• Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Oct 2, 2009
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 498 Ratings

User score distribution:
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User Reviews

  1. Mar 6, 2016
    0
    Boring and very drab. I tried watching this with my daughter hoping it would be like SG-1 or Atlantis but it is more like the "standard" badly made formula TV show. Reminds me of a cross between a badly played Skyrim and a computer generated plot. None of the characters are interesting except for maybe Eli. It is just so uncreative. You have the standard "attitude"; the setting has theBoring and very drab. I tried watching this with my daughter hoping it would be like SG-1 or Atlantis but it is more like the "standard" badly made formula TV show. Reminds me of a cross between a badly played Skyrim and a computer generated plot. None of the characters are interesting except for maybe Eli. It is just so uncreative. You have the standard "attitude"; the setting has the drab and dreary colors that are so much today's Hollywood. Sure they just beam some dude up without training or even having him say bye to his mom. It is just bad and you keep hoping it gets better but it doesn't. Expand
  2. Oct 3, 2011
    0
    I am and always be an SG1 fan I also love SGA. I tried to like SGU but there was nothing to connect me to these characters the only it had in common with SG1 was a Star Gate. I gave up hope for it to improve the show was clearly going for a new audience not fans of the original show. SGU was the first Syfy cancellation I was happy about.
  3. AliH
    Nov 12, 2009
    1
    I really really wanted to love this show but it's so depressing - I'm all in favour of gritty realism but at least throw the audience a bone and put in a bit of humour in there, even if it's dark humour! I decided to stop watching it today when I realised I was bored and swiftly becoming depressed - that never happened to me watching Stargate SG1.
  4. GregoryB
    Oct 11, 2009
    0
    They have transformed a great sci-fi serie into soap opera. To much emotions and darkness, not enough sci-fi stuff. I don't expect this serie to survive next year.
  5. Nov 3, 2010
    0
    THIS IS ONE OF THE WORSE SCI-FI SERIES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN !!! (if you consider this as Sci-FI...). The series is way claustrophobic and most episodes are very boring....
    The action is stale and as a sci-fi the fantasy section feels way way limited.... Most of the series plot is about curing some alien disease or about visiting some boring planet with no local people or some boring
    THIS IS ONE OF THE WORSE SCI-FI SERIES THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN !!! (if you consider this as Sci-FI...). The series is way claustrophobic and most episodes are very boring....
    The action is stale and as a sci-fi the fantasy section feels way way limited.... Most of the series plot is about curing some alien disease or about visiting some boring planet with no local people or some boring personal incidents of the team inside the ship !! I even watched the 2 episodes of Season 2 hoping it will be better but again i was very disappointed.. I will not even bother with this series again, as a Sci-Fi fan i am very disappointed of how pathetic Stargate has turned out...
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  6. Jul 31, 2012
    0
    Their were so many things wrong with SGU, I just don't know where to begin. I guess, I will start with the main cast of unlikable characters, that were stuck on ship. I found most of the main characters to be unlikeable, but three did stand out (that being, Rush, Wrary, and Greer- they did stood out from the others but Rush was an SOB and they really didn't do anything with Wrary andTheir were so many things wrong with SGU, I just don't know where to begin. I guess, I will start with the main cast of unlikable characters, that were stuck on ship. I found most of the main characters to be unlikeable, but three did stand out (that being, Rush, Wrary, and Greer- they did stood out from the others but Rush was an SOB and they really didn't do anything with Wrary and Greer), and I just didn't care about any relationships on the show. Second, like what happened on Caprica, the plot didn't really go anywhere and most of the time we were left with seeing people moping about how screwed they are, screaming at each other, having random sex, and sometimes plotting against each other (which I guess was supposed to be the drama on this show). Third, if you liked the other two Stargate shows, just skipped this one. You will end up offended at what the writers did to some of the most beloved characters and established canon, from the previous two Stargate shows. This list just goes on, but I will say, do not watch this show. Instead, you will have a better time watching the other two Stargate shows, which are Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. Expand
  7. Aug 27, 2012
    1
    As a big SG1 and SGA fan i was thrilled to see another spin off show had been created, after watching half a dozen shows the level of disappointment has been overwhelming, absolutely nothing happened. Its so different to SG1 that it is unrecognisable, the characters are unlikeable, the spaceship is dull, the plot is thin, the alien technology that allows the crew to zap themselves back toAs a big SG1 and SGA fan i was thrilled to see another spin off show had been created, after watching half a dozen shows the level of disappointment has been overwhelming, absolutely nothing happened. Its so different to SG1 that it is unrecognisable, the characters are unlikeable, the spaceship is dull, the plot is thin, the alien technology that allows the crew to zap themselves back to earth is so obviously just there so that extra earth based plots are available to be inserted when the rest of the story is thin which is most of the time. Its just awful and does not deserve the SG prefix. Expand
  8. Roger
    Oct 3, 2009
    0
    Worst Stargate series to date. Looks like they saw the success of the BSG franchise and tried to imitate it (very badly).
  9. BruceM
    Oct 7, 2009
    2
    We loved Stargate Atlantis, Bring it back. Stargate Universe was terrible, poor plot, poor acting. What were they thinking. The dialogue is horrible.
  10. KOBESBM
    Jan 19, 2010
    0
    This show is horrible. A stain on the otherwise great and successful Stargate franchise. Not only is the show boring and predictable and VERY derivative (BSG, Lost, Big Brother, Melrose Place, etc), its dreary and the characters are totally unlikeable. The few scored of "10" on this site stand out as being completely contrived and fake. The messages these fly by people are making are This show is horrible. A stain on the otherwise great and successful Stargate franchise. Not only is the show boring and predictable and VERY derivative (BSG, Lost, Big Brother, Melrose Place, etc), its dreary and the characters are totally unlikeable. The few scored of "10" on this site stand out as being completely contrived and fake. The messages these fly by people are making are canned and sound silly when you have actually seen the show. I gave it 5 episodes before I stopped watching live, and after seeing Life, I removed it from my DVR recording schedule. It completely blows and shoulod be canceled. I cant see it getting past a second season (its already approved). Ratings will tank even lower than the 1.3m for the "cliffhanger" The DVDis not selling well, and the reviews are horrible at Amazon. Dont be fooled by the shills posting "10" ratings. Expand
  11. DanteI
    Feb 2, 2010
    0
    Horrible. Frankly, i loved all stargate's franchise, but this is a joke. Drama sucks, that's why we watch Science fiction.
  12. ethanJ
    Oct 10, 2009
    3
    Ok this show hasnt made any sense. They should have made this more like SGA an lead up to this series. There was no mention of the 9th chevron in the past. Like i was sayiong before this show hast been making any sense we all know that the Deadulous class ship Hammond is one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy and would be able to withstand Orie ships. how come three Gauld could Ok this show hasnt made any sense. They should have made this more like SGA an lead up to this series. There was no mention of the 9th chevron in the past. Like i was sayiong before this show hast been making any sense we all know that the Deadulous class ship Hammond is one of the most powerful ships in the galaxy and would be able to withstand Orie ships. how come three Gauld could overcome the Hammond. it just doesn make sense. Also the thing that people enjoyed most about the SG was how people were familiar with the technology. This Rush guy seems to sound like he knows what he is doing but does not seem eligable for the role. Most of the characters seem be ok but if they do another desert like episode. im gonna proably stop watchng it and just watch reruns of SGA and SG1. Expand
  13. JackL
    Nov 24, 2009
    3
    Is this really Stargate? Where is the hope, optimism, humor? I see none of it. I see no science or interesting technology, just bimbo lesbians and who slept with who. Too dark and edgy for me, it's garbage.
  14. MurrayB
    Nov 4, 2009
    1
    I would have rated it 0 but it is better than "The Starlost" which was a 0. Even though I have followed Stargate from the original movie with Kurt Russell and was a regular viewer of the TV series I was unable to finish watching the first SGU episode. Not only was it slow and dark it was very boring. It is also more anti-science fiction then sci fi. BSG is also anti-science where the bad I would have rated it 0 but it is better than "The Starlost" which was a 0. Even though I have followed Stargate from the original movie with Kurt Russell and was a regular viewer of the TV series I was unable to finish watching the first SGU episode. Not only was it slow and dark it was very boring. It is also more anti-science fiction then sci fi. BSG is also anti-science where the bad guys are the product of human science. Strangely, the good reviews on every forum I have looked at are all written by the same authors. Two or three people posting rave reviews under many different names. What is up with that? Expand
  15. PaulI
    Nov 4, 2009
    2
    Tries to be Lost meets Star Trek but fails miserably (Lost in Space anyone?). Mediocre acting (Carlyle excepted), cardboard characters, bad scripts and poor direction. Episodes 1 to 3 should have been wrapped into just two. Boring and longwinded but can be forgiven as scene setting for the show. Episode 4 actually quite good. Entertaining. Carlyle starts to flex his acting muscles and Tries to be Lost meets Star Trek but fails miserably (Lost in Space anyone?). Mediocre acting (Carlyle excepted), cardboard characters, bad scripts and poor direction. Episodes 1 to 3 should have been wrapped into just two. Boring and longwinded but can be forgiven as scene setting for the show. Episode 4 actually quite good. Entertaining. Carlyle starts to flex his acting muscles and Eli's character is toned down a bit to make him more bearable. As the comic relief he is just annoying. Ship loses power and pops up in a star system supposedly so its passengers can head for nearby inhabitable planets but Oh No!..They're heading straight for a star! Hands up who realised immediately that it was the ships intention in order to refuel itself harnessing the stars power somehow..yup..nearly everyone. Will the writers acknowledge that its audience is reasonably intellligent and not spring this as the "surprise" conclusion to episode 5? Episode 5. Nope..they think we don't know. Oh dear. Perhaps an interesting side story will appear. Yes. A group can survive by heading for a planet on the shuttlecraft. Colonel young decides on a lottery system to choose. If you expect a group of humans to end their days alone on a planet you need a balance of men and women for obvious reasons. This could have been turned into an entertaining and comic vehicle for the actors and viewers (who gets the gal with big bazooms? etc), but no, as about 14 men and 3 women board the craft I knew within a year most of the men would have clubbed each other to death fighting over the women. When Dr. Rush realises what is really happening he explains the power loss is due to the ship diverting all its power to the shields in order for it to enter the star and reenergise itself. So how did the shuttle manage to leave the ship with its shields at full strength? Episode 6. Water is disappearing so the ship pops up at an icebound planet so the passengers can get more water. Colonel Young decides to head a 2 man team with second in command Scott in tow. Hang on!? In the last episode Young takes himself out of the lottery of survivors as he is crippled and weak and wouldnt survive the arduous nature of survival on a barren planet. This week he's going on a mission to carve up and transport chunks of ice to the ship. A task requiring great physical strength and endurance. Two of his strongest grunts would have sufficed for this one. One more of the shows inconsistencies in plot development. Bet next week he's back on his crutch , hobbling around the ship. Seems the writers threw in this one to as an excuse to put Lt. Johansen in charge and deal with the aliens discovered aboard the ship. Seems a swarming group of particle sized aliens are taking thousands of litres of water at a time. How? How do these tiny aliens take the water. Absorb it? they don't have the body mass! Why do they need it? Such small creatures with simple anatomies probably exist by photosynthesis, turning sunlight into energy. There was no water on the desert planet they originally came from so if they need water to survive wouldn't they have died out on that planet? How did Johansen get them into the barrel? They obligingly swarmed in and that was it? Also, with the ship reenergised they can simply dial Earth using the Stargate and go home. Hurray! No. The ship only got 40% power back. Why? And if the ship is partially sentient, constantly sensing the needs of its passengers and obliging by popping up wherever its needed, why doesnt it sense their need to return home, head for a star, get full power and let them use the stargate? All these inconsistencies and more make this show a real loser. It underestimates its audience on every level. Where is the science in this science fiction? The lazy writers need a science advisor desperately. Any 12 year old in any education system in the world will do... This should have been so good but is so bad! Enoughs enough for me. Can't see this getting any better. Time to jump ship I'm afraid. Expand
  16. DanielC
    Oct 15, 2009
    2
    Oh my God. They turned one of the best SciFi franchises in a piece of crap like Battlestar Galactica. That hurts!
  17. emmaw
    Oct 15, 2009
    0
    I had hoped that if they were going to "go for it" and do something else, that it would mean doing more than just borrowing ideas of other shows. Boring characters none of whome id care about if they did infact get left behind or accidentally fell out of an air lock. Sorry but i think me and stargate will part ways here.
  18. zULUeCHO
    Oct 17, 2009
    2
    The biggest flaw of the show is it tries to take itself seriously using characters which don't have much depth by adding lots of useless melodrama.
  19. BjarniEiríkur
    Dec 7, 2009
    0
    WTF, "Cry me a river in space" everi episode is the same no houmor, no action, no suprise, no fun just drama to the death, and no special kind of drama just boring guideing light shit drama Ultra boring and, who in there right mind could ever accept paying real money to get this made unless they are complitly delusional, i am a big fan of stargate and i realy liked the houmor, the WTF, "Cry me a river in space" everi episode is the same no houmor, no action, no suprise, no fun just drama to the death, and no special kind of drama just boring guideing light shit drama Ultra boring and, who in there right mind could ever accept paying real money to get this made unless they are complitly delusional, i am a big fan of stargate and i realy liked the houmor, the originality of it and the efford the producers put in to it, and to see what is being done to it is unbelivable how boring can a tv show realy be? i think this show will be the new Zero piont on how bad a tv show can get, pushing guideing light out of the last place, Do not watch this show or spend money in any relations with it EVER. Expand
  20. ScottK
    Oct 4, 2009
    2
    I knew they were taking the show in a new direction, and by new direction, they meant everything that has already been done to death. Instead of coming off as edgy or even sci-fi in any manner of the word, they turn around and are actually quite generic on the base where the previous installments although safe, were very story driven and kept people coming back for more. With Universe so I knew they were taking the show in a new direction, and by new direction, they meant everything that has already been done to death. Instead of coming off as edgy or even sci-fi in any manner of the word, they turn around and are actually quite generic on the base where the previous installments although safe, were very story driven and kept people coming back for more. With Universe so far, were left with the only thing in this sequel that actually resembles the show stargate, being the stargate itself. The cast are all young and their acting ability shows through with how green they can be. Your best bet if you want to enjoy this show, is to most likely forget that its stargate and throw all your hopes and dreams out the window, because its no longer story driven, its a soap opera drama now, going off the fights among the characters, and from what we have seen from the premier, .are all forced conflicts do to poor writing. Some things to consider if you have watched SG-1 and SGA... The new "geek" who happens to be a gamer who solved some impossible code that apparently the combine force of McKay, Daniel Jackson, and Samantha Carter couldn't figure out, this kid apparently figured out without much effort. Within 2 days, he had acquired more knowledge on the ancients than the combine knowledge of Daniel Jackson and Mckay and was able to control ship systems with relative ease. The military personnel were weak at best, being what appeared to be weekend warriors serving their 1 weekend a month. The show has no control, no real direction and was very sloppy for a premier that was meant to bring people in...The show will get 2 episodes more at best before being ditched completly if things dont "fix" themselves. No im not looking for a rehash of SG-1 or Atlantis, however, solid acting and a story are a requirement...This is wormhole extreme all over again. Expand
  21. ty
    Oct 5, 2009
    1
    Boring as this show has reached the end of its Universe. What's an Eli? Please!
  22. ScottN
    Oct 6, 2009
    1
    Very disappointing. I went in spoiler free, so I didn't know there were doing a pale imitation of BSG, but that is what it is. The plot is the same old: "more power, another chevron and a big jump." The "new" thing, is a veneer of BSG, dark, depressing, with angry shrill characters yelling at each other. No fun at all. Not a single compelling character. I can't see it being Very disappointing. I went in spoiler free, so I didn't know there were doing a pale imitation of BSG, but that is what it is. The plot is the same old: "more power, another chevron and a big jump." The "new" thing, is a veneer of BSG, dark, depressing, with angry shrill characters yelling at each other. No fun at all. Not a single compelling character. I can't see it being fixed. It is Stargate sucked dry of any fun by design. Expand
  23. AydinB
    Oct 8, 2009
    1
    This was not "the thing" i have expected after stargate sg1 and stargate atlantis. the scenario was really too poor. actings were not so good, in my opinion. sorry.
  24. AlexanderM
    Oct 11, 2009
    3
    Fans of Stargate and sci-fi steer clear of this one. Fans of Battlestar Galactica 2.0, take a look. With the renaming of the Sci Fi Channel to Syfy comes a similarly painful re-branding of Stargate, Stargate: Drama on a Spaceship. The premier was a mixed bag, the increased focus on inter-character drama was clear but it still appeared to have a reasonable amount of the Stargate focus but Fans of Stargate and sci-fi steer clear of this one. Fans of Battlestar Galactica 2.0, take a look. With the renaming of the Sci Fi Channel to Syfy comes a similarly painful re-branding of Stargate, Stargate: Drama on a Spaceship. The premier was a mixed bag, the increased focus on inter-character drama was clear but it still appeared to have a reasonable amount of the Stargate focus but the second episode has cleared up any confusion. Stargate Universe is a drama and the next few episodes appear to continue the character drama if the descriptions are correct. Fans of soaps will likely enjoy it but fans of sci-fi are in for a disappointment with poorly written characters, generic character drama, half-arsed sci-fi writing, and mediocre acting. The show has been summarized as Lost meets StarTrek Voyager but that's a misrepresentation because there doesn't seem to be any indication that they will run into other people anytime soon. SG-1's whole message about gods and the religions surrounding them being created by other mortal or once mortal beings, thus something to be avoided seems to be ignored in order to allow religion to work for personal conflict within one of the protagonists. While this generic drama tool can be used in many other series, it creates a conflict in overtones in the Stargate universe. Expand
  25. ThomasC
    Oct 10, 2009
    0
    Could they have at least hired a few actors for the main cast? How about some writers who can put together a semi-realistic based storyline within the context of the plot? When the main go-to military guy looks like someone barely old enough to have just joined the military, it's hard to accept him as any kind of authority figure as a viewer. Female characters who look like they were Could they have at least hired a few actors for the main cast? How about some writers who can put together a semi-realistic based storyline within the context of the plot? When the main go-to military guy looks like someone barely old enough to have just joined the military, it's hard to accept him as any kind of authority figure as a viewer. Female characters who look like they were transplanted from reality tv and that looks mattered more than acting abilities. The doctor-medic is more believable as eye candy than a person we should care about. I guffawed so often during the pilot at the absurd dialogue I should have started a drinking game. At the height of life or death, an hour of air left, the doctor and 2nd in command refuse to let the head guy sacrifice himself to save everyone. No one person should have to die so everyone else can live, better that they all go down trying. My eye's are still rolling over this. This didn't need to be another SG-1 or Atlantis. Didn't need to be another Battlestar or even Farscape. But what they are offering up as the new SG series on the new SyFy network makes me long for the Sci-Fi channel. I'm willing to give it a little time to shake out the chaff from the cast & crew, but so far the only thing keeping me coming back is Eli. I just pray they don't try to score kiss butt points with SG fans by finding a way to get McKay onto the ship via some sort of holo-program. Expand
  26. TristanM
    Nov 17, 2009
    2
    Teen drama in space. Very childish. Too much sex and voyerism. Not enough SCIENCE and FICTION. The producing are spitting on the old fans in favor of reality TV watching children. The show now panders to those who think with their hormones instead of with their minds. It won't make it til the end of the second season, unless it gets a major overhaul. I love stargate .. just not Teen drama in space. Very childish. Too much sex and voyerism. Not enough SCIENCE and FICTION. The producing are spitting on the old fans in favor of reality TV watching children. The show now panders to those who think with their hormones instead of with their minds. It won't make it til the end of the second season, unless it gets a major overhaul. I love stargate .. just not Stargate Universe. Expand
  27. KathyBoland
    Nov 21, 2009
    0
    These writers are simply not able to pull off this kind of dramatic show. All of the character development has been very hands off...through a video camera held by a second character, or through eaves dropping on clinical psych evaluations. Everything is third person. It is not as if you are "in" the action but viewing it from a clinical viewpoint. With such a stand offish style it's These writers are simply not able to pull off this kind of dramatic show. All of the character development has been very hands off...through a video camera held by a second character, or through eaves dropping on clinical psych evaluations. Everything is third person. It is not as if you are "in" the action but viewing it from a clinical viewpoint. With such a stand offish style it's hard to get invested in any of the characters. Yet I WANT to like it. I keep trying! Expand
  28. d.y.
    Nov 22, 2009
    0
    Painful to watch. I have an idea: make this a mock-reality show. Every episode, the characters have a bunch of interpersonal drama, have some ridiculous competition, then they vote one person off the ship and shove them out the airlock. People who think these characters are complex need to get a dictionary. They get flatter by the minute. Let's not confuse unsympathetic with complex. Painful to watch. I have an idea: make this a mock-reality show. Every episode, the characters have a bunch of interpersonal drama, have some ridiculous competition, then they vote one person off the ship and shove them out the airlock. People who think these characters are complex need to get a dictionary. They get flatter by the minute. Let's not confuse unsympathetic with complex. This series has a situation ("we're stuck on a ship!") but no plot to speak of. I waited for it to go somewhere but after Episode 9 ("Life") I gave up. Sorry to say it, I'm a huge fan of SG-1 with its fresh approach to mythologies and of Atlantis with its character struggles (Weir going from negotiating peace treaties to condoning torture--great psychological complexity); both had amazing world-building and action. I cared what happened to the characters. I still love Stargate--just not SGU. Hopefully this show is a one-season stand we can all try to forget ever happened. Expand
  29. DaveP
    Nov 22, 2009
    1
    It's confusing, and not getting any better. All the flashbacks are getting boring, and taking you away from the theme - whatever that is? It's more like a pyscho-drama, too much in the head, too drawn and contrived. So far It's put me to sleep, without fail, every time. Something which the original Stargate, or its successor Atlantis never did. If the older shows are on I It's confusing, and not getting any better. All the flashbacks are getting boring, and taking you away from the theme - whatever that is? It's more like a pyscho-drama, too much in the head, too drawn and contrived. So far It's put me to sleep, without fail, every time. Something which the original Stargate, or its successor Atlantis never did. If the older shows are on I watch them over and over again, even though I know the story well - just for the character interaction. Sorry this one leaves me cold, so much overacting to fill in for content. Expand
  30. DarrenM
    Nov 22, 2009
    0
    This is a horrible show. I have been a fan of All Stagate, but this one is terrible!!! I mean, the trouble they have is stuck in the desert? stuck in the ice? My lesbian lover misses me? My ex girlfriend didn't have an abortion? My host body guy is hitting on my wife? What a pile. I keep hoping it will get better, but I am losing hope at this point. And why does everything have to be This is a horrible show. I have been a fan of All Stagate, but this one is terrible!!! I mean, the trouble they have is stuck in the desert? stuck in the ice? My lesbian lover misses me? My ex girlfriend didn't have an abortion? My host body guy is hitting on my wife? What a pile. I keep hoping it will get better, but I am losing hope at this point. And why does everything have to be so negative? Maybe the writers should watch the other SG series to see what the theme is supposed to be. Where's the sci-fi fun gadgets, adventures? Expand
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. 50
    Stories aren't particularly dense or surprising, and some of the conflict feels quite contrived
  2. Hopefully the story itself, which finds a band of alien-attack victims jumping blindly through a Stargate and landing on a mysterious spaceship billions of light years from Earth, will eventually transcend this premiere's BSG-lite-ness.
  3. With 19 episodes remaining in this season, there's plenty of time for all this drama to intensify and the characters to sort themselves out as good and not-so-good.