| Stargate SG-1 (often abbreviated as SG-1) is a science fiction television series based upon the 1994 science fiction film Stargate. Both posit the existence of devices called "Stargates" that use artificial wormholes to allow people and objects to cross vast distances of space in an instant. Although the show has referred to at least 20 SG teams, it focuses on a team called SG-1, who operate from a top-secret U.S. military base called the SGC (Stargate Command), use a Stargate found on Earth to explore other worlds, and defend Earth against alien threats instigated in the original film. Thus unlike many other science-fiction franchises with an interplanetary-exploration theme, SG-1 is set in the present day, is based on Earth, and primarily involves humans. |  |
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| The original members of SG-1 were Col. Jack O'Neill (Anderson), Dr. Daniel Jackson (Shanks), Capt. Samantha Carter (Tapping) and Teal'c (Judge). For eight seasons, their primary antagonists were the Goa'uld, a galaxy-dominating race of highly intelligent and ruthless snake-like alien creatures who invade and take control of the bodies of other species, including humans on various planets. The original arch-enemy from this race was the System Lord Apophis (Peter Williams).
The series often follows a direct formula in which major events, including the introduction of a villain, are the fault of human curiosity. Including:
* After ignoring it for almost five thousand years, the Goa'uld come to realize that Earth is a threat to them after humanity activates the Stargate and defeats the System Lord, Ra.
* The Replicators are a product of a humanoid android who was created by a human (most probably Alteran) scientist.
* The Ori became aware of the Milky Way galaxy after Daniel Jackson and Vala Mal Doran activate an Ancient communication device that sends their consciousnesses to the Ori galaxy.
In 2006, Stargate SG-1 was recognized as the longest running consecutive sci-fi series by Guinness World Records. The show is second only to Doctor Who, which holds the title for longest running sci-fi show overall. |
