The channel originally launched in December 2005 under the branding of the Sci-fi Channel. It became the fourth "Sci Fi Channel" alongside channels in the United States, UK and Germany. It was rebranded as Syfy on 5th January 2010, coinciding with NBC Universal Global Networks rebranding campaign which initially started in the US in July 1999.

Syfy is one of two channels operating in France under ownership of General Electric's NBC Universal Global Networks network. French company Vivendi hold a 20 per cent share in NBC Universal. NBC Universal Global Networks also operate a second channel in France called 13th Street.