January 27, 1980 - Galactica 1980 Premiered on ABC

[Pete]

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On this day, January 27, 1980, Galactica 1980 premiered on ABC. This short-lived spinoff of Battlestar Galactica was set 30 years after the events of the original series, as the crew of the Galactica finally discovered Earth. However, they found that Earth was not advanced enough to defend itself from the Cylons, leading to new challenges for the fleet.

The series attempted to blend science fiction with Earth-based adventures, featuring characters like Commander Adama (Lorne Greene reprising his role) and new characters Troy (formerly Boxey) and Dillon. While it only ran for one season with 10 episodes, Galactica 1980 included notable storylines, such as The Return of Starbuck, which remains a fan favorite.

Fun Fact: Galactica 1980 was originally envisioned as an educational show targeting a younger audience, with episodes often featuring moral lessons.

Trivia Question: What year did the original Battlestar Galactica series first premiere on television?