Is Stargate More Popular Than Star Trek?
Category: Science Fiction, Television
published August 14th, 2005
And incidentally is there a law that in order to be a popular sci-fi series you have to have star in the name? But anyway, back to the point. In an interview with GateWorld, actor Robert Picardo who played the doctor in Star Trek: Voyager and has a small recurring role on Stargate SG-1, makes a surprising statement:
"I am always amazed when I travel abroad that Stargate has become huge," says actor Robert Picardo. "[It's] huge in Britain. It's far eclipsed Star Trek. It's now huge in Germany. I understand they're making big inroads in other countries."
While I'm rather fond of Stargate and actually watch it more often than Star Trek, the claim that it's more popular than Star Trek did take me by surprise. Could it possibly be true? Thinking about it, yes actually it could for a couple of reasons.
Probably the biggest single reason is that Stargate is still on the air. There are still new episodes being produced. There's no new Star Trek coming any time soon. While the loyal fans may be happy to watch the same episodes of Trek again and again and again, more casual fans want something new. Stargate can provide them with new episodes and that will give it an edge right now in the popularity stakes.
The other factor I think is the perception of Star Trek as being worn out and tired. Now in truth some of those same claims could have been made about Stargate SG-1 which was definitely starting to look worn last season. But this season has re-invigorated it with a new direction and a new cast. Star Trek on the other hand has been limping for years and has struggled to reach out beyond its core fanbase since Deep Space 9 went off the air.
All that said, I can't see Stargate ever becoming the cultural phenomenom that Star Trek is. Star Trek has permeated the culture of several different countries. Stargate is a television program.
Link: GateWord - Picardo Praises SG-1's 9th Season
Eoghann Irving is amongst other things the creator and Editor of Solar Flare. He has a life long interest in all forms of science fiction and fantasy and a pressing need to share this interest with anyone who will listen. Find out more at his his website eoghann.com.| 2.9 |
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August 14th, 2005 -
when I travel abroad that Stargate has become huge,” says actor Robert Picardo. “[It's] huge in Britain. It’s far eclipsed Star Trek. It’s now huge in Germany. I understand they’re making big inroads in other countries.” YES! I’ve always thought so. Here’s the article . While Startrek:The Next Generation had a very strong cast and pretty good writers, the rest of the Startrek franchise has suffered from absolutely terrible writing and storylines. Stargate on the other hand has a strong cast and excellent writing.