Syfy announced today that it is renewing its two hit series Sanctuary, for a third season, and Stargate Universe, for a second. Both shows have received 20 episodes orders each and both new seasons will premiere in Fall of 2010.

Sanctuary, which is currently in the midst of airing its second season, has previously gotten thirteen episodes per season and, considering how heavily it relies on post-production computer generated effects and scenery, it will be interesting to see how seven more episodes affects the production schedule.

Stargate Universe is at the midway point of it’s first season, with the remaining ten episodes airing starting in April. SGU has been controversial with fans of the Stargate franchise, who’ve shown a mixed reaction to the new direction presented in this third series.

“We’re dealing with 15 seasons of expectations with a certain fanbase,” executive producer Robert Cooper told the Hollywood Reporter. “Hopefully, as the show goes on, people will appreciate Universe for being its own thing.”

He also revealed a new alien race will be added to the show. “There is a big story point coming up that does introduce an alien race,” Cooper said. “It’s more along the line of a District 9-type alien. Our interaction is handled in a very Universe way; they’re not the typical Stargate alien bad guys.”

Stay tuned to Pop Culture Zoo as we bring you more about the current seasons of both series as well as continuing developments going forward!