Sci Fi’s ‘Stargate Atlantis’ premiere draws huge audience

The premiere of “Stargate Atlantis,” the spinoff of the Sci Fi Channel’s popular “Stargate SG-1” series, delivered some of the best ratings in the network’s history.

The two-hour series premiere last Friday drew nearly 4.2 million viewers, the biggest-ever audience for a weekly series on the cable network. (Some miniseries, such as “Taken” and “Battlestar Galactica,” have averaged more viewers.)

The show is a spinoff of “Stargate SG-1,” which recently began its third season on Sci Fi and eighth overall. “SG-1” also set record ratings with its July 9 season premiere, which averaged 3.2 million viewers.

NBC bets on ‘Double or Nothing’

NBC is looking for someone who’s willing to gamble with his or her life — almost literally.

The network has ordered an unscripted special it’s calling “Double or Nothing.” Based on a British show that aired earlier this year, it will follow a gambler who sells all of his or her possessions, then takes the proceeds and bets everything on the spin of a roulette wheel.

Professional poker player Ashley Revell sold his London flat, his car and even his clothes to place one big bet in Las Vegas earlier this year. Britain’s Sky One network got wind of his idea and sent out a camera crew to document his trip.

After arriving in Vegas with about $135,000 — his total net worth — and doing a little smaller-stakes gambling in an effort to raise his total, Revell bet everything on red at the roulette table. The wheel came up red, and he doubled his money.

“Double or Nothing” will follow a similar format, interviewing the player’s friends and family about the decision and following that person to Las Vegas for the big spin. Those interested in putting up their life’s savings can apply at NBC.com.