SCI FI Channel Summer '08 Line-Up: The Return of Fan Favorites

SCI FI Channel announced their summer line-up this morning.

Eureka and Stargate Atlantis will form the backbone of the network’s summer evening scripted originals beginning July 29 and July 11, respectively.

Season three of Eureka, about a community of geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research, premieres Tuesday, July 29 @ 9p.  

Per the press release:


Season three [Eureka] delves deeper into the classified, inner-workings of Global Dynamics and continues to explore the intertwined personal relationships of Eureka’s colorful and quirky residents.   New among the townspeople this season is Eva Thorne, aka “The Fixer” (Frances Fisher, Titanic), whose mission is to clean up Global Dynamics.

Season five of Stargate Atlantis, sister series to the venerable (but cancelled) Stargate SG-1, launches Friday, July 11 at 10p.

Fan favorites Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett) and Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson) are set to guest star.  Jackson is a cross-over character from Stargate SG-1, a series that was cancelled by SCI FI Channel after ten seasons but has evolved into several direct-to-DVD films produced by MGM.  

The characters of Beckett and Jackson were killed off by the writers, but fans successfully campaigned long and hard for their return. 

Per the press release:

[Stargate Atlantis] promises to keep things exciting by introducing a powerful new race, welcoming new cast members and forging new alliances, all while delving deeper into the mysteries of the Pegasus Galaxy. The new 20-episode season will include the series’ benchmark 100th episode.

Robert Picardo, known to fans as the International Oversight Committee rep Richard Woolsey, joins the Atlantis cast and assumes command of the Atlantis expedition.  Reluctant to step into Colonel Samantha Carter’s shoes, Woolsey must deal with new responsibilities and find his way among the crew.  The team, led by Lt. Colonel Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), Dr. Rodney McKay (David Hewlett), Teyla (Rachel Luttrell), Ronon (Jason Momoa) and Dr. Jennifer Keller (Jewel Staite), must adjust to his unique leadership style.

Fan favorite Paul McGillion, returns for five episodes to reprise his role as the beloved “Dr. Carson Beckett.”  Amanda Tapping (“Colonel Samantha Carter”), and Stargate SG-1 star Michael Shanks (“Dr. Daniel Jackson”) will also appear as special guest stars this season.

Vancouver Canada/fans rally in front of Bridge Studios for the return of their beloved Beckett; Stargate Atlantis writer/executive producer Martin Gero - who rocks! (IMHO) - engages the crowd.