Why is Stargate Atlantis only lasting half as long as Stargate: SG-1 did? Why rush a good thing?

Question

Why is Stargate Atlantis only lasting half as long as Stargate: SG-1 did? Why rush a good thing?

Answer 1

2 reasons:

1: Shotime did a better job with SG-1 than Sci-Fi did with Atlantis

2: Best to end it while it is still a good show, as opposed to letting the ratings fall until they have to cancel it

Answer 2

They haven't come right out and said it, but it looks like demographics.  Stargate fans are adults in their 30s and 40s.  They want males aged 18-24.  They're canceling Atlantis and creating Stargate Universe, which will have a younger cast (probably wearing less clothing) in order to attract younger viewers to the franchise.

Answer 3

Wow, I wasn't aware that it was coming to an end.  I haven't watched the series but I've heard good things about it.

I was a huge fan of SG-1 and I've watched nearly every episode... so I suppose I should give Atlantis a chance.

I'll probably wait to buy all the seasons on DVD.

My guess as to why it's ending is that it's not making as much money for advertisers as they'd like.  Maybe viewership is down and the network wants to get out while the show is still afloat.  I'm not saying it's a good decision if this is the case, but it's my guess.