amanda tapping (col. samantha carter) joined the cast as a regular for 14 episodes, jewel staite (dr. jennifer keller) became a recurring character for eight episodes, while regular cast member torri higginson (dr. weir) became a recurring cast member for four episodes. the season started september 28, 2007, airing on the sci fi channel in the united states. in the united kingdom, the season premiered on tuesday, october 9, 2007 on sky one.