Stargate SG-1 Spinoff Pitch Would’ve Starred Amanda Tapping Investigating Aliens on Earth

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As Stargate SG-1 approached its prime in the later seasons, discussions about creating a spin-off series to capitalize on the show’s growing popularity became a common favorite among us producers on the Sci-Fi Channel (now known as SYFY).

In the end, it was those two offshoot concepts that proved most successful. “Stargate Atlantis” aired for five seasons from 2004 to 2009 and coincided with some of the later seasons of “SG-1”, while “Stargate Universe” debuted in 2009, focusing on the enigmatic character of Dr. Nicholas Rush, played by Robert Carlyle, for two seasons.

In addition to their numerous similarities, all three series also had one feature in common: the presence of Dr. Samantha “Sam” Carter (Amanda Tapping), a regular character from Stargate SG-1. Interestingly, it was revealed by another SG-1 actor, Peter Flemming, that one of the early spinoff ideas for these series involved teaming up Carter with Flemming’s character, N.I.D. Agent Malcolm Barrett, much like the dynamic duo Mulder and Scully from The X-Files.

For More on Stargate SG-1

1. Ben Browder Nearly Took on Two Different Characters in Stargate Atlantis Before Joining SG-1

2. Christopher Judge Proposed a Stargate SG-1 Spinoff Resembling Black Panther’s Concept

3. The Creator of Stargate SG-1 Articulates Why the Series’ “Universe” Will Never Completely Cease to Exist

Sleuthing out aliens on Earth: The Stargate SG-1 spinoff that never was

Discussing on his fan webcast “Dial the Gate” (via GateWorld), Flemming expressed doubts about how seriously the producers were considering launching a spinoff featuring his character alongside Tapping’s SG-1 character. However, during the period when potential future projects were still being brainstormed, a collaboration between Barrett and Carter didn’t seem implausible as the foundation for a new “Stargate” series.

Flemming wondered aloud, ‘Perhaps it could’ve grown legs? Who can say what might have transpired?’ Watching a few episodes with Amanda, there seems to be an enjoyable spark between us, which could have developed in various directions.

Delving into the hypothetical scenarios for the franchise’s development, Flemming stated that he and Tapping were essentially primed for action – they were set to star alongside Stargate Atlantis as potential leads for one of SG-1’s upcoming spin-offs. The idea of having Barrett and Carter headline their own Stargate series was quite intriguing, offering a regular dose of detective mysteries. This dynamic duo of human partners would have been investigating alien secrets hidden on Earth.

They brainstormed various concepts for a fresh “Stargate” series. By their fifth and sixth year on “SG-1,” they began contemplating, ‘What can we build upon this?’… It was Amanda Tapping and I who were primarily involved – with “Atlantis” – to launch our own spinoff show that would follow the original’s success.

Sam Carter played a pivotal role in the happenings of “Stargate Atlantis,” being present throughout the series’ first three seasons. Her character assumed an even greater importance in Season 4. Meanwhile, Flemming made brief appearances in two episodes of “Stargate Atlantis.” However, the plan to create a spinoff centered around these two characters was eventually overshadowed by the larger narrative focusing on Major John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and the Lost City of Atlantis.

Flemming mused, ‘Indeed, Atlantis triumphed… and proved to be an exceptional series,’ reminiscing about the Stargate spinoff that could have been, in a style similar to The X-Files. ‘However, at the time, its competition was essentially Barrett and Carter, who were yet to be recognized by name.’

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2025-04-18 20:16