Beginner’s Guide to Star Trek: Where to Start and What to Watch
1. Introduction: Why Star Trek Matters
Star Trek has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the influence on science fiction is undeniable. From its earliest days, it boldly showcased a universe where humanity’s future is bright, and technology and exploration lead to better understanding among diverse civilizations.
In this Star Trek legacy article, you’ll discover why Star Trek matters to both long-time fans and newcomers. We’ll set the stage by exploring the vast scope of the franchise—spanning TV series, movies, and ongoing releases—and show you exactly how to chart your own voyage through the final frontier.
2. Overview of the Star Trek Franchise
Historical Background
The Star Trek franchise began in 1966 with Gene Roddenberry’s original vision, often referred to as “TOS” (The Original Series). From the very beginning, Roddenberry’s goal was to tackle social and moral issues head-on, using the science fiction setting as a lens to explore humanity’s future.
Series and Spin-offs
There are all Star Trek series to consider—the Star Trek timeline is expansive. Here’s a brief rundown:
- The Original Series (TOS): Launched in 1966, starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock.
- The Next Generation (TNG): Set roughly a century after TOS, featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard.
- Deep Space Nine (DS9): Focused on a space station positioned near a strategic wormhole.
- Voyager: Followed a crew flung across the galaxy, struggling to return home.
- Enterprise: A prequel series set before the formation of the Federation.
- Discovery: A modern iteration that explores the events before and after TOS.
- Picard: Focuses on the later years of Jean-Luc Picard’s life.
- Strange New Worlds: Revisits the era of Captain Pike aboard the USS Enterprise.
- Lower Decks and Prodigy: Animated series offering unique takes on the Star Trek universe.
3. The Best Starting Points for New Viewers
Classic Viewing Order
If you want to appreciate the iconic moments and the heart of the franchise, consider a recommended “classic” watch order. Start with a few pivotal episodes of TOS, then move on to TNG and keep going chronologically. This approach ensures you don’t miss any key storytelling milestones in the Star Trek watch order.
Chronological Viewing Order
Some fans prefer a timeline-based approach, which begins with Enterprise (set before TOS) and follows the Star Trek timeline in-universe. This method can be fun if you enjoy seeing how events unfold historically, but it might be more complex for first
