The SciFi Channel received its highest viewer ratings ever during the summer of 2005, according to SciFi Wire.

The three-hour SciFi Friday original programming block placed the channel as the highest-rated cable network for adults 18 to 49 and 25 to 54 during the third quarter of 2005. To put this in perspective, SciFi Channel, which is shown on cable, was seen by more viewers in those demographic groups on Friday nights than broadcast networks The WB or UPN.

The finale for "Stargate SG-1" and new episode of "Battlestar Galactica" on Friday, September 16, were the highest-rated cable entertainment programs for adults 25 to 54 that evening. The following Friday, September 23, the finale for BSG attracted an audience of 2.3 million, making it the top entertainment show on cable that night among the 25 to 54 demographic. It was also the only non-news show to finish in the top 10 show that night on cable in that prized demographic.

Additionally, the SciFi Wednesday programming of reality shows provided double- and even triple-digit increases The SCI FI Wednesday block of alternative reality series also scored well for SCI FI, delivering double- and triple-digit increases among young adults. The Saturday action-movie series performed well, with "Pterodactyl" becoming the highest-rated original film in the channel's history, attracting more than 3.1 million viewers.

During the day, SciFi Channel's ratings during the same quarter had an 11 percent jump in viewers from 25 to 54 years of age, up 12 percent among adults 18 to 49 and specifically 18 to 34 over the same time period last year.

"Stargate SG-1," "Stargate Atlantis" and "Battlestar Galactica" will return with new episodes in January 2006. Until then, reruns of the summer episodes will air on Friday nights.