The Ultimate Star Trek Viewing Guide: From the Original Series to Picard
For over 50 years, the Star Trek franchise has captivated audiences with its vision of a future where humanity has overcome its differences and embarked on a journey of exploration, discovery, and diplomacy. From the iconic original series to the latest additions like Picard and Strange New Worlds, Star Trek has evolved and expanded its universe, introducing countless characters, storylines, and philosophical questions. For those embarking on this epic journey, navigating the vast Star Trek timeline can be overwhelming.
We're here to provide the ultimate guide for watching every Star Trek movie and TV show in order. This comprehensive list will take you through the chronological timeline of the franchise, offering a curated experience that respects both the continuity of the stories and the evolution of Star Trek as a whole.
The Original Series and Its Predecessor:
The Original Series (1966-1969)
The foundation of Star Trek, the original series, follows the adventures of Captain Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy aboard the Starship Enterprise. This classic series established the core themes and elements that would define the franchise: exploration, diplomacy, ethical dilemmas, and the pursuit of understanding.
Order:
- "The Cage" (Pilot Episode) - Though originally rejected by the network, this episode offers a glimpse into the early concept of the show and provides context for the series' premiere.
- "Where No Man Has Gone Before" (Season 1, Episode 1) - The official pilot episode introduces the crew of the Enterprise and their first mission.
- Season 1 (1966-1967)
- Season 2 (1967-1968)
- Season 3 (1968-1969)
Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974)
While not live-action, this animated series is canon and takes place between the original series and The Next Generation. The animated format allowed for greater creative freedom, exploring diverse and imaginative storylines, introducing memorable alien races, and further developing the franchise's lore.
Order:
- Season 1 (1973-1974)
The Next Generation and its Offshoots:
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
The Next Generation marked a significant shift in the franchise, introducing a new crew and exploring themes of technology, societal change, and the future of humanity. Captain Picard and his crew of the Enterprise-D faced complex moral dilemmas, encountered new alien civilizations, and navigated a more sophisticated and nuanced galaxy.
Order:
- Season 1 (1987-1988)
- Season 2 (1988-1989)
- Season 3 (1989-1990)
- Season 4 (1990-1991)
- Season 5 (1991-1992)
- Season 6 (1992-1993)
- Season 7 (1993-1994)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)
A bold departure from its predecessors, Deep Space Nine offered a more serialized and complex narrative. Set on a space station near the volatile Bajor system, the series delves into themes of war, religion, and the struggle for peace.
Order:
- Season 1 (1993-1994)
- Season 2 (1994-1995)
- Season 3 (1995-1996)
- Season 4 (1996-1997)
- Season 5 (1997-1998)
- Season 6 (1998-1999)
- Season 7 (1998-1999)
Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)
Voyager follows the adventures of a Starfleet crew stranded in the Delta Quadrant, millions of light years from Earth. As they navigate this uncharted territory, the crew encounters diverse alien species and faces the challenges of survival, loyalty, and the journey home.
Order:
- Season 1 (1995-1996)
- Season 2 (1996-1997)
- Season 3 (1997-1998)
- Season 4 (1998-1999)
- Season 5 (1999-2000)
- Season 6 (2000-2001)
- Season 7 (2000-2001)
The 21st Century Expansion:
Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005)
Set a century before the original series, Enterprise delves into the early days of Starfleet, exploring humanity's first tentative steps into the galaxy. The series follows the crew of the NX-01, a pioneering starship that encounters both alien civilizations and Earth's own past.
Order:
- Season 1 (2001-2002)
- Season 2 (2002-2003)
- Season 3 (2003-2004)
- Season 4 (2004-2005)
Star Trek: Discovery (2017-present)
Discovery is a modern reimagining of Star Trek, set ten years before the original series. With a focus on a more serialized narrative, Discovery explores complex themes of identity, change, and the consequences of war.
Order:
- Season 1 (2017)
- Season 2 (2018)
- Season 3 (2019)
- Season 4 (2021)
- Season 5 (2023)
Star Trek: Picard (2020-2023)
This series follows the iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard in his later years, exploring themes of aging, legacy, and the exploration of new horizons. Picard re-visits the legacy of The Next Generation and introduces new characters and challenges.
Order:
- Season 1 (2020)
- Season 2 (2022)
- Season 3 (2023)
Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020-present)
Lower Decks provides a comedic and satirical look at Starfleet life, focusing on the experiences of ensigns serving on the USS Cerritos. The series offers a refreshing perspective on the franchise, embracing the absurdity of everyday life in a spacefaring society.
Order:
- Season 1 (2020)
- Season 2 (2021)
- Season 3 (2022)
- Season 4 (2023)
Star Trek: Prodigy (2021-present)
Prodigy is a groundbreaking animated series that follows a group of children who discover a derelict Starfleet ship and must learn to work together to navigate the vast and dangerous galaxy.
Order:
- Season 1 (2021)
- Season 2 (2022)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-present)
This series chronicles the early adventures of Captain Pike and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise, a decade before the events of the original series. The series features a classic format, focusing on standalone episodes while exploring complex themes of ambition, loyalty, and the nature of humanity.
Order:
- Season 1 (2022)
- Season 2 (2023)
The Star Trek Movies
Star Trek: The Original Series Movies
The original series continued in a series of films, expanding upon the characters and storylines of the television show. These films brought the adventures of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy to the big screen, offering a grander and more cinematic scale.
Order:
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
- Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
- Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
- Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
- Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)
Star Trek: The Next Generation Movies
The Next Generation crew also embarked on several cinematic adventures, continuing their mission of exploration and diplomacy.
Order:
- Star Trek Generations (1994)
- Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
- Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
- Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
Star Trek: Other Movies
Beyond the original series and The Next Generation, there have been other Star Trek films that focus on different eras and characters.
Order:
- Star Trek (2009)
- Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
- Star Trek Beyond (2016)
A Star Trek Odyssey:
This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for exploring the vast and ever-expanding Star Trek universe. However, it's important to remember that each Star Trek series and film offers a unique perspective and experience. While we recommend following this chronological order, you can personalize your journey through the franchise to suit your tastes and interests.
For instance, if you're interested in exploring themes of war and conflict, you could start with Deep Space Nine. If you prefer a more lighthearted and comedic tone, Lower Decks might be a good starting point. You can even choose to focus on a specific character's story, like Jean-Luc Picard in Picard.
The beauty of Star Trek lies in its diversity and ability to cater to a wide range of viewers. Regardless of where you start, you're sure to encounter memorable characters, fascinating alien races, and captivating stories that will transport you to a future where humanity has reached for the stars and achieved remarkable things.
So, join us on this odyssey through the Star Trek universe. Prepare to be amazed, inspired, and challenged as you discover the possibilities of a future where humanity has overcome its differences and embraced the unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Should I watch all the Star Trek series and films in order?
A: While it's recommended to watch the series and films chronologically, you don't need to follow the exact order to enjoy the franchise. If you're interested in a specific theme or character, you can start there and explore other series and films at your own pace.
Q: Is it necessary to watch all the Star Trek series before watching the movies?
A: While watching the TV series will provide context and depth to the movies, it's not essential. The films generally stand alone, with occasional references to previous series.
Q: Are the animated series canon?
A: Yes, Star Trek: The Animated Series is considered canon, taking place between the original series and The Next Generation.
Q: What's the best way to watch Star Trek online?
A: Several streaming services offer Star Trek, including Paramount+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. You can check their catalogs for available content and pricing.
Q: Is it worth watching all the Star Trek content?
A: The answer depends on your individual preferences. However, Star Trek offers a wealth of diverse storylines, characters, and themes that can appeal to a wide range of viewers. It's a rewarding journey for those who enjoy science fiction, exploration, and philosophical discussions.
Conclusion:
Whether you're a seasoned Star Trek fan or a newcomer eager to explore the vastness of the franchise, the Star Trek universe offers a captivating journey. With this comprehensive guide, you can embark on a chronological odyssey through the galaxy, encountering iconic characters, exploring fascinating worlds, and uncovering the enduring legacy of Star Trek. So, grab your communicator, adjust your warp drive, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure among the stars.