There are four distinct Battlestar Galactica television series.
Exploring the Battlestar Galactica Television Universe
The Battlestar Galactica franchise is a beloved science fiction epic known for its deep storytelling and complex characters. Throughout its history, several distinct television series have been produced, each contributing to the rich narrative of humanity's struggle for survival against the robotic Cylons.
Based on the various productions related to the franchise, the following are recognized as full-fledged television series:
The Core Battlestar Galactica TV Series
- Battlestar Galactica (1978): This is the original series that first introduced audiences to the concept of the last battlestar leading a fleet of survivors in search of a new home.
- Galactica 1980 (1980): A direct continuation of the 1978 series, this show followed the fleet as they finally reached Earth, set in a more contemporary timeline.
- Battlestar Galactica (2004): A critically acclaimed reimagining of the original story, this series began with a foundational miniseries in December 2003 and then continued as a full television series until October 2009. It deepened the narrative with themes of war, religion, and humanity.
- Caprica (2010): This prequel series to the 2004 show explored the origins of the Cylons and the Twelve Colonies, set decades before the second Cylon War.
Overview of Battlestar Galactica Television Series
| Series Title | Release Period | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battlestar Galactica (1978) | September 17, 1978 – April 29, 1979 | ABC | The inaugural series that established the universe. |
| Galactica 1980 | January 27, 1980 – May 4, 1980 | ABC | A sequel exploring the fleet's arrival at Earth. |
| Battlestar Galactica (2004) | December 8, 2003 – October 27, 2009 | Sci-Fi | A highly praised modern reboot, following a 2003 miniseries. |
| Caprica (2010) | January 22, 2010 – November 10, 2010 | Syfy | A prequel focusing on the origins of the Cylons and the Colonies. |
Differentiating Series from Other Productions
It is important to note that while other productions exist within the Battlestar Galactica universe, they are typically distinct from full television series. For example, the Battlestar Galactica miniseries (2003) served as a pilot for the 2004 television series, and Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome (2012) originated as a web series before being broadcast as a TV movie or miniseries. These are considered limited engagements or standalone productions rather than ongoing television series. The count of four refers specifically to the serialized shows that ran for multiple episodes or seasons, forming the core television installments of the franchise.
