Here’s the best way to watch ‘Battlestar Galactica’

It isn’t unheard of for a niche sci-fi series to reach millions of viewers due to impeccable writing, impressive performances, and immersive lore. But Battlestar Galactica was particularly exquisite.

A reboot from the ‘70s sci-fi series of the same name, the reimagined show vastly improved upon its inspiration. With themes of religion, xenophobia, and prejudice, Battlestar Galactica was a product of its time. Released in the prime era of Bush America, the series threw a harsh magnifier against the policies of the United States, particularly the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And on top of it all, the series was bizarre, unique, and utterly unforgettable. 

But for first-time viewers, this may be a lot to take on. While only four seasons, Battlestar Galactica had a miniseries, films, and a prequel television show. And that isn’t to mention the series that started it all. When it comes to watching the mid-aughts reboot of the original, watching the series as it aired is the best way for newcomers to experience one of sci-fi’s best achievements.

Battlestar Galactica Miniseries (2003)

Many may argue that to understand Ronald D. Moore’s ambitious initiative, watching the original is the best way to go. But thanks to the Battlestar Galactica Miniseries, that isn’t necessary. Fans should feel free to watch the 1978 show, but the reboot was different enough that it isn’t required viewing. And the network made it quite accessible to explore the show without being too overwhelming. 

Before the main drag of the series occurred, Sci-Fi aired a two-part miniseries to introduce viewers to the world. Immediately it was clear that this was not your mother’s Battlestar Galactica. Instead of the walking chrome toasters that defined the Centurion robot villains known as the Cylons (Cybernetic Lifeform Node), they took on a more human appearance. The miniseries clearly explains that humans created these robots as a workforce in the 12 Colonies. As they gained sentience, they rebelled against their masters. The war starts between the two factions until the Cylons disappear. 

The miniseries starts as they reappear, this time evolving to look no different than humans. The two parts cover the Cylon attack on humanity and their belief that they are God’s chosen children. The last dregs of society remain on the Battlestar Galactica, a warship that was about to be decommissioned, led by Commander Adama (Edward James Olmos) and their search for a new home.

Battlestar Galactica seasons 1 and 2 (2004–2006)

The 4 season series picks up almost exactly where the series leaves off. The Battlestar, along with a humble civilian convoy, races to escape the Cylons as they continue to attack them. Adama is helped by his humorless XO, Saul Tigh (Michael Hogan), his son Captain Lee Adama (Jamie Bamber), and the impulsive hotshot Viper pilot, Kara “Starbuck” Thrace (Katee Sackhoff). The series weaves together a compelling drama as the military on the Battlestar encounters this new breed of Cylons and the characters confront what it means to be human. 

Battlestar Galactica: Razor (2007)

Following season 2, Sci-Fi released a television film event that follows Pegasus, another Battlestar fighting against the Cylons. Pegasus was featured in the latter half of the second season and featured Michelle Forbes as the hardlined Admiral Helena Cain, who has a different perspective on the Cylons than Adama. Razor takes place between “The Captain’s Hand” and “Lay Down Your Burdens,” and shows the Pegasus before it meets up with the Galactica in the second season of the series. Razor is a supplemental film that adds more context to the Pegasus’ twisted philosophy concerning the Cylons.

Battlestar Galactica seasons 3 and 4 (2006 — 2009)

The final seasons of Battlestar Galactica wrap up the cultural phenomenon. Season 3 shows humanity attempting to settle on an inhospitable new planet under a Cylon regime. The series finale aired in March of 2009, pulling together one of the most bizarre and entertaining finales in recent memory. The reimagining of the original series came to a close with all the magic and mystery the series was known for.

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan

After finishing the series, viewers can go back and revisit the story from the Cylon perspective. The television film includes new footage showing the Cylons’ intentions interspersed with footage of the miniseries as well as the subsequent seasons of the show. This is best viewed after watching the entire series, so there are no spoilers.

Battlestar Galactica: Web Series

With the influx of streaming culture, webisodes are a thing of the past. But they used to be additional material that added to the experience of many series of the time. Here are the following Battlestar Galactica web series in chronological order, which were only available online.

• The Resistance
• Razor Flashbacks
• The Face of the Enemy
• Blood & Chrome

Caprica

In 2010, a prequel series to the Battlestar Galactica reboot aired on Sci-Fi. Set half a century before the events of the Galactica, the series follows Daniel Graystone (Eric Stolz), who creates the first Colonial Cylon after his daughter dies in a terrorist attack. Caprica differed greatly from its predecessor and has not stood the test of time. It only lasted one season before cancelation. Though it takes place before the events of Battlestar Galactica, it does not add too much to the greater understanding of the world and pales in comparison to the previous series.