Battlestar Galactica began as a miniseries in 2003. (Stephen Shugerman/Getty Images)

Battlestar Galactica, a cult favourite among sci-fi fans and critics, was named program of the year by the Television Critics Association.

The series, which wrapped up this year after appearing as a miniseries in 2003, beat out the likes of Lost, The Shield, Saturday Night Live and Mad Men for the trophy at a gala in Pasadena, Calif. on Saturday night.

The association is made up of 200 columnists, reviewers and journalists from the U.S. and Canada who cover television.

The series, filmed in B.C., featured an international cast including Canadians Grace Park, Michael Hogan and Tricia Helfer.

In the final tally, HBO captured more awards than any other network — a total of three — with the sexy vampire series True Blood named outstanding new program, The Alzheimer's Project singled out for the news and information category and Grey Gardens, starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, nabbing the top prize in the movies and miniseries section.

Retro advertising drama Mad Men got the award for best drama series while The Big Bang Theory was a surprise for best comedy show, outpacing The Office, How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock and The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.

Big Bang's Jim Parsons was handed the comedy acting prize while Bryan Cranston was honoured for his dramatic turn as a terminally ill teacher who turns to a life of crime on Breaking Bad.

Other prizes included a career achievement accolade for actress Betty White, who is currently on cinema screens in the Sandra Bullock romantic comedy The Proposal.

The 87-year-old comedienne, who has six Emmy Awards under her belt, may best be known as portraying Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls.

The medical drama ER, retired after 15 seasons, was bestowed the Heritage Award, a kind of career achievement for TV programs.