SCI FI Channel has renewed its original series Battlestar Galatica for a third season. One of television's most critically-acclaimed shows, "Galactica" is part of the Channel's troika of hit dramas that make SCI FI the #1 cable destination for P18-49 and P25-54 on Friday nights. Production on the 20-episode order is slated to begin in Vancouver in February 2006 for premiere later in the year.

The series entire ensemble cast returns for the new season, including Edward James Olmos, Mary McDonnell, Katee Sackhoff, Jamie Bamber, James Callis, Tricia Helfer and Grace Park. Also returning are executive producer and writer Ronald D. Moore and executive producer David Eick.

Battlestar Galatica is the gripping saga of humanity's last remnants and their struggle to find a new home while fleeing from their deadly Cylon enemies. Redefining the space opera with its gritty realism, Galactica has distinguished itself by the intensity and present day relevance of its stories and the command performances of its ensemble cast. The series confronts everything from religion, politics and sex, to what it really means to be "human."

Currently in its second original season, "Galactica" has struck a chord with audiences, who have made it one of the most talked about series on television. New episodes will return on Friday, January 6, 2006 as part of the Winter Premiere of 'SCI FI Friday'.