The award-winning 2004 seriesBattlestar Galacticais based on the original TV miniseries that aired in 1978. Both cover the wars between humans and their cybernetic enemy, the Cylons, as the last remaining humans flee the Cylons in search of a new home. However,theBattlestar Galacticarebootchanged the timeline for the 1978 miniseries and its spin-off series,Galactica 1980, andthe franchise continued the new timeline thatBattlestar Galacticahad introduced. Now,Battlestar Galacticahas eight spin-offs, along with books and video games, which can mean that working out a timeline for the rebooted series can appear confusing.
Starting theBattlestar Galacticafranchise for the first time is more straightforward than it might seem, asthe best way to watchBattlestar Galacticain order is to begin with the prequels. These have been less critically praised thanBattlestar Galactica, but both add value to the series. The prequels add new layers of worldbuilding and insight into the forming of the Cylon army and show the character development ofrecurring characters inBattlestar Galactica, like Commander William Adama.Capricawas the firstBattlestar Galacticaspin-off, released in 2010, and this is where to begin.
Caprica
Caprica Told The Cylons Backstory
TheBattlestar GalacticaprequelCapricais set 58 years before the events inBattlestar Galactica, thoughCapricawas released six years after the rebooted series.Caprica’s focus on storylines involving religion and human connections gives it a slower pace, and there are few surprises for audiences familiar withBattlestar Galactica. Still, althoughCapricawas canceled after one season, it is well worth watching.Capricagives an early introduction to William Adama (seen as a child) and insight into the Cylons' backstory and formation of the Cylon army. This adds an extra dimension toBattlestar Galacticaby expanding on its lore.
10 Promising Sci-Fi Shows That Were Cancelled Too Soon
Sci-fi can be one of the most compelling genres in TV with advanced technology, and the exploration of distant worlds, but some are canceled too soon.
Battlestar Galacticaoften treated the Cylon race as a menacing mystery, which was made more threatening by the fact that Cylons could perfectly imitate humans and infiltrate the ship. ThoughBattlestar Galacticarevealedthe Cylons' greater plansover time, comparatively little was known about their culture in the beginning.Capricaelaborated on the Cylons' world,showing how the Cylons developed consciousness and religion. This adds an extra layer of interest when watchingBattlestar Galacticalater, as the audience can see how some of the Cylons have been manipulated in the name of their faith.
Blood & Chrome
Battlestar Galactica’s Movies And Web Series Are Optional Extras
Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chromebegan as a web series.The events ofBlood & Chrometake place betweenCapricaandBattlestar Galactica, in the tenth year of the First Cylon War. Adama is close to retirement inBattlestar Galactica, andBlood & Chromefollows him as a recently graduated pilot signed to the Galactica, and seeing his first war. The series received criticism for its “stilted” dialogue, but,Blood & Chromewas praised for its robot/animal hybrids, which got it an Emmy Award nomination for “outstanding special visual effects.”
Battlestar Galactica in release order
1978
24
TV series
1980
10
2003
2
Battlestar Galactica season 1
2004
13
Battlestar Galactica season 2
2005
20
2006
Web series
Battlestar Galactica season 3
2007
7
-
TV movie
Battlestar Galactica season 4 (part 1)
2008
Battlestar Galactica season 4 (part 2)
2009
11
2010
19
2012
Blood & Chromebegan as one of four web series that expanded the world aroundBattlestar Galactica, and were used to promote the main series. Of the twoBattlestar Galacticamovies,Razorwas packed with references and flashbacks and considered a reward for longtime fans rather than new viewers.The Plantells the same story fromBattlestar Galacticaseasons 1 and 2 but from the Cylons' perspective.The Plancan be seen as an epilogue afterBattlestar Galactica, but the movies and other web series are usually considered optional extras, rather than essential viewing.
Battlestar Galactica
The Show Ran For Four Seasons
TheBattlestar Galacticaminiseries and TV show continue the story of Adama, now a commander, in the aftermath of a Cylon attack that broke a 40-year peace treaty.Battlestar Galacticahas a 95% positive Rotten Tomatoes rating, multiple awards and nominations, and a legacy.Battlestar Galacticachanged the science-fiction genre: its longer storylines, gritty action, and serious content even influenced later episodes of science-fiction staples likeStar TrekandDoctor Who. Many science-fiction shows had previously been campy, with few significant roles for women, whileBattlestar Galacticashowed the violence of war and introduced fan-favorite characterslike Starbuck.
Battlestar Galactica: 10 Best Episodes, Ranked
Despite its unpopular ending, the ‘04 version of Battlestar Galactica remains one of the best sci-fi shows ever written. Here are the best episodes.
The controversial ending ofBattlestar Galacticaleft several questions unanswered, and, when Peacock announced that there would be a rebooted TV series and movie set in the same universe asBattlestar Galactica, it appeared that some of these were going to be addressed. The plannedBattlestar Galacticareboot has now been canceled, however, this does not mean that it will never be made. Many successful science fiction movies and TV shows have been rebooted after a long break, includingQuantum LeapandDoctor Who, and asBattlestar Galacticaitself was a reboot, there may be hope yet.
Cast
Battlestar Galactica is a science fiction television series that premiered in 2004. The plot follows the crew of the aging Battlestar Galactica as they protect a small fleet of human survivors from the renewed threat of the Cylons, in a quest to find the mythical 13th colony, Earth.
