When did the original Battlestar Galactica air?
The series premiered on ABC on September 17, 1978, and ran until April 29, 1979.
How many episodes are in the 1978 series?
There are 10 hour‑length episodes, including a three‑hour pilot.
Who played Commander Adama?
Lorne Greene portrayed Commander Adama, the stoic leader of Galactica.
What are the Cylons?
Cylons are a cybernetic race that launched a devastating attack, wiping out the Twelve Colonies.
Is Earth found in the series?
The series ends with the fleet still searching; the fleet’s discovery of Earth is shown in the 1980 movie.
What is the significance of the Cylon attack?
It establishes the central conflict, driving the human survivors to seek a new home and setting up the series’ themes of survival and loss.
Why was the show cancelled?
Ratings fell short of expectations, and the high production cost made it difficult to continue.
Who is Baltar?
John Colicos played Baltar, a council member who betrays humanity to the Cylons.
What role does Apollo play?
Apollo, played by Richard Hatch, is a charismatic captain who becomes a key leader aboard Galactica.
What is the role of Starbuck?
Starbuck, played by Dirk Benedict, is a daring pilot whose ambition and loyalty drive many plotlines.
Are there any major plot twists?
The reveal of the Cylons as the true threat and the discovery of the lost colony Earth are the central twists.
Does the show explore political themes?
Yes, it examines the struggles between different factions within the fleet and the governance of the surviving colonies.
What is the central quest of the fleet?
Finding the mythical planet Earth to establish a new home after the Colonies’ destruction.
Who directed the pilot?
The pilot’s director is not credited; the series is generally attributed to creator Glen Larson.
What was the budget of the series?
The production was costly, with estimates around $1 million per hour, contributing to its early cancellation.
Are there any sequels or continuations?
A 1980 movie, Galactica 1980, followed, and a modern remake premiered in 2004.
What kind of special effects were used?
Special effects were pioneering for the time, employing models and practical effects designed by John Dykstra.
Did the crew face internal conflicts?
Yes, power struggles and disagreements among the leadership were frequent sources of tension.
Is the series available on streaming?
Classic episodes can be found on certain streaming services and DVD collections, though availability varies by region.
How does the show handle faith and mythology?
It incorporates mythic references, such as the lost colony Earth, and explores themes of destiny and faith.
What are the main themes of Battlestar Galactica?
Survival, leadership, loyalty, the cost of war, and the search for home are central themes.
Does the series use a continuous storyline?
While each episode contains its own narrative, overarching plots about the Cylons and Earth provide continuity.
Are there any notable guest stars?
The series featured actors who later became well known, such as Dirk Benedict and Richard Hatch.
How did the show influence later sci‑fi?
Its blend of space adventure and political drama helped shape later series like the 2004 remake and other space operas.