Science fiction is on the rise as far as the networks are concerned.
You can't really see it by looking at the schedules but the landscape is changing. The series has gotten respectable ratings and favorable press. But according to industry insiders, most networks don't want to take the time to start a new project, they'd much rather piggyback onto the success of an existing one. Paramount has no intention of letting that valuable franchise fall by the wayside. However, with the future of UPN in doubt a decision has to be made about the best way to continue the franchise.