star trek tv shows imdb

Every Star Trek Series Ranked According To IMDb

Before 1987 there were just two series in the "Star Trek" franchise: the original live-action "Star Trek" starring William Shatner, and the short-lived, little-seen children's animated series from the mid-1970s. By 2001 though, that number had tripled with "The Next Generation," "Deep Space Nine," "Voyager," and that year's debut of "Enterprise." Today it's nearly doubled that number, as "Star Trek" is more popular than ever with no fewer than four series currently airing, mostly produced exclusively for the Paramount+ streaming service.

A true cultural phenomenon, the many "Star Trek" series have ranged from upbeat adventures to dark somber stories to wacky adult cartoons. Many shows in the franchise have included characters that have become imbedded in popular culture, and in its nearly 60-year history, "Star Trek" has become perhaps the most well-known science fiction franchise ever created. It's influenced everything from "Star Wars" to the MCU , and with a new series, "Strange New Worlds," debuting in May, there's no end in sight. But how do the rest of the "Star Trek" series rate? A few have gone on to become legendary, a few forgotten, but all of them rate fairly highly. Think you know which one is the best of them all? Think again, because the number one-ranked series may just surprise you.

11. Star Trek: Prodigy

The latest in the pantheon of "Star Trek" series, the animated "Star Trek: Prodigy"  is produced by Nickelodeon, and premiered on Paramount+ in September 2021. Centered around a ragtag group of alien teens who escape from a slave colony in the Delta Quadrant after stumbling across a highly advanced and experimental derelict Starfleet ship — the U.S.S. Protostar — the series also sees the return of actress Kate Mulgrew to the franchise. Appearing here as the voice of "Hologram Janeway," a computerized ship's assistant modeled after "Star Trek: Voyager"  Captain Kathryn Janeway , she helps guide the young crew of the Protostar as they venture out into space attempting to escape the villainous Diviner, all while hoping to find the United Federation of Planets. 

A mix of action, adventure, and time-tested "Star Trek" ideals of exploration and discovery, the series has proven to be just as enjoyable for adult viewers as it has been for kids. Full of hard science, classic "Trek" tropes, moral dilemmas, an optimistic tone, and surprises for casual and diehard fans alike, it also features many unexpected connections to the wider "Star Trek" universe with heroes and villains that longtime Trekkies have been hoping to see return. Though it has the lowest score on this list for now, we suspect this one may just jump up a few spots if it continues to impress as much as the first half-season has.

10. Star Trek: Short Treks

Launched in October 2018 to help tide fans over during the prolonged gap between seasons 1 and 2 of "Star Trek: Discovery" — which lasted nearly a full year — the first season of "Short Treks" was added to CBS All Access monthly in the lead-up to the second season of "Discovery." A series of short episodes ranging anywhere from eight to 19 minutes in length, they often told self-contained vignettes for individual members of the crew. In a few instances, such as "The Brightest Star," that focused on Discovery's Kelpian first officer Saru, the short gave added context to an upcoming episode of its sister series and helped flesh out the larger storyline.

The second season of "Short Treks" streamed sporadically in the fall and winter of 2019 and into January 2020, just before the first season of "Star Trek: Picard" launched. With more varied stories, the second batch of shorts included a prequel to "Picard" that gave important backstory, plus a pair of possible teases for the upcoming "Strange New Worlds" series set aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise and featuring Captain Pike , Mr. Spock, and Number One. There was also something new for "Trek": a fully CGI-animated episode about a little girl who dreams of a legendary folk tale. Ultimately the quality of the episodes varied and it had a spotty release schedule, so while the episodes were generally well received, the series may have frustrated some viewers due to its lack of consistency. 

9. Star Trek: Discovery

The first new "Star Trek" series in 12 years, "Star Trek: Discovery" was created by Bryan Fuller (a producer on "Star Trek: Voyager" in the 1990s who had since gone on to create several hit shows, including "Hannibal"), and launched later than expected in fall 2017 after a turbulent production ( via The Verge ). Produced by Bad Robot and Alex Kurtzman, the series starred Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a troubled Starfleet officer who is found guilty of mutiny, but saved from life in prison when she is re-assigned to an experimental new starship that needs her expertise, the U.S.S. Discovery. 

Powered by an advanced new engine that allows it to jump anywhere in the galaxy instantaneously, the Discovery finds itself fighting on the front lines of the Klingon war just 10 years prior to the original "Star Trek" series. Though a lavishly produced series with a stellar cast (that included Jason Isaac, Anthony Rapp, Wilson Cruz, and Michelle Yeoh), the series proved divisive right from the start, visually reimagining many of the franchise's most iconic elements, and telling darker, more mature stories than fans were used to. A change in direction in the second season ended the Klingon war storyline that had kicked off the series and saw the introduction of the U.S.S. Enterprise, along with Captain Pike (here played by "Hell on Wheels" star Anson Mount), and Mr. Spock (Ethan Peck). For its third season, the show was entirely retooled, sending the ship a thousand years into the future where the Federation is a shadow of its former self. 

8. Star Trek: Lower Decks

After the franchise successfully returned to episodic television with "Star Trek: Discovery," Paramount switched gears and produced a second series to air on Paramount+ (then called CBS All Access). This new show, "Star Trek: Lower Decks," was an animated comedy aimed at adults from the mind of Mike McMahan, a writer for the hit animated sci-fi comedy "Rick & Morty." Its title an homage to an episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" that focused on lower-ranked officers, "Lower Decks" likewise centers on a group of ensigns aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos, a run-of-the-mill Federation starship that doesn't get the choice missions, and rarely sees action.

The wacky character-based comedy introduced Trekkies to Ensign Boimler and his best friend Ensign Mariner, whose mother was the captain of the ship. Along with Ensigns Rutherford and Tendi, the series follows their many misadventures aboard the Cerritos. The series has also seen the return of now-Captain Riker, aboard the U.S.S. Titan, as well as appearances from Counselor Troi, the immortal trickster Q, "Voyager" helmsman Tom Paris, and many other longtime Trek favorites.

Set in the original "Star Trek" universe, "Lower Decks" is packed with Easter eggs, gags, and plenty of references to classic episodes and even behind-the-scenes in-jokes. Though it has been criticized by some fans for both its juvenile and its very adult sense of humor, it's now heading into its third season as a big success and has been met with good reviews for its offbeat style and loving respect for the franchise.

7. Star Trek: The Animated Series

Produced by cartoon studio Filmation from 1973 to 1974, "Star Trek: The Animated Series" wasn't what fans of the original "Star Trek" had been hoping for when they'd heard rumors of a possible revival  of the iconic '60s science fiction series, but it did scratch a certain itch. Running for 22 episodes, it was primarily aimed at kids and produced using Filmation's low-budget style of animation that featured limited movement and stock sequences. Though the animation was substandard, the art itself was faithful to the live-action series, and it featured nearly the entire cast reprising their roles (actor Walter Koenig, who played Chekov, was notable for his absence).

The studio didn't skimp on the writing talent, with episodes written by "Original Series" scribes D.C. Fontana and David Gerrold, as well as sci-fi luminary Larry Niven. As a consolation for not being included in the cast, Koenig also contributed a script, the rather silly episode "The Infinite Vulcan," that featured sentient plant people and a 25-foot-tall clone of Mr. Spock.

A testament to the times, "The Animated Series" was full of odd stories and bizarre characters that could only have played in animation. Though heavily mocked by some , Trekkies have found a soft spot for it over the years, and while it's still debated whether it's truly canon, many key elements from the series have made their way into live action, including Spock's pet sehlat, Kirk's middle name, the character of Robert April , and others referenced on its animated successor, "Lower Decks."

6. Star Trek: Enterprise

Attempting to distinguish itself from previous "Trek" series, "Enterprise" launched in fall 2001 and ditched the "Star Trek" in its title for its first two years. Thanks also to a pop ballad theme song, and the series being set more than 100 years before "Star Trek: The Original Series," fan reaction was not overwhelmingly positive initially. Set aboard an experimental starship called Enterprise capable of traveling at an unheard-of Warp Five, newly minted Captain Archer and his stalwart crew — along with Vulcan advisor T'Pol — ventured out into uncharted space years before the United Federation of Planets existed, in a time when Earth was new to the realm of galactic affairs.

Without much of the advanced technology that "Star Trek" fans took for granted, and no Federation to support them, "Enterprise" was truly set on the frontier. By Season 3, the series added back the "Star Trek" moniker and began a fully serialized season-long story arch that was very much a product of the post-9/11 era, as a new villainous race struck Earth with an unprovoked terrorist attack. While it reinvigorated the series creatively, ratings continued to sag throughout its run (via Trek Today ). "24" producer Manny Coto would take over as showrunner in its fourth and final season, overseeing a series of multi-episode arcs that added a much needed sense of drama and deep connections to "Trek" lore, including a memorable two-parter set in the Mirror Universe. Though underrated and is better than many remember it being at the time, "Enterprise" was sadly never able to reach its full potential due to impatient viewership.

5. Star Trek: Picard

While actor Patrick Stewart had never quite closed the door on reprising his iconic role as Captain Picard more than a decade after his last appearance, he never did seem quite keen on the possibility ( via IGN ). But thanks to a strong pitch from Alex Kurtzman and Michael Chabon, the actor would indeed step back into role he made famous on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" in the 2020 series "Star Trek: Picard." Released to much fanfare, it showed an aging, withered Jean-Luc Picard deep in retirement, consumed by regret and still mourning the death of the android Data. With a bold, unexpected new direction for the character, it threw off many fans who had wanted to see the Captain on the bridge of a starship confidently exploring strange new worlds as he had decades before.

Instead, sparked by the discovery of Data's previously unknown "daughter" Soji, Picard discovers that there may be others like her. Abandoned by Starfleet, Picard assembles a crew of capable misfits — including renegade starship captain Rios, ex-Starfleet officer Raffi, a Romulan outcast named Elnor, and the ex-Borg Seven Of Nine — to unravel the mystery of Data's children. The series was controversial for making major changes to a beloved character, but it still managed to satisfy the fandom with appearances from a number of old favorites. Packed with plenty of surprises and some genuinely heartfelt moments, it was strong enough to earn a second and third season, which was announced to be the entirety of its limited run .

4. Star Trek: Voyager

Following "Deep Space Nine," which was set on a space station, and after "The Next Generation" had migrated to feature films, "Star Trek: Voyager" returned the series to its space exploration roots. Kathryn Janeway — the first woman to lead a series and sit in the captain's chair in the franchise's history — commands the U.S.S. Voyager on a mission to capture a group of Maquis terrorists. But when both ships find themselves catapulted into the far-off Delta Quadrant, more than 75 years away from Earth at maximum warp, they're forced to merge their crews and embark together on the long journey home.

The ship's diverse cast of characters includes a half-Klingon engineer, a Vulcan security chief, and a holographic doctor. Alone and far from the Federation, Janeway and Voyager explore strange new worlds, make allies where they can, and meet dangerous new adversaries like the Kazon, the Hirogen, and the Vidiians. Although some initially knocked it as  "TNG-Lite,"  that proved a short-lived criticism, with the show finding success as a rousing adventure with its own flavor. It was praised by fans for its strong characters, particularly its captain, a trailblazing female who  inspired an entire generation of young women .

Of course, "Star Trek: Voyager" introduced a new cast member in its fourth season, the former Borg drone Seven Of Nine. Although Seven was added by studio mandate for needless sex appeal, actress Jeri Ryan and the show's writers embraced the challenge and turned her into one of the most complex, beloved characters in "Star Trek" history. Her enduring popularity would prompt her return in "Star Trek: Picard."

3. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

A departure from the"Star Trek" formula, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" is set aboard a space station orbiting a backwater planet called Bajor and commanded by a disgruntled officer named Benjamin Sisko. Not the ideal captain many expected, Sisko arrives with his son after the death of his wife, ready to resign from Starfleet. But before he can, he is given the impossible task of preparing the Bajorans — whose devastated world has just overcome occupation by the Cardassians — for admittance into the Federation. Matters are complicated when Sisko discovers a wormhole that leads to the Gamma Quadrant, home to the religious prophets that the Bajorans worship. The prophets anoint Sisko their emissary, forcing him into the reluctant role of religious figure.

A very different series than "TNG," "Deep Space Nine" featured an eclectic group of personalities, including an unscrupulous Ferengi bartender, an embittered Bajoran soldier, a grumpy shapeshifting sheriff, and a bright-eyed, centuries-old Trill scientist. Darker and more serious than the upbeat series that it ran alongside, the show explored complex stories with a more grim outlook, culminating in a years-long storyline that saw the Federation at war with an interstellar empire in the Gamma Quadrant.

Exploring themes like terrorism, religion, and the horrors of war, it also featured a number of comedic episodes. While it took a while for many fans to warm up to the series, it's since found renewed love thanks to streaming, and has been voted by some fans who appreciate its gloomier tone and offbeat stories as the best in the franchise . 

2. Star Trek: The Original Series

Originally designed to be a Western-type TV series set in outer space, this groundbreaking prime-time science fiction adventure series took to the stars with the U.S.S. Enterprise and its intrepid crew. Together they explored strange new worlds and sought out new life in a series that was like nothing audiences had seen before. Starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, it turned nearly every member of its cast into a bona fide celebrity. Although now considered a TV classic, it was actually canceled after its second season, with only a fan-led letter-writing campaign saving it from the chopping block for a third and final season.

A landmark series for its diverse crew, it featured an Asian helmsman (Mr. Sulu), a Scottish engineer (Scotty), an African-American com officer (Uhura) and a Russian navigator (Chekov). It was the first television series to feature an interracial kiss, and a number of celebrities and political figures counted themselves as fans, including Martin Luther King Jr. , Isaac Asimov , and even the Dalai Lama . 

One of the most iconic shows in the history of television, its impact cannot be underestimated, as a number of characters, phrases, and images from the series have become an indelible part of American culture. From "Beam me up, Scotty" (never actually uttered on the show) to "Live long and prosper," the series' legacy is unparalleled. That it has spawned 13 feature films along with 10 spin-off television series (and counting) is a testament to its enduring achievement. 

1. Star Trek: The Next Generation

"Star Trek: The Next Generation" was not without controversy when it launched in the late '80s. The first "Star Trek" series not to feature Kirk and Spock, many fans felt that it wasn't "real Star Trek." While it may not be quite the cultural icon that the original "Star Trek" was, it's not without a massive influence on pop culture. Despite an uneven start, it quickly became a hit in syndication, and many characters and elements from "TNG" have become as etched into popular culture as its predecessor.

Following the crew of a new starship Enterprise more than 75 years after Captain Kirk's command, it featured a bold new look, an even more unique cast of characters, and saw Captain Jean-Luc Picard guiding his crew from one mission to another. Full of topical stories that explored complex themes, some of its best episodes  like "Darmok" and "The Inner Light" have transcended science fiction. The Season 3 finale "The Best Of Both Worlds" is ranked among the best season cliffhangers in television, and its finale "All Good Things" is often cited as one of the best series cappers ever produced. 

Running for seven strong seasons, "TNG" immediately transitioned to feature films after it concluded, and has returned in the form of "Star Trek: Picard" some 30 years later. While the original "Star Trek" has the honor of being the father of all that came after it, it was "The Next Generation" that turned it into a true franchise by expanding it beyond a single crew. Its sparkling production, fine cast, and brilliant stories earn it its place as the best "Star Trek" series ever. 

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Star Trek (1966)

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To boldly go where no man has gone before

Space. The Final Frontier. The U.S.S. Enterprise embarks on a five year mission to explore the galaxy. The Enterprise is under the command of Captain James T. Kirk with First Officer Mr. Spock, from the planet Vulcan. With a determined crew, the Enterprise encounters Klingons, Romulans, time paradoxes, tribbles and genetic supermen led by Khan Noonian Singh. Their mission is to explore strange new worlds, to seek new life and new civilizations, and to boldly go where no man has gone before.

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William Shatner

James T. Kirk

79 Episodes

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DeForest Kelley

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Nichelle Nichols

Walter Koenig

Pavel Chekov

50 Episodes

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Season 3 of Star Trek premiered on September 20, 1968.

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A review by Mark Butler

Written by mark butler on february 25, 2019.

The original series may be a bit hard to watch with a modern mind set, but the episodes still contain the key discussions on what it is to be human. Really the show was a great platform for modern thinking and is worth watching to understand the process that people went through to get to the modern day. Yes it is Science Fiction, but really it is Social Commentary.

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From 'Picard' to 'Discovery': Every 'Star Trek' TV Show (So Far), Ranked

To boldly go where every Trekkie has gone before.

Not so long ago, Star Trek fans faced a great drought—years without a new Star Trek show for fans to boldly go where no one had gone before. How times have changed! Now, the franchise has branched out to include kid-friendly show Star Trek: Prodigy . Star Trek: Discovery has been renewed for a fifth season. And Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has won over fans, old and new.

With so many shows expanding the franchise, we have to ask: how do the shows fare? We take a look at every major Star Trek show that’s aired so far and rank them based on merit. Let the arguments ensue!

RELATED: Jonathan Frakes on Directing 'Star Trek: Discovery,' 'Picard,' and What It Was Like Seeing 'Galaxy Quest' For the First Time

12. Star Trek: Picard

Set 20 years after his last appearance, Star Trek: Picard follows an elderly Jean-Luc Picard ( Sir Patrick Stewart ) who bands together with a ragtag crew to right the wrongs of his past.

Picard is undoubtedly one of the most popular and famous characters in the franchise, and the show is at its best when the spotlight is on him. Sir Patrick and the rest of the returning cast all step back into their characters’ shoes like no time has passed at all. But most of the new entrants are rather dull and the villains uninspiring.

While Michelle Hurd brings a layered complexity to her under-baked character and Santiago Cabrera flexes his skills playing multiple personalities, the rest of the characters feel muddled. Surprisingly, the show is most successful when it leans into the nostalgic elements, and Picard continues to be an arresting figure.

11. Star Trek: Prodigy

In Star Trek: Prodigy , a motley crew of young aliens are thrown together after escaping a prison colony. They end up on a highly coveted ship, the Protostar, under the guidance of a holographic version of Captain Janeway (voiced by Kate Mulgrew ).

The low ranking of Star Trek: Prodigy does not signify that something is wrong with this show. The animation is gorgeous, and the characters are unique. The youthful nature of the main cast brings with it an air of irreverence and rebellion. The show is a little darker than expected considering its target audience is children, but the stories border on hopefulness and camaraderie. However, the shortened runtime restricts the storytelling—the character development feels a little rushed and some plot lines need fleshing out. But the show remains a refreshing entry in the franchise because it’s outside the confines of the Alpha Quadrant and the Federation.

10. Star Trek: The Animated Series

Star Trek: The Animated Series continues the adventures of the Enterprise and its crew. The show kept the franchise alive in the 1970s, but its ambition outmatched the execution. Without the constraints of live-action, the two-season series was able to embrace the wackier and grander premises of the science-fiction genre.

However, the show does feel turgid and the animation is rudimentary. While most of the main cast from Star Trek: The Original Series returned to voice their characters (except for Walter Koenig because the creators ran out of budget), they rarely voice-acted together, and the disjointed acting is obvious in many episodes.

One of the major issues with TAS was that the show was created and aimed at a younger target audience yet didn’t appeal to them. But the show has plenty of intriguing storylines and concepts, including an episode where Uhura ( Nichelle Nichols ) captains the ship.

9. Star Trek: Enterprise

The last show before the drought, Star Trek: Enterprise follows the adventures of the first Enterprise crew. Positioned as a prequel, the show has rightfully garnered a ton of fans, but it still feels a little lackluster. Also, that theme song needed a lot of revision!

Due to its setting, the writers were bogged down correcting the continuity issues from the previous series. Some of the storytelling also feels regressive and out of place in the new millennium. The ship’s lack of advanced technology, especially the transporters, restricts the writing and slows down the pace. The characters are interesting and charming, especially the Mirror Universe versions. Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer cuts a striking figure, but the supporting cast’s charisma is inconsistent and sometimes underdone by their characterizations.

The show shines brightest when it embraces multi-arc storylines, but the change was too little too late. Enterprise was unceremoniously canceled before its time.

8. Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: Short Treks is an anthology series set around the new Trek shows, though there are a few stories set in different eras.

Despite being only 10 episodes long over two seasons, Short Treks has a range of stories for all Trekkies to enjoy. The first season comprises two prequel stories of characters seen in Discovery while introducing new characters who would eventually join the show. The second season capitalizes on the fan-love for the USS Enterprise crew who appeared in Discovery Season 2. And there are a couple of animated shorts that expand the Star Trek universe further.

These bite-sized snippets not only give viewers a peek at the greater New Trek-verse, but they make for a perfect format to spotlight characters and arcs that would not have made it into the regular storylines. Short Treks is a thrilling new perspective into this beloved franchise.

7. Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery rang in a new phase in the franchise. Originally set years before the original series, the show cast a Black woman, Sonequa Martin-Green , in the lead, and peppers the cast with actors of color. If that isn’t all, Discovery became the first franchise show to introduce a gay couple in the main cast— Anthony Rapp and Wilson Cruz ’s characters Paul Stamets and Hugh Culber—and has since broadened queer representation with the addition of a transgender actor, Ian Alexander , playing a transgender character, Gray Tal, and a non-binary actor, Blu del Barrio playing a non-binary character, Adira Tal. With every season, Discovery proves how effortless it can be to expand diversity in a franchise, all the while creating compelling stories and characters.

If there’s one criticism that can be levied on the show is its gloomy tone. Star Trek relies on a utopian outlook, but Discovery is often dark and pessimistic.

6. Star Trek: Voyager

USS Voyager is sent on a mission to retrieve a fugitive Maquis vessel when the ship is pulled into the Delta quadrant—seventy thousand light-years from home.

Star Trek: Voyager was unfairly maligned for too long and, looking back decades later, one can’t help but wonder if misogyny played a part in that. Voyager marks the first time a Star Trek show was headlined by a woman and had a female captain. Thankfully, better sense has prevailed and over the past few years, the show is getting a lot of love from fans and Star Trek creators alike. Without the safety net of the Federation, Voyager and her crew have to be innovative to survive, to collaborate and stick together.

Voyager isn’t a perfect show, but it has come in for extra scrutiny. Some of the writing may be inconsistent, but the characters are the MVPs. Each one has relatable characteristics that make them compelling to watch, and several story arcs are analogous to discussing one's identity, and surviving trauma.

5. Star Trek: Lower Decks

Star Trek has usually focused on larger-than-life characters—the movers and shakers of Starfleet. But what about the cadets, crewmen and ensigns who appear in the corners of frames? Well, we find out the secret life of those unnamed junior officers in Star Trek: Lower Decks . Set aboard the USS Cerritos, the show follows a group of four lower deckers as they bumble their way through every mission, chafing against the senior staff who have their own issues to resolve.

This is a hilarious, irreverent show, buoyed by a voice cast that’s obviously enjoying every minute of their job. The animation is in line with the modern age’s preferred adult animated comedies. Lower Decks works best when it leans into the Star Trek concepts that creator Mike McMahan is a vocal fan of. When it veers away from the lore and tries to be too bawdy and ‘out there’, the writing tends to suffer.

4. Star Trek: The Original Series

Way back in the 1960s, Gene Roddenberry had a vision that would eventually come to fruition in the form of Star Trek: The Original Series (then called Star Trek ). It’s hard to imagine a world without Star Trek in it—despite low ratings during its three-season run, the show has become a cult classic and a mainstay in science-fiction history.

The show was a pioneering effort by Roddenberry—the utopian future it depicted combined with its take on an equal society irrespective of gender and race was a bold move. The adventures of the USS Enterprise are still enthralling and much of the political subtext painfully relevant. The central dynamic of the main trio continues to be one of the most engaging in pop culture.

While our collective nostalgic love for TOS remains, some of the show’s sensibilities feel dated now, especially the treatment of the female characters.

3. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine took some time to take off. The first few seasons are episodic and many of the storylines are questionable. But once it finds its stride, Deep Space Nine takes on its own unique formula.

As the first Star Trek show to cast a Black actor in the lead, Avery Brooks , the show shook up the Star Trek formula from the get-go. The main setting is aboard a static space station and the main thrust of the story is the Federation’s peace-keeping efforts following the Cardassian invasion of Bajor. The final three seasons center mainly on the Federation war against the Gamma Quadrant power, the Dominion.

From the beginning, the show tackles heavy issues like racism, religion and the impact of war, and it also includes some queer elements that were missing from the franchise. The character interactions are a highlight in the series, as is the writing, especially in the latter half of the show’s run when the multi-arc episodes become tight and compelling.

2. Star Trek: The Next Generation

There’s just no arguing with the brilliant storylines and the impact of Picard on pop culture. Like many of its Star Trek counterparts, Star Trek: The Next Generation had an iffy start but found its groove soon after. The consistency of the writing, the high concept storytelling and the range of themes play a huge part in The Next Generation ’s enduring legacy in the genre.

Sir Patrick Stewart as Picard is a real renaissance man—embodying the best of humanity as a captain and a friend while owning up to his errors. The expansive cast of characters all have their moment to shine, which is a change from The Original Series . The chemistry between the actors and their character dynamics is another reason we can’t help but tune in repeatedly. The show probes the meaning of being human with episodes like “I, Borg” and “Measure of a Man”. Star Trek truly matured with The Next Generation.

1. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Perfectly balancing the beloved episodic nature of Old Trek, while weaving in the inclusivity and modern sensibilities of New Trek, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a feast for the soul. Led by Anson Mount ’s enigmatic and charming Captain Christopher Pike, the Enterprise is a ship that’s at the forefront of space exploration. But instead of being manned by a bunch of stuffed shirts, the crew of the ship is eccentric, with undercurrents that allude to complex backstories.

The show reimagines several characters from the original series, including T’Pring ( Gia Sandhu ), Nyota Uhura ( Celia Rose Gooding ), Christine Chapel ( Jess Bush ) and Joseph M’Benga ( Babs Olusanmokun ), giving them the spotlight that was missing in their original introductions. The new cast of characters is just as intriguing, with La'an Noonien-Singh ( Christina Chong ) adding a sense of moral drama to the proceedings, and Erica Ortegas ( Melissa Navia ) reveling in being a mysterious, scene-stealing personality.

The stories are compact, succinct, and juggle dramatic tension with levity, nostalgia, and action. You will end each episode feeling like a little kid who's watching Star Trek for the first time.

Screen Rant

Star trek: ranking the first season of each series, according to imdb.

Since 1966 the Star Trek franchise has captured the hearts of sci-fi fans the world over. Here is how the first season of each show stack up.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds   has been making waves from the jump. Not only is it getting rave reviews, but it was the most-streamed show last week.   Other series in the franchise have stumbled out of the gate, due to dated plots, poor characterization, and sometimes a weak opening premise.

Doctor Bashir of Deep Space Nine   stands out as a character who had a new, albeit improved, personality after the first season. Even  Star Trek: The Next Generation , perhaps the strongest series in the franchise, had an uneven first showing. However, some first seasons of popular Star Trek series definitely prove to be more popular than others as the IMDb ratings can certainly show.

Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) (2001-2005)- 6.4/10

Representing the  Star Trek franchise's first foray into going backward in its timeline,  ENT takes place before any other Trek show. It follows Captain Archer and his crew on the original starship Enterprise as they deal with a Milky Way galaxy that is largely unknown.

Related:  Top 10 Iconic Sci-Fi Characters, Who Aren't The Main Hero Or Villain

While the series found ways to create tension, it suffered from the stakes issue that all prequels contend with. Despite things looking grim for humanity several times, the fact the series continues centuries into the future is always present. Captain Archer is more Kirk-like than other captains, especially in the first season, but without Shatner's charm and good looks, he comes off as a bully.

Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1975)- 6.6/10

After the cancellation of the original  Star Trek  series in 1969, it was unclear what direction the popular property would go. So Star Trek: The Animated Series was born, as it was seen as the cheapest way to keep the series going.

While it isn't bad,  The Animated Series  had several factors holding it back. Despite bringing in William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and other main characters from  Star Trek: The Original Series  (TOS) to do the voice work, the dialogue has a stilted quality that is hard to ignore. And while this is not always bad, The Animated Series  is a children's show, and that along with some plot holes and scientific inconsistencies has put the show's canon-hood in question.

Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) (1995–2001)- 6.7/10

VOY  stands out for featuring the first woman captain in a  Star Trek series, Kathryn Janeway. When the Starship Voyager and a group of Federation separatists are flung 70,000 light-years from Earth, the two crews have to join forces if they ever hope to see their homes again.

Related:  The 10 Best Star Trek Episodes Directed By A Cast Member, According To IMDb

While the first season has some bright spots, such as the acting of Robert Picardo as The Doctor,  VOY   has several issues. The premise of VOY disconnects the viewer from the wider universe, which had plenty of areas left to explore. Another problem is the first aliens the Voyager crew meets on the far side of the galaxy, Kes and Neelix. They are in a romantic relationship, despite Kes being two and Neelix being thirty. Some excuses are made for the age difference, but ultimately it has little narrative purpose and was ended off-screen by the third season.  

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) (1987–1994)- 6.8/10

TNG  rightfully has a legacy of one of the best  Trek shows. A new Enterprise, captained by Jean-Luc Picard,  boldly goes where  no one has gone before.  TNG furthers the plot of previous Trek movies and introduces the most terrifying villain in  Star Trek,  the Borg.

TNG  has some of the best episodes of the series in the first season, but the soap-opera vibe is hard to ignore. Numerous episodes are broken up by characters, especially Worf, eyeing down the camera during commercial breaks. In the infamously racist episode "Code Of Honor, "  blonde-haired Tasha is kidnapped by aliens that are played exclusively by Black actors who dress inoffensive "tribal" clothes. Other racist troupes, from the accents to the "savage" aliens, put a damper on the first season of TNG.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) (1993–1999)- 6.9/10

DS9  leaped by casting Avery Brooks as Benjamin Sisko, the first Black man to lead a  Trek  series.  DS9 took other risks that ultimately paid off, including having aliens new and old come to the eponymous space station instead of having a starship do the exploring.

Ds9  had a fairly strong first season , despite a few hiccups. The episode "Move Along Home" sticks out, with a tone and plot reminiscent of a childish installment of  TOS. And while the father-son relationship between Ben Sisko and his son Jake is a strong point in the series,  DS9 seems to struggle to find organic ways to feature the younger Sisko. For some reason, Jake will find himself in scenes that don't make much sense for his character to be in. Ultimately the first season of  DS9  represents a departure from the other  Trek shows, but more often than not it hits the mark.

Star Trek: Lower Decks (LDS) (2020– )- 7.2/10

LDS  is different from most  Star Trek s for several reasons; instead of the main characters being the captain and bridge crew, the show follows groups of ensigns as they negotiate the less glamorous side of Starfleet.  LDS also is the first comedy in the  Trek  franchise, and the animation style helps create that atmosphere.

Related:  8 Best Possible Captains for Lower Decks, Ranked

One strength of  LDS is that the people behind the show love Star Trek . It is full of references to other series and franchise in-jokes. Another strong point is that  LDS   avoids cheap-punching-down jokes, and leans more into situational humor, if not plain Star Trek  jokes. A gripe with season one is at times it can feel like the show is comprised of  Trek references, many of which fly by and will be caught by only the most ardent Trek  fan.

Star Trek: Picard (PIC) (2020– )- 7.5/10

Star Trek: Picard   standouts for a few reasons. It's the first jump  forward in the timeline since  TNG , and it's the first show to have a character in the title. The first season finds an older Jean Luc who is somewhat disillusioned with Starfleet and dealing with his mortality.

The acting in  Star Trek  shows has always been largely solid, occasionally great, and rarely poor. With   Patrick Stewart and  Trek  alums Jerri Ryan and Brent Spiner, and newcomers to the franchise Alison Pill and Santiago Cabrera, PIC  might have some of the strongest acting performances of any  Trek  show. Along with spellbinding visuals, and a serialized season-long arc,  PIC's first season did a strong job of pushing the larger  Trek  narrative forward .

Star Trek: Discovery (DISCO) (2017– )- 7.52/10

DISC O 's deeper focus on singular characters, mostly Michael Burnham, and their growth and interpersonal relations signaled a change in how the newer Trek  series would be formatted.  DISCO  takes place slightly before  TOS,  as Starfleet is developing a starship (Discovery) that can transport anywhere, instantly.

As the first  Star Trek program to be so character-based, a lot rides on the acting ability of Sonequa Martin-Green, who plays Michael Burnham. And in the first season especially she's fantastic. Martin-Green brings an edge to her character that is not normally seen in Starfleet officers. The elements of horror that tinge the first season are another in a show that set the tone for the current generation of  Star Trek.

Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) (1966-1969)- 7.9/10

The show that started it all,  TOS  is the bedrock for all sci-fi TV . Taking place in the 23rd century  TOS  is iconic, featuring phrases like "Beam me up, Scotty" and "Live long and prosper" that are still part of our lives.

TOS  has some 60's charms that may not work for everyone, but the quality of the writing is second to none in  Trek . Offerings "A Taste of Armageddon" and "Space Seed" pose questions about war, fate, genetics, and our future that are still worth considering today. And no discussion of  TOS  can be complete without talking about the famous crew: Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, Scotty, and Chekov are dynamic characters that bring the show to life.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW) (2022– )- 8.2/10

SNW  showcases the Enterprise and the  Trek universe right before the start of  TOS.  While only a few episodes in, so far  SNW  has been a return to the monster-of-the-week style of TV that  Trek made its bones on. Captain Chris Pike leads his crew as he fights with the knowledge of the exact time and manner of his death.

Although only three episodes have aired as of now, all have been fantastic. The return to the "traditional"  Trek format of finding and solving problems in a single episode is a welcome change from the serialized nature of the newer  Trek  shows. Interesting plots and new aliens have, so far, been some of the strongest  Trek  fans have seen a quite a while. And the acting performances of the entire cast have brought a sense of fun that the other live-action shows have been lacking.

Next: The 10 Most Powerful Star Trek Characters, According To Ranker

Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001)

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Upcoming Star Trek TV Shows: What's Ahead For The Sci-Fi Franchise

Here's what's ahead for Star Trek.

It’s a golden era for Star Trek tv shows, as the franchise is churning out more content than ever before. Fans with a Paramount+ subscription can stream a plethora of old and new content from one of the greatest sci-fi franchises of all time.

There’s a ton of new Star Trek content coming in the future, including the debut of a new show as well as the return of all the ones fans already know well. For those who need a breakdown of what all to expect, look no further because here’s where and when all the new Trek will arrive in 2023 and beyond. There’s even some information on planned shows that aren’t quite ready yet, but hopefully, we’ll see them soon enough. 

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 - Premiering On April 4th 2024

Captain Michael Burnham and the crew are back, and based on what we've seen and heard about Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 so far, some changes are on the way. Season 5 will see the crew race against others in an attempt to secure an ancient power, and will apparently have a tonal shift that will skew more toward action and adventure. We also learned that this coming season will be the final adventure , as Paramount+ decided to end the series after this coming season. The final season will kick off in April and, fingers crossed, leave an avenue open for more stories with these characters in the 32nd century. 

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 - In Production

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is coming back for Season 3, and is currently filming for the upcoming season. It's likely the season will kick off with the second part of the adventure started in the Season 2 finale . Pike must decide whether or not he's going to listen to Starfleet and retreat to avoid further conflict with the Gorn or to stay and try to save the kidnapped crew members. I have a hunch I know what decision he'll make, but I'm also very invested in seeing if Scotty will remain with the crew and what other adventures will come as well. 

Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 - Coming In 2024

Paramount+ originally renewed Star Trek: Prodigy for Season 2, but announced later that it had been canceled alongside other shows on the platform. While the news was a bummer to many and encouraged responses from stars like Kate Mulgrew , there is a silver lining. After some talk with other companies, Paramount managed to negotiate a deal where the series will transition over to Netflix , and Season 2 will release over there. At this time, it's unknown whether or not this will lead to more seasons of Prodigy , but fans are thankful they'll at least get to see the season that was being worked on coming up in 2024. 

Section 31 Movie - Production Underway

Section 31 was one of the first Star Trek spinoffs announced after Discovery , and yet it took the longest to get off the ground. The series was supposed to Michelle Yeoh ’s Phillipa Georgiou and her efforts in the secret ops Starfleet faction that does the jobs that others in the organization would rather not know about. Other former Discovery stars, like Shazad Latif, were involved at one point, but some believed the odds of it happening aren't great after Michelle Yeoh's Oscar win .

It turns out Yeoh was interested in making it happen, and Paramount+ decided to alter the idea to a movie . Fans are excited about the project all the same, and ready to see Michelle Yeoh back in her role. Production on the film is officially underway, and it's looking like a premiere sometime in late 2024 to 2025 is likely.

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Starfleet Academy - Production Starting In 2024

Alex Kurtzman revealed not long ago that Star Trek is actively working on another new live-action series , and it’s going to be set at Starfleet Academy. Of course, we don’t know exactly what era this series is set to take place during or who is going to star in it yet. We don’t really know much of anything, though it’s worth noting that Star Trek: Discovery did write off its character Tilly when she took an offer at Starfleet Academy. The episode where that happened seemed like it could be a backdoor pilot for the show, but again, we have no idea. We do know that the writer's room is underway, but details are scant beyond that.  

As shown above, there’s still a ton of Star Trek on the way in 2024, and beyond. The only way to watch these shows is with a Paramount+ subscription , which is totally worth picking up with the increasing amount of shows and movies available to watch. 

Mick Joest is a Content Producer for CinemaBlend with his hand in an eclectic mix of television goodness. Star Trek is his main jam, but he also regularly reports on happenings in the world of Star Trek, WWE, Doctor Who, 90 Day Fiancé, Quantum Leap, and Big Brother. He graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Radio and Television. He's great at hosting panels and appearing on podcasts if given the chance as well.

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The Star Trek: Origins movie shouldn't ignore Star Trek: Enterprise

A new origins movie for Star Trek is set to go into production later on this year for a possible 2025 or 2026 release. There's has been a lot of speculation about the timeline of the film, with Inverse offering plenty of detail about the Star Trek timeline and how a film set in the 2210s or 2220s wouldn't rattle too much of Trek's history in either timeline with the caveat that "if you don't think about the prequel series, Star Trek: Enterprise."

Enterprise was set during 2151, and the events of the series were interwoven with other series in the franchise, such as the Ferengi's first appearance on the series instead of Star Trek: The Next Generation and, of course, the horrible series finale that connected The Next Generation's Commander Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis). Yes, plenty of fans would love to forget the finale, but the fact remains that it happened. And even Star Trek: Discovery referenced Archer's visit to Qo'noS from the premiere of the series. So it's kind of hard to jettison the series as a whole.

With the Origins movie supposedly set before the Kirk and Spock era as the movie has been touted, that could put it after Enterprise, but, if the movie is set during the Prime timeline, there are a lot of landmines that could potentially disrupt canon. Some fans, of course, will say that canon has been shredded by various other series already, but a film on the big screen takes things to a new level, especially if it's supposed to be the origination of some aspect of Star Trek.

One possible idea would be to take the story back to Captain Pike's origins, which would still put the movie in the 2230s, roughly, with Strange New Worlds being set in 2259. Since Strange New Worlds is an ongoing series, that would be a great tie-in. Another option would be the origins of Captain April who helmed the Enterprise in 2245. Hopefully, the movie won't take the origin storyline so far back in time that it will disrupt everything that has been created. And, if that's the choice that is taken, then we can just hope the movie gets set in the Kelvin timeline so the Prime timeline remains as unaffected as possible!

This article was originally published on redshirtsalwaysdie.com as The Star Trek: Origins movie shouldn't ignore Star Trek: Enterprise .