertainment released "Rising," the pilot episode of Stargate Atlantis, as a standalone DVD in North America.

July 15, 2005: Stargate Atlantis Season Two Premiere

Stargate Atlantis began its second season on July 15, 2005, continuing the story from where season one left off.

November 15, 2005: Stargate Atlantis Season 1 DVD Release

The complete first season of Stargate Atlantis was released on DVD in North America on November 15, 2005. Some Canadian copies had duplicate content, leading to a disc replacement offer from Sony.

2005: Launch of Stargate Atlantis Book Series

Fandemonium Press started a new series of books based on Stargate Atlantis in late 2005. The 'Legacy' series continues the story beyond the TV series conclusion, exploring events like Atlantis's return to the Pegasus Galaxy, a new war with the Wraith, and the return of Elizabeth Weir and Aiden Ford.

2005: Stargate Atlantis Emmy Nominations and Award Wins

In 2005, Stargate Atlantis was nominated for two Emmy Awards and director David Winning won awards at the Chicago International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival for "Childhood's End." The series also received a Leo Award for Best Visual Effects.

2005: Emmy Nomination for Main Title Theme

The main title theme for Stargate Atlantis, composed by Joel Goldsmith, received an Emmy nomination in 2005.

July 14, 2006: Stargate Atlantis Season Three Premiere

Season three of Stargate Atlantis premiered on July 14, 2006, picking up the narrative from the season two finale.

2006: Launch of Stargate Atlantis Comic Series

Avatar Press launched a Stargate Atlantis comic series in 2006. Set during season 1, "Wraithfall" features a story by Stewart Moore and art by Mauricio Melo, introducing a race called the Karrans.

2006: Stargate Atlantis Blu-ray and Distributor Change

In 2006, Stargate Atlantis became the first TV series released on Blu-ray. Also in 2006, MGM switched DVD distribution from Sony to 20th Century Fox, impacting subsequent releases.

2006: Emmy Nomination for "Grace Under Pressure" Score

Joel Goldsmith's score for the Stargate Atlantis season 2 episode "Grace Under Pressure" earned an Emmy nomination in 2006.

2006: Stargate Atlantis Emmy Nomination

Stargate Atlantis received another Emmy nomination in 2006.

March 6, 2007: Stargate Atlantis Season 2 DVD Release

The second season of Stargate Atlantis was released on DVD in North America on March 6, 2007. The release was delayed due to MGM switching DVD distributors from Sony to 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.

June 2007: Stargate Atlantis Season 3 Second Half Airs

The second half of Stargate Atlantis season 3 aired in the United States from April to June 2007.

September 28, 2007: Stargate Atlantis Season Four Premiere (USA)

On September 28, 2007, Stargate Atlantis launched its fourth season in the USA.

October 9, 2007: Stargate Atlantis Season Four Premiere (UK)

The fourth season of Stargate Atlantis premiered in the UK on October 9, 2007.

2007: Financial Crisis Impacts Filming

The 2007-2008 financial crisis, and the resulting shift in currency values, increased filming costs for Stargate Atlantis.

August 20, 2008: Stargate Atlantis Season 5 Announced as the Last, Followed by Direct-to-DVD Movie

On August 20, 2008, after the announcement of the final season of Stargate Atlantis, the producers revealed plans for a direct-to-DVD movie continuation. This decision aimed to maintain the franchise's success. Further movies were contingent on the first film's performance. Rising Canadian production costs and declining American dollar value also influenced the decision.

2008: Mika McKinnon Joins as Science Consultant

Geophysicist Mika McKinnon became a science consultant for Stargate Atlantis in 2008.

2008: Stargate Atlantis Emmy Nomination

Stargate Atlantis received an Emmy nomination in 2008.

2008: Financial Crisis Impacts Filming

The 2007-2008 financial crisis impacted Stargate: Atlantis's production in 2008.

January 9, 2009: Stargate Atlantis Finale

On January 9, 2009, the final episode of Stargate Atlantis aired, marking the end of its five-season run.

May 2009: Stargate: Extinction Movie Details Revealed

In May 2009, details about the Stargate: Extinction movie emerged. The script was finalized, Andy Mikita was set to direct, and filming was planned for late 2009. The confirmed cast included Amanda Tapping, David Hewlett, Joe Flanigan, Paul McGillion, Rachel Luttrell, Jason Momoa, Robert Picardo, and Christopher Heyerdahl.

August 9, 2009: Stargate Atlantis Fan's Choice Blu-ray Release

On August 9, 2009, a special edition Blu-ray, "Stargate Atlantis Fan's Choice," was released. It included two fan-voted episodes, "Rising" and "Enemy at the Gate," and featured fan-submitted cover art.

August 10, 2009: Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Series DVD Release (UK)

The complete series DVD box set of Stargate Atlantis was released in the UK on August 10, 2009.

October 6, 2009: Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Series DVD Release (North America)

The complete series DVD box set of Stargate Atlantis was released in North America on October 6, 2009.

2009: Stargate Atlantis Leo Award Wins

Stargate Atlantis won nine Leo Awards in 2009.

November 2010: MGM Files for Bankruptcy, Impacting Stargate Atlantis Revival

In November 2010, MGM filed for bankruptcy, disrupting Joe Flanigan's plans to revive Stargate Atlantis. This legal action led to a change in ownership, further complicating the revival attempts.

April 17, 2011: Stargate Atlantis Movie Shelved

On April 17, 2011, Brad Wright announced the indefinite postponement of the planned Stargate Atlantis movie.

2011: Stargate Atlantis: The Complete Series Blu-ray Release

The complete series of Stargate Atlantis was released on Blu-ray in North America in 2011.

September 28, 2013: Joe Flanigan's Attempt to Revive Stargate Atlantis

On September 28, 2013, Joe Flanigan revealed his past efforts to revive Stargate Atlantis. He had negotiated with MGM to lease the series and produce season 6 with secured funding. Plans were made to move production to Europe to reduce costs. However, MGM's bankruptcy in November 2010 and subsequent change in ownership to Spyglass Entertainment stalled these efforts. Spyglass seemed more interested in a separate feature film project.