It's official: Stargate SG-1 rules the earthly television universe.

Embarking on a record-breaking 10th season of production, the B.C.-shot TV series has entered uncharted territory, laying claim as the longest-running drama series ever produced for cable television, and the longest-running North American science fiction drama of all time, outlasting The X-Files, The Twilight Zone and every installment of Star Trek.

"This is a big deal - a really big deal - and everyone in Vancouver knows it," says Jeanie Bradley, executive VP, current programming at Sony Pictures Television, who flew up from L.A. with MGM and Sci Fi Channel execs to celebrate the shooting of the 200th episode with cast, crew and media on the Stargate SG-1 set at The Bridge Studios in Burnaby, BC.

B.C. film commissioner Susan Croome joined the party and confirmed it was a toast-worthy occasion.

"Stargate has been a great economic boost to B.C.'s economy," she says. "They've provided long-term employment and given opportunities to local actors, writers, directors and crews to grow in their craft. They've played a major role in contributing to the industry infrastructure, and by showcasing B.C. worldwide they're building our tourism industry, too. All round, this is a win-win-win for everyone."

Another major benefactor of the series has been Bridge, which rents 75% of its soundstage space to the Stargate franchise. The producers' long-term commitment has also allowed for the studio's building expansion.

"A TV series can run one year, or max four. A feature film is here for six months. To have a series here for 10 years - it doesn't get better than that," says Ron Hrynuik, GM of Bridge.

And the show is not creatively controlled by transplanted Americans, but rather by Canucks Brad Wright, the series cofounder, and Robert Cooper, who share executive producer, showrunner and head writer duties.

"I'm proud of what we've done," says Wright. "To have a long-running TV show written, produced and directed in Canada by Canadians is a dream."

SG-1 and its spinoff series Stargate Atlantis have brought US$500 million in production spending to B.C. and created 400 jobs in the past nine years, according to the show's exec producers.

"We put U.S. dollars back into the Canadian economy. I like to think of this as a Canadian company employing U.S. actors," Wright said at the celebratory media event.

"Eeeaasy," laughs Richard Dean Anderson, SG-1's best-known cast member, who starred in the first eight seasons and exec produced seasons two to eight. Anderson has returned to reprise his role as Major General Jack O'Neill for episode 200.

Next day, in The Bridge Studios office, Wright picks up where he left off. "Someone at the Toronto Star said to me that we were 'industrially Canadian.' I was so angry," he says. "Come on - most of the cast is Canadian, the crew is almost 100%, and all the writers, directors and producers are Canadian. Maybe it's because we don't write about moose and beavers and don't depend on Canadian public funds."