Does anyone else remember when the SyFy channel was known as The Sci-Fi Channel? If you do, then you might remember that there have been a long line of amazing original shows the network has given us over the years.
Some of the shows even had crossover events, produced spinoff series, and generally entertained us for years. Maybe it's just me, but I miss a lot of the old shows that we used to enjoy on the network. While some shows didn't get nearly enough time to shine (looking at you, The Dresden Files), others were given enough seasons that when they ended we didn't feel like we lost out on possible stories.
But even with shows like Eureka and Stargate getting finales that worked, that doesn't mean that we wouldn't love more time in these universes. In fact, whether it is a revival, a reboot or even a spin-off, it would be nice to see some of the old shows get fresh life.
Specifically, I think there are five shows (at least) that deserve another chance to build up an audience. So which shows do I think SyFy needs to give a second chance to?
Eureka (5 seasons, 2006-12)
Eureka was one of those quirky shows that gave us a variety of different episodes. We're talking comedy mixed with mystery mixed with action. The show followed a US Marshal (Jack) who moved to a small town filled with geniuses, so you knew that you were going to get interesting storylines and ridiculous hijinks. Eventually we even got some romance.
This series seemed to have it all, and they did it in a way that was fun and engaging. And while I do think the show and characters were given a great send-off, I would love to see this show brought back in some way. Even if that meant a spin-off series featuring a new set of geniuses working to make the world a better place or even a chance to see Jack's daughter all grown up and making her own mark on the world.
I think that there are so many ways this series could be brought back to life. And with the solid fan base and following the original show had, I think a new series would have a built-in audience.
Warehouse 13 (5 seasons, 2009-14)
Warehouse 13 was another fun, quirky SyFy series. This one followed Secret Service agents being transferred to a top-secret facility that handled relics and artifacts that did amazing things. The Warehouse was just one of many that housed items of massive significance. And the series thrived when it focused on a case or artifact-of-the-week model.
The characters were fun, with interesting backstories that contributed to the overall storylines in unique ways. And of course, the idea of a warehouse filled with artifacts that might have been imbued with strange powers depending on a variety of factors, including who created it or who owned it at one point, was fascinating.
I truly believe Warehouse 13 was one of those original story ideas that deserved more attention than it got. This is the kind of show that deserved to get a spinoff series, especially since we know there were other warehouses around the world. And perhaps that is exactly what we need, a reboot or revival that focuses on an entirely new warehouse and the artifacts that find their way there.
Sanctuary (4 seasons, 2008-11)
Similar to Warehouse 13, Sanctuary did not get nearly enough time on our screens. In fact, the series only made it to season 4 before the people backing it decided it wasn't worth spending money on a fifth season. And that is a shame, because this series was definitely unique.
Sanctuary focuses on a team that studies the things that make up our nightmares. These are the things many believe to be the stuff of imagination, but are actually creatures and things living amongst us. In some cases, those beings are in need of sanctuary. And this is no ordinary team, as they have their own secrets and abilities.
The premise of this series is interesting enough that I think if it was shown to an entirely new audience, it would do well. Personally, I think this is one of those shows that might need to be rebooted outright, but I could see it getting a spinoff series as well.
Haven (5 seasons, 2010-15)
I loved the cast of Haven as much as I enjoyed the story itself. Focused on a town in Maine, this series sees an FBI agent taking on what she believes is a routine case, but there is nothing routine about Haven. With all the paranormal goings-on in this town, this agent might learn that even she has secrets that she knew nothing about.
This one is for all the Stephen King fans out there, as Haven is based on his novella The Colorado Kid. The series really felt like it had it all, including a lot of interesting cases and fascinating characters. We also had some romance in the mix, which added a little something extra to all the supernatural elements of the show.
Haven is definitely a SyFy show that was cancelled too soon. But at the same time, I feel like that means it is perfect for being rebooted. While the cast really did help to make the show what it was, I can also see the series getting a face lift in order to bring in a new audience. And since this is based on a Stephen King story, I believe that there are enough people who would watch for that alone.
Stargate
Stargate, about a team of scientists and soldiers who use an ancient portal to explore other planets and civilizations, has definitely been given a lot of life thanks to SyFy, but the fact that after multiple spinoffs, a movie and so much more, we currently have nothing feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity for the network. The Stargate universe has such an impressive following, and the original movie that the shows were based off has definitely achieved cult status. So it is baffling to me that we don't have a new series in the works at this point.
While the main series, Stargate SG-1, ran from 1997 to 2007 and was definitely given a chance to go out on its own terms, spinoffs like Stargate Universe did not get the same level of love; that one lasted only two seasons, airing from 2009 to 2011. They helped to build this universe out in a way that has us wanting more.
And there is no denying that it is thanks to Stargate: Atlantis that many of us got to know and fall in love with Jason Momoa, so if we could get a new Stargate series, maybe we would find our next Aquaman!
At this point, I will take a new spin-off series, a reboot, a prequel series, a sequel series, basically anything if it means more Stargate on TV. So here's hoping SyFy is planning something.
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