SCI FI CHANNEL REDISCOVERS 'ATLANTIS'
Stargate' Series From MGM Television Renewed for Fifth Season
New York, NY � October 24, 2007 � SCI FI Channel has renewed its hit original series Stargate Atlantis for an all-new 20-episode fifth season. One of television's most action-packed adventure hours, Atlantis' success continues the legacy of one of television's most successful franchises. The show's sister series, Stargate SG-1, ran for a record-breaking 10 consecutive seasons � unprecedented for any sci-fi series. Produced and distributed by MGM Television, Stargate Atlantis is set to resume production in early 2008.
"SCI FI is proud to bring Atlantis back for another season," said Mark Stern, Executive Vice President, Original Programming for SCI FI. "Atlantis truly came out from under the shadow of its sister series this year and proved that it's a hit in its own right. With this season's exciting new characters and vibrant storylines, Atlantis also shows every sign of matching its sibling's longevity."
"All of us at MGM are pleased to be extending the Stargate legacy with 20 new original episodes of Stargate Atlantis for our friends at SCI FI," said Charles E. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President Finance and Corporate Development, MGM. "Viewers the world over clamor for exciting new stories of space exploration, distant civilizations and the marvels of technology, all of which continue to be delivered by Stargate Atlantis."
Stargate Atlantis follows the adventures of an intrepid team of military and civilian explorers who travel the distant Pegasus galaxy by means of a Stargate, a portal created long ago by a highly advanced alien civilization called the Ancients. In their never-ending quest to seek out other technologies left behind by the Ancients, the Atlantis team encounters alien cultures � some friend, some foe.
Season 4 of Atlantis, currently airing Fridays at 10pm on SCI FI, premiered on September 28 and delivered over 2 million viewers (P2+). The season features a revved up cast with two new expedition members � Stargate SG-1's Amanda Tapping and Firefly's Jewel Staite. Facing a deadly new foe while adapting to a new leader (Tapping) and new chief of medicine (Staite) has brought Atlantis unforeseen challenges.
About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching approximately 120 countries and territories around the world. MGM ownership is currently as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgmchannel.com
SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 92 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.
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