All 10 Seasons of Stargate SG-1 Ranked, From Good to Sci-Fi Masterpiece

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I absolutely loved watching Stargate SG-1! For ten seasons and over 200 episodes, it followed the incredible adventures of Colonel Jack O’Neill, Samantha Carter, Daniel Jackson, and Teal’c as they traveled to different planets using this amazing portal system. Richard Dean Anderson, Amanda Tapping, Michael Shanks, and Christopher Judge really brought those characters to life, and the whole Stargate series has become a true classic in the world of science fiction television.

Everyone agrees that SG-1 is a classic, and it’s great that it’s now on Netflix. However, even dedicated fans will admit the show wasn’t always perfect. Some seasons were fantastic, while others were more hit-or-miss. We’ve ranked all ten seasons of SG-1, from simply good to truly outstanding, and fans still debate which ones are the best!

10) Season 1

The first season of SG-1 lays the groundwork for everything that follows, but it’s also the most uneven. The pilot, “Children of the Gods,” does a great job introducing the Goa’uld and establishing the team’s chemistry. Episodes like “The Enemy Within” and “Cold Lazarus” offer glimpses of the show’s potential, but the season as a whole contains a lot of weak and easily forgotten stories. It often feels cheesy and relies on outdated science fiction clichés and jokes. While episodes like “Thor’s Hammer” and “The Torment of Tantalus” are enjoyable, they’re just a taste of the more impressive storytelling the series will become known for.

9) Season 2

Season 2 showed some progress from the first, but SG-1 still hadn’t found its footing. The introduction of the Asgard added an interesting layer to the Goa’uld storyline, and episodes like “In the Line of Duty” and “The Fifth Race” hinted at more complex science fiction stories to come. However, the season generally felt disconnected, with many episodes being forgettable or uneven. While a few episodes were strong, many others were just filler that you could easily skip when rewatching. It’s clear the show’s creators were still figuring out the right style and speed for the series.

7) Season 9

Season 9 feels like a fresh start, but not necessarily a smooth one. With Jack O’Neill largely missing and Daniel Jackson taking on a central role once more, the show essentially hits the reset button. While some fans appreciate the addition of Vala and Mitchell, most agree the new direction is difficult to accept, particularly after the strong conclusion of Season 8. Introducing the Ori feels like it undoes a lot of the progress made in earlier seasons, and the new villains don’t quite feel natural. Despite some standout episodes, the season often feels separate from the rest of the series.

8) Season 10

Season 10 of Stargate SG-1, featuring established stars Ben Browder and Claudia Black, is often considered the most divisive season. While visually striking, the storyline involving the Ori feels like a retread of the Goa’uld, lacking the same depth. Many viewers found it shifted too much towards fantasy and that the new villains weren’t as compelling as previous threats. Though not poorly made, Season 10 is often seen as a disappointing end to the series, straying from what made the show special.

6) Season 6

Season 6 of SG-1 is a strong, but often overlooked, part of the series. It builds on the show’s ongoing storylines and isn’t afraid to explore complex moral issues, especially concerning the Tok’ra and how Earth interacts with other planets. Episodes like “Abyss” and “Disclosure” are among the show’s best, and the character of Jonas Quinn adds a fresh perspective. However, the season sometimes loses steam, and a few storylines feel rushed or incomplete. Overall, it’s a very good season of SG-1, just shy of being truly exceptional.

5) Season 3 

Season 3 marks a turning point for SG-1, as the show begins to build a cohesive and interconnected universe instead of focusing on standalone adventures. Episodes like “Fair Game” establish the System Lords as formidable adversaries, and “Pretense” introduces the Tollan and their complex laws, significantly expanding the show’s portrayal of advanced civilizations – similar to how Star Trek does. This season also wraps up Daniel Jackson’s initial storyline; “Forever in a Day” resolves the plot involving Sha’re, freeing Daniel to develop as a character beyond his grief. From this point forward, the show really hits its stride.

4) Season 8

Season 8 gets off to a rocky start, partly due to Richard Dean Anderson appearing less and less on screen. The first few episodes, like “New Order” and “Lockdown,” spend a lot of time re-establishing the political and military landscape. But the season really shines in its final episodes, which could have served as a perfect series finale. “Reckoning” Parts 1 & 2 finally defeat the Replicators, and “Threads” neatly concludes several character storylines, including O’Neill’s promotion and Daniel’s personal growth. “Moebius” then offers a compelling alternate timeline story that feels like a satisfying ending. These final episodes are arguably the strongest stretch of the entire series, delivering five excellent installments before the show moves into the storylines involving the Ori.

3) Season 5

Season 5 of SG-1 really hits its stride, building on ideas from the previous two seasons. The Replicators emerge as a major, ongoing problem, starting with the episode “Menace” and becoming increasingly dangerous. Unlike previous enemies, the Replicators are not open to negotiation, which compels Earth and the Asgard to work together.

This season includes the fan-favorite time-loop episode, “Window of Opportunity,” which is mostly a hilarious showcase for O’Neill and Teal’c. “Meridian” marks a turning point for Daniel Jackson, leading to his story about becoming ascended. Both “Fail Safe” and “Descent” are standout episodes, demonstrating the writers’ growing skill and confidence.

2) Season 4

Season 4 is arguably the most enjoyable and representative of the show’s core identity, which, while not necessarily making it the ‘best,’ is still significant and earns it a spot at number two. The destruction of the Stargate in the episode ‘Exodus’ had lasting effects, demonstrating that the writers were thoughtfully planning the larger story arc.

Several episodes really shine this season. “Divide and Conquer” finally gives us the in-depth character moments fans have been waiting for. “Chain Reaction” shakes things up by removing General Hammond and introduces political intrigue that impacts the rest of the series. “2010” offers a compelling look at a possible future, serving as a warning about rushing into diplomatic relationships. The season-ending two-parter, “Exodus”/”Enemies,” effectively ends the story arc of the villain Apophis and sets the stage for new threats. Overall, the storytelling is exceptionally well-crafted, making this season a standout and considered by many to be a high point of the series.

1) Season 7

Season 7 of SG-1 is a fan favorite, known for being the most well-structured and consistent season of the show. The 22 episodes largely focus on two main storylines: Daniel Jackson’s return after a transformative experience, and the team’s quest for the legendary Lost City of the Ancients. Episodes like “Fallen” and “Homecoming” bring Daniel back into the fold, while “Evolution” introduces a frightening new enemy – Anubis’s Kull warriors, powerful beings created with Ancient technology and incredibly difficult to defeat.

Season 7 of “Stargate SG-1” is a standout, largely thanks to the popular mid-season episode that uses a documentary format within the show and the heartbreaking loss of Janet Fraiser. The season finale, “Lost City,” introduces the Antarctic outpost and sets up the events leading to “Stargate Atlantis.” The attack by Anubis’ fleet was the biggest battle the franchise had seen up to that point. Throughout the entire season, the story builds excitement and keeps it going strong. It’s arguably the best season of “Stargate” for its complex storytelling and world-building, and many consider it one of the greatest sci-fi TV seasons ever made.

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2026-02-19 00:43