Stargate Atlantis (often abbreviated as SGA) is an American-Canadian science fiction television program, part of the Stargate franchise owned by MGM. Developed by longtime SG-1 producers Brad Wright and Robert C. Cooper, it is a spin-off from the television series Stargate SG-1. It is filmed and produced in Canada.
Stargate Atlantis follows the adventures of a human expedition to the lost city of Atlantis in the Pegasus Galaxy. The Stargate has brought humanity into contact with other cultures, including new and powerful enemies: the Wraith, the Genii, and later the Asurans, all while trying to uncover the secrets the Ancients left behind.
Stargate Atlantis premiered on the US Sci Fi Channel on July 16, 2004 with "Rising", a movie-style two-part episode, that guest starred Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks from Stargate SG-1. The series is currently broadcast in select countries. The series is broadcast in HD. Season 4 premiered in the US on September 28, and in the UK on October 9, 2007.
Originally, all of the hero Wraith males featured on the series were played by the same actor: James Lafazanos.
The on-set Stargate is made out of rubber.
The production crew actually have two Puddle Jumpers. The first is closed, and is used on location, and the second is an open Jumper that stays on set. The open jumper is used to film interior shots.
Ben Browder was the producers and series creators original choice for the role of Major John Sheppard. Joe Flanigan was hired for the role when Browder could not take the role due to filming Farscape: Peacekeeper Wars. Browder was later cast in the role of Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell on Stargate: SG-1.
People from the expedition wear the flag of their country over their shoulder. According to Dr Elizabeth Weir, there are people from a dozen of countries in the mission. Some of the flags we've been able to see represent Australia, Sweden, The United States, Canada, Scotland, Spain, Germany, Belgium, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
The character of Dr. Weir, played by Torri Higginson, was originated by Jessica Steen (I) in the two part episode of Stargate SG-1 "Lost City".
The load bearing vests worn by the "Stargate: Atlantis" team are Blackhawk Omega tactical vests.
Dr. McKay's real first name is Meredith.
