The eighth season of Stargate SG-1, just ordered by the Sci Fi Channel, will serve as a launch pad for the spin-off series Stargate:  Atlantis.  The new series is currently in development by Sci Fi, and will feature an entirely new cast who will search for clues to the origins of Stargate.

Stargate SG-1's eighth season will make it the second longest-running science fiction drama on American television -- by-passing every Star Trek series and second only to The X-Files.  SG-1's seventh season is currently in production, with season eight slated to premier in summer of 2004.

Stargate SG-1 continues to drive product sales in pop culture stores.  Among the notable products released at GenCon last week was the Stargate SG-1 RPG -- a massive 488-page color hardcover at $50 MSRP (see 'AEG Announces 'Stargate SG-1' RPG').