'Battlestar Galactica' Reboot Grounded By Peacock But Might Go Elsewhere

TV & Film

Aug 2

Back in 2019, Peacock announced that they were developing a reboot of the cult classic sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica. For five years there was seemingly no movement. No script, and nothing officially on the slate. In 2020 executive producer was named, Sam Esmail who was a massive fan of the show signed on, but he reportedly left a year later. No one else had stepped up to take the helm.

Then in January of 2024, Derek Simmonds executive producer of the hit detective series The Sinner was announced as showrunner. It seemed like the reboot might be on firmer ground. Until the news dropped that the project had been cancelled altogether this week. Peacock isn’t known for their sci-fi, and it’s a devoted fandom that they would have to please. It’s no wonder they found it a little daunting. This doesn’t prevent another studio from buying the rights and running with it. Universal Content Productions (who own the licencing) are reportedly shopping as we speak.

Battlestar Galactica has two incarnations, the 1978 series and an update filmed in the early 00s. The UCP pitch is for a show in line with the 2003 timeline. However, the second version of the show has aged still reasonably well, so fans will be asking, why should I watch a reboot when the original is fine? The answer to that question might be the reason Peacock pulled the plug.

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