'BATTLESTAR GALACTICA' RETURNS THIS FALL

Season 3 Set to Premiere on SCI FI in October

NEW YORK -- March 8, 2006 -- As SCI FI's hit original series 'Battlestar Galactica' gears up for its biggest episode ever -- this Friday's 90-minute season 2 finale -- the Channel begins preparations for the October 2006 premiere of the show's eagerly anticipated third season. Production on season 3 begins in Vancouver in April.

Returning to its Friday night slot with a complete 20-episode order, season 3 of 'Battlestar Galactica' promises even more of the drama, intrigue and action that viewers have come to expect from the series. One of television's most critically-acclaimed dramas, 'Battlestar Galactica' has captured the minds of a new generation of fans, distinguishing itself with the intensity and present day relevance of its stories and the command performances of its ensemble cast.

The entire 'Battlestar Galactica' ensemble will return, including Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park. As previously announced, Lucy Lawless will also join the cast for a 10-episode arc, reprising her role as D'Anna Biers, a Cylon.

Executive produced by Ronald D. Moore and David Eick, 'Battlestar Galactica' is from NBC Universal Television Studio.

SCI FI's ever-popular 'Stargate' series, 'SG-1' and 'Atlantis,' will return with their new seasons in July 2006.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 85 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.