Introducing the 10 highest-rated Star Trek TV shows according to Tomatometer ratings from Rotten Tomatoes! Breaking a tie with 89%, "The Next Generation" has been voted one of the most popular entries in the Star Trek franchise, although "The Original Series" still remains a fan favorite.
This blog post takes an in depth look at how each series have been ranked by both critics and fans alike. Whether you're a long-time fan of this sci-fi classic or completely fresh to it, we have all the information here to help you understand why Star Trek is must watch TV.
Ready for your mission? Let's get started!
Key Takeaways
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022) is the current highest-rated show in Rotten Tomatoes, with a 98% rating.
- The Original Series has earned 94%, while other spinoffs like Prodigy and Lower Decks are rated at 92% and 91%, respectively.
- Deep Space Nine (93%) stands out thanks to its focus on politics and personal themes instead of action/space plot lines.
- Picard (89%) follows Jean Luc Picard's mission to save humanity from destruction by ancient aliens, meanwhile Discovery (85%) focuses heavily on integrating existing members into the franchise as well as excellent stories untouched in past entries
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)98%
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is the long-awaited and highly rated new addition to Gene Roddenberry's beloved franchise. This eagerly awaited series has been premiered on May 5th, 2022 with an upmost gusto on Paramount+ streaming service, earning a prestigious 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes in its debut season.
It marks as the highest rated Star Trek series that has ever been produced.
Set in the 23rd century, fans of this exciting science fiction adventure awaits another thrilling ride full of captivating storylines, stunning visual effects and brilliant performances from an ambitious ensemble cast crew carried out by talented filmmakers standing at Christopher Pike’s command aboard their starship “The USS Enterprise” into the future space exploration missions around our galaxy.
With some brilliances already showcased so far in its opening episodes, fan favorites have every reason to look forward for another exhilarating romping journey full of intriguing plot twists, thought-provoking narratives and fascinating characters sure to make you rooted for more!
Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973) 94%
Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973) was a must-watch for fans of the franchise. With an impressive 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s no wonder that this show is highly praised among Trekkies.
This animated series aired on NBC from 1973 to 1974 and featured re-imagined stories which were originally written for Star Trek: The Original Series with completely new voice acting by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan, DeForest Kelley and George Takei.
It kicked off its run on September 8th of 1973 as one of the first cartoons set in outer space specifically made for children family entertainment genre without alienating older fans.
As much part of the Space Age culture at that time, this animated version was able to uphold the worldbuilding initially created by “The Original Series” while introducing them in a unique format fit for younger viewing audiences—a milestone in genre animation programming today!
Star Trek: Prodigy (2021)94%
Star Trek: Prodigy is a CGI animated television series set in the Star Trek universe that premiered on Paramount+ in 2021 and ended the following year. Created by Michael Chabon and Akiva Goldsman, it follows a group of aliens who commandeer an abandoned Starfleet vessel known as The Presidio.
They look to explore the mysterious Delata Quadrant, coming across a variety of creatures along their journey.
The show received widespread critical acclaim for its innovative animation style, which combines elements from both 2D and 3D art forms to craft truly stunning visuals. This allowed audiences to be immersed more deeply into the world of Star Trek through various alien species they discover during The Presidio's voyage.
Additionally, critics praised Prodigy's creative storytelling choices concerning its characters and their personalities; providing viewers with deeper insight into why individual members have chosen this life-defining mission as well as unique sentimental moments between them all throughout each episode.
With its delightful mixture of thoughtful themes and captivating images––it is no surprise that this animated series has earned itself a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes!
Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020) 92%
Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated series that premiered on August 6, 2020 on Paramount+. It is part of the popular and long-running Star Trek franchise. Set onboard the U.S.S Cerritos, this show focuses on a group of support crew members who are often less appreciated than their Starfleet colleagues, while still playing a vital role in interstellar exploration and public service.
The USS Cerritos also gets its first Command Decision Division ensign with Ensign Tendi joining the ship at the start of Season 1. Fans have rated this show highly—it has earned 92% approval from critics reviewing it on Rotten Tomatoes which speaks to its high production value and unique contribution to the wider Star Trek universe.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987) 92%
Released in 1987, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” quickly became the gold standard of televised science fiction. In addition to its unique storylines and engaging cast of characters, fans found that “The Next Generation” was able to bring new life into a classic franchise.
While building on a timeless mythology, the show added more detail and depth than ever before by introducing an ensemble cast featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard that brought camaraderie and respect rather than tension between the crew members.
“The Next Generation” also earned praise for creating believable depictions of space exploration with incomparable special effects unlike anything that had been seen before within the Star Trek universe.
Moreover, despite its fantastical setting, stories often tackled deep themes without becoming too preachy or devoid of entertainment value — allowing viewers to escape while still contemplating some intellectual concepts at times explored by other acclaimed shows such as “Black Mirror” today.
Thanks to Rotten Tomatoes scores which currently stands at 92% after decades since it first aired coupled with impressive DVD sales which have sung praises for quality beyond most peers in both sci-fi and drama departments - it isn't hard to see why "Star Trek: The Next Generation" continues to remain so captivatingly popular more than thirty years later.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)91%
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) is widely considered one of the highest-rated Star Trek spinoff TV shows of all time. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a strong 91% overall approval rating from audiences and critics alike.
DS9 aired for seven seasons starting on January 4th 1993 with an original cast helmed by Avery Brooks, Nana Visitor, René Auberjonois, Cirroc Lofton and Michael Dorn in starring roles respectively.
This beloved science fiction series focuses heavily on politics and personal themes instead of its predecessor’s action/space oriented plot lines – which makes DS9 stand out even more considering it came at a late stage in the Star Trek franchise as a whole.
Notable characters introduced include Benjamin Sisko –the venerated “Emissary Of The Prophets”– Worf from The Next Generation and countless more fan favorites that made overpowering impressions when they were debuted here before appearing elsewhere in both continuation Series’s timeline(s).
It's no surprise that fans are still clamoring for new episodes years after its finale episode aired! If you're interested in soaking up some quality sci fi content with lasting emotional impact than this series will be right up your alley!
Star Trek: Picard (2020)89%
Star Trek: Picard (2020) is a science fiction television series that premiered on Jan 23, 2020, on the Paramount+ streaming service. The show stars Patrick Stewart and features an impressive cast which includes LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes and Gates McFadden.
According to Rotten Tomatoes rating, Star Trek: Picard has earned an 89%, making it one of the highest-rated Star Trek shows currently available.
The show follows Jean-Luc Picard's journey as he embarks on a mission fraught with peril for both himself and his companions in order to save humanity from destruction by ancient aliens.
With its mix of strong performances, complex story arcs and intricate special effects sequences "Star Trek: Picard" immediately sets itself apart from past entries into the franchise whilst still staying true to its roots as a show dedicated to exploring new worlds through thought provoking storylines about morality and justice for all.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)85%
Star Trek: Discovery is the 8th highest-rated show according to Rotten Tomatoes, with an impressive score of 85%. Its Certified Fresh rating on the Tomatometer stands at 81% after obtaining 47 reviews from critics.
The series debuted on September 24, 2017 and has been streaming ever since then through Paramount+.
Ever since its premiere, Star Trek: Discovery has received considerable attention in comparison to other shows airing around the same time period. This popularity was born from its impressive integration with existing members of the widely acclaimed Star Trek franchise as well as excellent stories woven by talented writers and directors involved in producing it.
It’s no surprise that this gave positive reception for critics who awarded Discovery a very good review which led it to get rated higher than most shows of its type according to Rotten Tomatoes.
Star Trek fans can now watch Discovery online anywhere anytime due to easy availability via Paramount+, thereby ensuring that they are up-to-date about all past episodes in case they miss something important or want to rewatch their favorite scenes over again.
With courses set for further expansion both within canon material and new content, expect every fragment becomes that much more engaging and gripping over time going forward for years ahead into our future!
Star Trek (1966)80%
"Star Trek (1966)" is a seminal TV series that premiered in 1966, airing on NBC. It was the first of many spin-offs within the acclaimed franchise, bringing science fiction to mainstream American television audiences.
The show stars William Shatner as captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as his logical Vulcan counterpart, Spock. Others such as DeForest Kelley, James Doohan and Nichelle Nichols all added to the unique dynamic at play throughout its three-year run.
Despite ending production over 54 years ago, "Star Trek (1966)" has maintained an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes —not bad for a classic with five decades of perspectives applied to it! Fans consistantly rank it among their favorite Star Trek shows today due its influences regarding moral values between intergalactic conflicts and quests for knowledge/exploration—an ethos that still guides many streams stories related to human discovery beyond our galaxy.
Bringing the Star Trek Universe Closer to Fans: John de Lancie and Jonathan Frakes Join FanFair Signatures
In the ever-expanding universe of Star Trek, the franchise continues to captivate audiences with its diverse range of shows, each resonating in unique ways. From the politically charged narratives of "Deep Space Nine" to the fresh perspectives offered by "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," the series has something for everyone. The Rotten Tomatoes ratings reflect this broad appeal, with shows like "The Next Generation" and "The Original Series" still holding strong alongside newer entries.
It's this enduring popularity that makes the recent addition of John de Lancie and Jonathan Frakes to FanFair Signatures so exciting. Known for their iconic roles as Q and Commander William Riker, respectively, in various Star Trek series, these actors have left an indelible mark on the franchise. Their presence on FanFair offers fans a unique opportunity to own personalized, virtually autographed art prints, bridging the gap between the Star Trek universe and its global fan base.
For the Avid Sports Fan, Celebrity Enthusiast, or Gift Buyer personas that make up FanFair's customer base, this is a golden opportunity. Whether you're a long-time Trekkie who values authenticity and exclusivity or someone looking to gift a one-of-a-kind keepsake, FanFair's new offerings are a perfect match. With the assurance of 100% authenticated signatures and the convenience of on-demand ordering, fans can now bring a piece of the Star Trek universe into their own homes.
In conclusion, the high ratings of Star Trek shows on Rotten Tomatoes are a testament to the franchise's lasting impact—a legacy that FanFair Signatures is now a part of. With John de Lancie and Jonathan Frakes on board, FanFair is not just offering autographs; it's offering a piece of cultural history, personalized for each fan.