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Every Star Trek TV Series Ranked

We're ranking all the Star Trek TV series, from The Original Series to Strange New Worlds and beyond!

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Since its debut in 1966, Star Trek has boldly gone to nearly every cultural aspect of modern life. The franchise has included 13 feature films with various crews, numerous board and video games, hundreds of action figures, commemorative plates — you name it, and there’s probably a version with a Starfleet logo on it. 

But despite all this exploration into other media and fields, Star Trek remains best on television. And after a long drought, the franchise is finally thriving again in its original medium, despite the bumbling of its parent company Paramount. Even with Picard done and Discovery entering its fifth and final season, multiple series are still in production, including the acclaimed Strange New Worlds . 

But as the greatest Trek theme song reminds us, it’s been a long road getting from there to here. The Original Series was canceled after a budget-strapped third season in 1969 and only built its following in syndication. Star Trek: The Next Generation overcame its rocky start to launch a renaissance that lasted throughout the 90s, but the cancelation of Enterprise led to 13 years without a new Trek show on TV. 

With all of that behind us, and in the midst of a second Star Trek renaissance, it’s time to look back at the best and worst that the franchise has to offer. 

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12. Enterprise (2001 – 2004)

Enterprise will always be known as the series that ended the first Star Trek renaissance. What began with The Motion Picture and peaked with multiple excellent television series finally fizzled out with a lackluster series that too often felt perfunctory. 

The series certainly had the right idea in mind. Instead of continuing the storyline set out by The Next Generation or revisiting the Kirk era, Enterprise went back to the beginning, showing the rough early days of humanity’s warp-capable exploration and the establishment of the Federation. 

Despite those noble intentions, Enterprise mostly floundered, starting with its cast. Trip Tucker made for a fun swashbuckling hero from the beginning, John Billingsley brought a delightful weirdness to his alien Doctor Phlox , and Jolene Blalock brought depths of nuance to the oft-underdressed Vulcan T’Pol, but the rest of the crew got either underutilized or used poorly. The incredibly likable Scott Bakula struggled to get a handle on Captain Archer, Linda Park’s Hoshi Sato got less to do than TOS Uhura, and Travis Mayweather had no qualities beyond being born in space. 

However, Enterprise did eventually become a worthy Trek series. The Temporal Cold War gave the NX-01 more immediate relevance to other entries and the Xindi Civil War allowed the series to tackle questions raised by its post-9/11 present. However, even these advancements got overshadowed, partially by Ronald D. Moore leaving Trek to make the morally complex competitor Battlestar Galactica and by the producer’s decision to end the series by foregrounding Riker on the holodeck. In the end, Enterprise ’s time never came. 

11. The Animated Series (1973 – 1974)

We don’t know what it was like to watch The Animated Series during its original run, but it must have been magical. A beloved series, seemingly gone forever, gets one more crack. While the cheap TV animation of the 1970s must have been a disappointment to even the show’s first viewers, and surely some lamented the loss of Walter Koenig’s Chekov , who was cut from the show for budget reasons (a script written by Koenig was used for the episode “The Infinite Vulcan”), most would take more Trek in any form available. 

And to be sure, TAS was a worthy continuation of the original series. William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley and their co-stars proved to be able voice actors, breathing life into decidedly more static representations of their characters. Even better, the series benefited from scripts by some of the best sci-fi writers of the era, including the ever-reliable D.C. Fontana and Ringworld creator Larry Niven. 

To be sure, some of the novelty of TAS has worn off. Star Trek has proven to be a reliable franchise, and fans no longer have to be satisfied with the scraps that the studio tosses them. Even the best animated episodes feel diminished by their medium; less a second chance for the Enterprise crew and more a lesser version of the franchise we’ve come to love. 

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10. Short Treks (2019 – 2020)

Short Treks is exactly what it sounds like: 8-15 minute short movies set in various parts of the Star Trek universe. This small-scale approach means that it’s easy to forgive the Short Treks entries that go awry, and some certainly have. The series closer “Children of Mars” feels like an after-school special with slick music video aesthetics, made all the worse by the fact that it’s a lead-in to Picard season one, perhaps the worst season of Trek ever. The great composer Michael Giacchino finds some delightful turns in the Pixar -inspired “Ephriam and Dot,” but it’s a tonal disaster that makes the Discovery crew look like monsters. 

Fortunately, most of Short Treks ’ ten episodes are pretty great. “Calypso” takes a horror turn with Aldis Hodge playing a crewman alone on a haunted ship. The hilarious “The Trouble with Edward” stars H. Jon Benjamin as an insecure scientist whose arrogance gives tribbles their mass reproduction abilities. And “Q&A” foregrounds the wonderful Strange New Worlds , as Spock and Number One bond over show tunes while stuck in a turbo lift. 

Unfortunately, the inessential nature of Short Treks cuts against these stronger entries as well. Buried someplace on the Paramount+ app, Short Treks rarely have strong relevance to mainstream stories, and thus can be easily ignored, the good and the bad. 

9. Picard (2020 – 2023)

Picard ended with a miracle season, a perfect mixture of fan service and proper character development. Deftly helmed by showrunner Terry Matalas , Picard season three caught up with the beloved Captain and his crew twenty years later to find them grown older and different, not just stuck in their old routines. Combined with exciting newcomers, especially the stick-in-the-mud Captain Liam Shaw , Picard season three whet viewers’ appetites for more adventures, hopefully in a series called Star Trek: Legacy . 

Notice how I keep specifying “ Picard season three”? Because up until that season, Picard was an absolute disaster, the worst that the franchise ever put on screen. To be fair, it’s easy to understand Patrick Stewart’s trepidation at bringing back the old crew , worrying that the show would be a sad rehash of thirty-year-old stories. But in trying to avoid easy nostalgia, the first two seasons of Picard seemed to hate the very franchise it continued. The first season featured the brutal on-screen dismemberment of Icheb, a domesticated Riker with a pizza oven, and Starfleet officers decrying the “pure fucking hubris” of Picard. Season two was even worse, with its ‘Q has dementia’ plotline and a misguided approach to the Borg Queen. 

Fortunately, the Captain eventually righted the ship and gave us the story we wanted. Notably, the third season didn’t achieve success by avoiding darker moments. Picard has painful confrontations with Ro Laren and Beverly Crusher, the loss of a child threatens to tear apart Riker and Troi, and Worf straight-up beheads a dude. But all of these unpleasant notes come from a place of respect for the characters, building on what came before instead of destroying it for shock value. 

8. Lower Decks (2020 – Present)

There’s a unique joy to watching the Star Trek animated series Lower Decks , something akin to getting back together with old friends. Created by one-time Rick and Morty showrunner Mike McMahan, Lower Decks follows a quartet of ensigns on the USS Cerritos, a Starfleet ship tasked with mundane missions. With lower stakes, the characters have more downtime, allowing them to debate the merits of TNG ’s Rambo riff Roga Danor or play a Klingon DVD game hosted by Martok (voiced again by J. G. Hertzler). In these moments, Trekkies can’t help but chuckle with recognition. How is it that anyone else in the world laughs about these arcane parts of Trek lore? 

But at the same time, Lower Decks can get somewhat exhausting. The jokes come fast and furious, as leads Tawny Newsome, Jack Quaid , Eugene Cordero, and Noël Wells sometimes shout their lines (a fact referenced in the recent crossover with Strange New Worlds ). And at times, the multitudinous in-jokes can become the point of the episode, banking way too much investment in the humor of a Tom Paris commemorative plate. 

However, Lower Decks has also proven itself to be capable of genuine character exploration. Over the course of the series, Newsome’s Beckett Mariner has revealed herself not to be a too-cool-for-school rebel from an 80s “slobs vs snobs” comedy, but an incredibly capable future officer whose difficult relationship with her mother drives her to self-sabotage. Wells’s Tendi fights against stereotypes about Orion pirates and sex slaves to establish herself as a good-hearted scientist. In these moments, LD finds its jokes in character motivations, not just in winking references. 

7. Prodigy (2021)

We really hate putting Prodigy so low. As a children’s animated series with ties to the still-underrated Voyager , it’s easy to see why so many Trekkies have skipped over it. That oversight certainly had something to do with Paramount’s boneheaded decision to remove it from Paramount+, the so-called “Home of Star Trek .” But those who did catch Prodigy , especially with their Trek -agnostic kids, discovered a truly delightful series that captured everything great about the franchise. 

Set deep in the Delta Quadrant, Prodigy follows a group of alien teens , led by Dal R’El (Brett Grey) and Gwyn (Ella Purnell), who escape a prison colony via the abandoned Starfleet craft the USS Protostar. With help from a holographic Captain Janeway , the kids learn to embrace the ideals of the Federation, while also uncovering their connection to the evil overlord the Diviner (John Noble). The kids’ idealism and desperate situation allows them to reaffirm Starfleet’s first principles, even as they encounter adults from the Federation who have forgotten the meaning behind the symbols they wear. 

By making outsiders the focus, Prodigy serves as a perfect entryway into Trek for its younger primary audience. But that doesn’t mean it avoids deep cuts. The main cast counts among its number a Tellurite (voiced by the always hilarious Jason Mantzoukas) and a Medusan (Agnus Imrie). Everyone from Spock and Crusher to Odo and Chakotay have appeared as holograms, and the series even featured the return of one-offs Admiral Jellico and the Outrageous Okona. Through Prodigy , even the most uninitiated Trek fan gets to see the franchise’s goofiest characters and most inspiring ideals. 

6. Discovery (2017 – 2023)

Strangely, Discovery only gets better as other Star Trek series embrace the standard form. When it first launched under the direction of the often wonderful but always idiosyncratic Bryan Fuller , Discovery aggressively separated from and connected to everything that came before. Instead of taking advantage of its likable cast, Disco focused almost entirely on Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), the heretofore unmentioned adopted sister of Spock. Season-long serialized arcs often built to disappointing reveals (all the dilithium in the 32nd century burned because a Kelpian had a temper tantrum?) and nobody asked to watch a topless Klingon woman commit sexual assault. 

But as Strange New Worlds and Lower Decks become more prominent during the second Trek renaissance, Disco ’s oddities can be accepted as the experiments they were meant to be. After all, Fuller intended the series to be an anthology, focusing on different characters and timelines each season. That offbeat spirit remained in the show, even after Fuller left production. As it heads into its fifth and final season, Disco remains committed to taking Trek into new, uncharted territory. 

Nowhere is that more clear than in its most controversial aspect: the crying. Emotion has always been a key part of Star Trek , represented by McCoy in the triumvirate with Kirk and Spock. But with Disco , emotion became a valid form of problem-solving, taking its place beside the franchise’s favored approach, logical thinking. Even if the crying in Discovery doesn’t work for everyone, there’s no denying that it serves the franchise’s core goals by finding new ways of understanding humanity.

5. Voyager (1995 – 2001)

Most Trek series get off on the wrong foot, but few screw things up like Voyager . Despite a fantastic premise, in which Captain Janeway strands her crew in the Delta Quadrant and is forced to work with Maquis dissidents, the series stumbles through some terrible decisions. Not only does it try to push the incredibly stupid and ugly Kazon as the chief enemy race (the way-better Vidiians are right there!), but it also acts like Neelix, who is controlling and petty with his two-year-old girlfriend Kes, is a lovable goof. Even for a Rick Berman-produced show, that’s creepy. 

You do have to get over the fact that the show chooses standalone episodes over serialization, basically killing any larger tension and most character development, but the show quickly makes it easier to forgive that shortcoming by telling some fantastic single episodes. By the time the fantastic Jerry Ryan joins the show in season four as ex-Borg Seven of Nine and the Kazon get left behind, Voyager delivers some all-time great Trek episodes, including “Year of Hell” and “Blink of an Eye.”

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Even better, the series settles into fleshing out its primary characters. Yes, this does mean that some go by the wayside — not just the departed Kes, but also Chakotay becomes a big nothing, Paris and B’Elanna get pushed into the domestic bliss corner, and Kim stays an ensign. But the tensions between Seven of Nine, Janeway, and the Doctor make for a classic Trek trio, allowing the show to explore the nature of humanity while also making the Captain the most adventurous of Starfleet leaders. Plus, Voyager gives us the best Trek kid ever in Naomi Wildman and no we will not hear counterarguments. 

4. Strange New Worlds (2022 – Present)

Aside from TOS , nearly every Trek series has started off with a bad season or two. But that’s not the case with Strange New Worlds , which has not had a single bad episode yet. 

SNW returns to the early days of the USS Enterprise, following the adventures of Kirk’s predecessor Captain Christopher Pike and a crew that includes young Spock and Uhura. What could have been a reactionary retreat to a safe era of Trek , complete with a straight white guy in the captain’s chair, has turned out to be Trek at its best. Anson Mount makes for not only an affable, big brother of a leader as Captain Pike , but he’s also a remarkably generous performer. Time and again, Mount finds new ways of supporting his scene partners, whether it’s playing a baffled straight man when Spock gets overwhelmed by his human side or reassuring his security chief La’an with words of gentle wisdom. 

Thanks to Mount’s ability to share the spotlight, SNW has been able to develop the best ensemble cast of any Trek series, a remarkable feat given its use of well-known characters. Ethan Peck has successfully established his own take on Spock, playing a more emotional version of the character that still feels like someone who will grow up to be Leonard Nimoy . Celia Rose Gooding plays Uhura as an incredibly talented Ensign who doesn’t yet know that she’ll become the legendary Starfleet comms officer. Babs Olusanmokun, Jess Bush, and Rebecca Romijn fully round out characters barely glimpsed in TOS .  

With this outstanding cast and crew, SNW puts a modern sheen on TOS themes and even episodes, without diverging too hard from what came before. Case in point: the season one finale “ A Qu a lity of Mercy ,” which revisits the classic episode “Balance of Terror” in an alternate reality. It’s our love for Pike and other characters that makes us want them to sacrifice a better life in order to restore the original timeline, even if it means Pike must accept his fiery fate. 

3. Star Trek (1966 – 1969)

Newcomers to the franchise sometimes struggle with the original series, finding it hopelessly dated. TOS does definitely embrace the aesthetics of its time, with its miniskirt uniforms, technicolor background lighting, and, yes, space hippies. But like The Twilight Zone , its closest counterpart of the era, both in terms of themes and influence, Star Trek used its outlandish premise to speak to the heart of the human condition. 

At this point, it’s easy to make jokes about William Shatner ’s idiosyncratic delivery, but there’s no denying how well it works for Captain Kirk. Every pregnant pause, every sparkle in his key-lit eyes reveals a genuine love for exploration. When combined with the logical Spock and the irascible McCoy, Star Trek establishes a perfect formula for spacefaring television adventures. Even as they encounter low-budget baddies like the costume-shop Gorn or the blocky supercomputer Landru, Kirk and Co. remain focused on the human element. 

Thanks to this approach, TOS perfected the sci-fi tension between high-concept ideas and terrestrial concerns. Gene Roddenberry and writers such as D.C. Fonatana and Gene L. Coon got to grapple with issues such as racism and the Vietnam War with stories about Klingons and Romulans. As rich and fantastic as TOS got, it never lost the humans at the center, making it ripe for continuing adventures and spin-offs.  

2. The Next Generation (1987 – 1994)

Patrick Stewart didn’t empty his suitcase. That’s how certain he was in the failure of Star Trek: The Next Generation . Stepping in for the hammy masculinity of the established Captain Kirk, the patrician, thoughtful (and bald) Jean-Luc Picard seemed like an ill-fit for the franchise, even with the more traditionally heroic Will Riker in tow. And for the first two seasons, Stewart seemed to be correct, especially when Roddenberry and others tried to restrict the TNG cast to TOS -style stories. 

But by the time it hit its third season, TNG perfected the Star Trek formula, embracing what was so great about TOS while also emphasizing its most underutilized asset, the ensemble cast. Instead of putting Picard at the center of a trio, which initially included Data and LaForge, the Captain became the imperfect parent of a family filled with interesting personalities. Debates about morality and philosophy occurred around a table in the ready room, where several voices chimed in on important issues. 

This isn’t to say that TNG didn’t grapple with big ideas like its predecessor. “The Measure of a Man” raised questions about the dignity of life, “ Chain of Command ” looked at the cost of war, and “Ensign Ro” considered the morality of resistance. It’s just that all of these episodes came from a place of love and investment in the characters. We tuned in every week not just to seek out new life and new civilizations, but to spend more time with interesting characters whom we loved, making even the most outlandish adventure feel as comfortable as a poker game with old friends. 

1. Deep Space Nine (1993 – 1999)

What initially seemed like too far a departure from the Star Trek formula has now become the standard hipster answer for ‘best Trek ’. But, you know, Deep Space Nine is the best Trek !

DS9 veered from its predecessors in several important ways. Instead of focusing on a space-faring Enterprise, it remained on the titular space station (although the addition of the Defiant in season three allowed the show to indulge in standard “ship and crew” storylines). It dealt directly with religion, thanks to its engagement with the Bajoran prophets who chose Commander Sisko as their Emissary. And it took a notably darker tone as the space station shifted from the outpost at the edge of Federation space to the frontline of the massive Dominion War. 

Despite these diversions, DS9 combined the best of the two previous series. Like TNG , DS9 boasted an excellent cast of interesting characters. As Benjamin Sisko , Avery Brooks played the best dad in television history, a grieving widower whose ideals often put him at odds with his Starfleet superiors. Armin Shimerman , Aron Eisenberg, and Max Grodénchik singlehandedly redeem the Ferengi, turning them from annoying and ugly enemy aliens to complex creatures with their own morality. And Nana Visitor’s Kira Nerys found layers of nuance in her Bajoran freedom fighter forced to work with the Federation. 

With these complex characters in place, DS9 told some of the most complex and compelling stories in Trek history, episodes that both challenged and upheld the franchise’s core utopian ideals. “In the Pale Moonlight” found Sisko bending his principles to force a treaty with the Romulans and “Far Beyond the Stars” reaffirmed the importance of science fiction. The show even made space for some of the best comedic episodes in Trek history, such as the baseball romp “Take Me Out to the Holosuite” and the 30th-anniversary special “Trials and Tribble-ations.” Deep Space Nine showed Trek at its most humane, ambitious, complex, and idealistic, making it the best show in the franchise. 

Joe George | @jageorgeii

Joe George’s writing has appeared at Slate, Polygon, Tor.com, and elsewhere!

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The best Star Trek series, ranked

Ready to settle in and watch some Star Trek episodes? Since there are so many, we’ve ranked all of the different series to help you get started on your quest.

Star Trek is one of the greatest franchises ever created. If you're new to the world of transporters and holodecks, you have so much wonderful content to catch up on — of course, some would say too much content.

Since there are over 850 episodes and counting (all of which you can stream on Paramount+ ), watching all of Star Trek can be more difficult than fighting a Gorn in the desert. To make things easier for you to get started, we've ranked every series (besides the short-form series Short Treks ) of this long-running franchise. Some of these choices were a bit daunting to play favorites with, but, like Jim Kirk, there's no belief in the no-win scenario.

Without further ado, here's our list of every Star Trek series ranked from worst to best.

11. Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

Star Trek: Picard was meant to be like comfort food to fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation . And whether fans were turned off by the changes in franchise direction with shows like Discovery or just wanted to see Patrick Stewart back in action, Paramount clearly thought this show would be almost universally beloved.

That didn't happen . The warm and fuzzy feeling of seeing a few familiar faces in the first season evaporated because of an often-confusing plot about androids. The second season continued this confusion with a time-travel story that often bordered on incoherence. While many Star Trek shows take a few seasons to hit their stride, it was shocking that so much of this relatively short series was seemingly created with "make it so-so" in mind.

10. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1974)

If you're in the right mood (or you've been sipping on some Saurian brandy), Star Trek: The Animated Series has some wacky entertainment value. Any given episode had the writers throwing in stories like a giant version of a beloved character. And the animators threw some fun curveballs, including making the embodiment of evil into a shirtless hottie that would make even shirtless Kirk jealous.

However, this animated show was often caught between two very different worlds. It wasn't fully a return to the (relatively) grounded exploration of space, science, and morality of The Original Series . And it didn't fully lean into the chaotic possibilities of a cartoon world (something Lower Decks would later handle much better). So, while more and more elements of The Animated Series have become canonical thanks to shows like Discovery , and it's fun to hear the voice acting of the Original Series cast, this cartoon is one that all but the most hardcore fans can skip.

9. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005)

Despite what you might have heard, Star Trek: Enterprise is not a bad show. It just didn't start as a very good show. The series was tragically canceled after the fourth season, which was arguably when it had just begun to hit its stride (thanks in part to longer story arcs and a really fun glimpse into Trek 's popular Mirror Universe).

At the end of the day, Enterprise is a show best enjoyed by Star Trek fans that like to pore over the Memory Alpha wiki and familiarize themselves with Trek minutiae. As a prequel show, it laid the groundwork for everything from Starfleet policy to alien interactions that other shows explore in more detail. If you don't have a shot at winning any Star Trek trivia contests at your local bar, it's still worth watching how captivating Scott Bakula can be in the captain's seat.

8. Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–present)

Star Trek: Prodigy was very difficult to rank. Unlike the other two Trek cartoons, this series was explicitly designed for younger audiences. Paramount clearly wants to use this show as a gateway for these younger fans to explore the wider world of Star Trek , but there are enough elements (most notably the return of Kate Mulgrew , reprising her role as Captain Janeway via a holographic form) to keep veteran franchise fans invested.

Ultimately, your enjoyment of this series will be largely dependent on how much you enjoy animated/YA entertainment. If nothing else, you should check out the first two episodes of this show to see just how beautiful the CGI animation can get.

7. Star Trek: Discovery (2017–present)

If Enterprise is the Star Trek show cut off too soon, Discovery may very well be the first Star Trek show to outlive its welcome, though it will end after its fifth season . There are many things the show gets right, from nifty effects to quirky characters to amazing casting (seriously, Sonequa Martin-Green is electrifying whenever she is on screen).

The show veers from a disjointed-but-interesting first season to a mesmerizing second season, which gets a real shot in the arm by introducing Captain Pike (played by the inimitably charming Anson Mount ) and Spock (played as a perfect homage to Leonard Nimoy by Ethan Peck). Later seasons, however, prove that the series can't get away from galactic-level threats, and character drama begins overriding plot development enough that we want to slingshot around the sun and return this series to its earlier roots.

6. Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001)

Like many Trek series, Star Trek: Voyager had a rocky beginning, and it was often overshadowed by the excellent Deep Space Nine . Ironically, Voyager dramatically improved with what could be a cynical casting stunt: adding the alluring Jeri Ryan (constantly wearing a catsuit, no less).

Though it really looked like a desperate ratings stunt, Ryan turned the reformed Borg Seven of Nine into the most interesting character on the show. And, despite their alleged clashes behind the scenes, the actress helped to elevate every scene she shared with Kate Mulgrew. Between the new cast member, improved writing, and Mulgrew being nothing short of a damned icon, Voyager soon became appointment television, and it's definitely worth binge-watching for modern audiences.

5. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–present)

Lower Decks is an impressive show for many reasons, including the fact that its execution elevates its initial premise, which focuses on the lives of the lower-level staffers aboard the starship. Because showrunner Mike McMahan previously wrote for Rick and Morty and the animation takes its cues from the cartoon adventures of Rick Sanchez, many fans may have assumed Lower Decks would simply be " Star Trek meets Rick and Morty ."

Thankfully, that's not the case. Aside from animation similarities, the main element these two cartoons have in common is a breakneck, borderline chaotic pace. But as entertaining as it can be, Rick and Morty is an often nihilistic show with gags revolving around how nothing really matters. Lower Decks , however, is a lighthearted series that serves as the cure to modern Trek . If you've dismissed other contemporary series such as Discovery and Picard because they are grim, violent, and serious, Lower Decks is a wonderfully lighthearted alternative that is never afraid to poke fun at its own franchise.

4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022–present)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a truly pleasant surprise to fans of the franchise. Set years before Captain Kirk sat in that famous chair, we see Capt. Christopher Pike (Anson Mount reprising the role) lead the U.S.S. Enterprise into bizarre adventures alongside some familiar characters (Ethan Peck returning as Spock, for example) and a few new ones.

Part of what helps this show shine is that it marks a return to episodic Trek in that every installment is a self-contained adventure as opposed to other newer series like Discovery and Picard , which build entire seasons around a single plot. The characters all ooze with the same swashbuckling charm of The Original Series characters, and we can't wait to see more of their adventures. We also can't wait to see more of Anson Mount's amazing hair (arguably the most awesome practical effect in the franchise).

3. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)

Star Trek: The Next Generation has the dubious honor of being the first Trek show where veteran fans warn against new fans starting at the very beginning. Early episodes ranged from stupidly horny (planetary inhabitants in the episode "Justice" were barely wearing scraps of clothing) to ridiculously racist ("Code of Honor" may very well be the worst Star Trek episode ever made). Many of these problems stemmed from the fact that despite being called "The Next Generation," the show was trying to recreate The Original Series (right down to using some of the same writers and shamelessly reusing scripts from the scrapped Star Trek: Phase II series).

As fans like to joke, the show got better as Commander Riker's beard got longer. Season 2 was a major improvement, which was then usurped by season 3, which brought in new uniforms, new sets, and Michael Piller to head up the writing team. Just like that, TNG embraced its differences from its famous forerunner (Picard was cerebral whereas Kirk was impulsive, Data yearned for emotion whereas Spock detested it, and so on). At last, the gamble paid off, and the next generation of this franchise ushered in the next generation of Star Trek fans.

2. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969)

What can we say about The Original Series that hasn't been said already? Gene Roddenberry successfully fused science fiction with American pioneer spirit to create his vision of this " Wagon Train to the stars." The episodes were both fun and thought-provoking in equal measure, and William Shatner as Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, among many others, turned in performances that seared themselves into our collective pop culture consciousness.

The Original Series offered social commentary about racism, imperialism, and (often to Spock's annoyance) the human condition. And the blend of big acting, ambitious sets, and poignant plots helped this show become something truly transcendent. The OG Star Trek shaped not only the future of the franchise but television itself, and it's not hard to see why it continues to win over new generations of fans year after year.

1. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)

Placing Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the top spot is perhaps a contentious decision. However, this series did more than measure up to the quality of The Next Generation (a lofty feat in and of itself). The show also made a number of storytelling and production choices that have helped DS9 seem more relevant in recent years than ever before, including tackling issues about race, religious fundamentalism, and war on a regular basis.

Perhaps the main way DS9 feels so pertinent is that the show broke the longstanding Trek rule of making only standalone episodes. As the powers that be focused more on creating their next show, Voyager , DS9 showrunner Ira Steven Behr was able to get away with creating long story arcs and frequent episode callbacks. The end result of this is that Deep Space Nine is the first of the pre-streaming era Trek shows that is perfect for binge-watching.

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Every Star Trek series ranked from worst to best

We've ranked every Star Trek series from worst to best, looking the complete history of Gene Roddenberry's iconic franchise on the small screen and streaming.

James Osborne

Published: Sep 7, 2023

What is the best Star Trek series? With a long history and so many series, Star Trek is in the top two most recognizable science fiction franchises in the world. It has a legendary history dating back to the mid-’60s, and well over half a century later, the Star Trek series are still going strong.

Star Trek ‘s long history means that alongside 13 Star Trek movies and countless comics, graphic novels, and books, the number of Star Trek series is already in the double digits. On top of that, there are almost 900 episodes across the Star Trek timeline , and that number is set to hit the thousands in the not-too-distant future as the best sci-fi series franchise expands.

Not all Star Trek series are born equal, though. It combines some of the best TV series of all time with some that are just OK (or, worse). With such a vast amount of content, it’s inevitable that there’s a spectrum of quality. So, we’re here to help you sort the good from the less good, with a ranking of the Star Trek series , from worst to best.

10. Star Trek: Picard

Continuing the adventures of the retired Admiral Picard should have been a sure-fire formula for success; an easy win. It could have been the conclusion to the story of one of the most cherished characters of all time, making up for the dour ending of Nemesis. How hard could it be?

Well, very hard, apparently. Star Trek Picard has been a depressing, frustrating end to Jean-Luc Picard’s story. Enterprise, at least, had a cracking theme tune. Picard’s own theme tune in the first two seasons is meandering, unengaging, and thinks it’s more interesting than it really is. That’s the perfect summary of those first two seasons, really.

Picard season 1 was messy, to say the least, but that mess was nothing compared to the utter chaos of season 2, which tried to juggle a ridiculous amount of plot threads while floundering around to find something, anything , interesting.

In seeming acknowledgment of its own failure, the cast that the series had put together for the first two seasons were jettisoned in favor of a full-on  Star Trek The Next Generation cast  reunion (something the series had initially promised it wouldn’t be) for Star Trek: Picard season 3 .

Season 3 is undoubtedly an improvement: it tells a coherent story and has lots of great moments. But a predictable twist (the Borg are the villains, again) meant that it could never really make up for those first two seasons.

9. Enterprise

Enterprise was dealt a bad hand because it came at a time when Star Trek was running out of steam, and the fact that it was a prequel didn’t help either. The series is burdened with a bland crew, and out of all the Star Trek captains , Captain Archer is the most… dry.

The attempts at an overarching plot around the formation of the Federation are some of the more interesting parts of the series, but they’re too often drowned out by an erroneous side-quest or a string of bad episodes. Of course, every Star Trek series had bad episodes. TNG’s first season is full of them. However, even the worst episodes of Voyager, TNG, or TOS have a certain charm, and if there’s one thing that Enterprise lacks, it’s charm.

Amid all that, Enterprise has some good moments, but they’re few and far between. When it’s all said and done, there’s the lingering feeling that Enterprise was destined to fail, more or less, from the start.

8. Star Trek: Discovery

There is lots to like about Star Trek: Discovery . It’s got a wonderful, diverse cast of actors; it’s been bold with some of its more recent plot developments; and there’s the ever-excellent Star Trek character Saru. More than anything, its heart seems to be in the right place.

But it’s also got plenty of flaws. Because the series is so dedicated to serialization, a bad storyline can last for an entire season. Season 2, for example, was particularly bad. It descended too easily into huge action set-pieces, and it has been guilty of relying too frequently on melodramatic emotional crescendos. These have been used to mask weak plotting, and the Red Angel storyline is an example of how messy the series can be.

Still, if you can get past that and adjust to its different take on Star Trek, you’ll see that the series has been improving and has begun to really find its feet. Hopefully, those improvements can continue as it reaches its end with season 5.

7. Star Trek: Prodigy

Star Trek: Prodigy is Star Trek’s first real attempt to enthuse a younger audience. It’s a fun, fast-paced, adventure series with plenty going on to keep young eyes entertained.

But just because it’s aimed at children and adolescents doesn’t mean that there isn’t plenty for older audiences to enjoy too. The animation style is something completely new, and the series does a great job of bringing together a varied cast of young alien characters – something Star Trek generally doesn’t do enough of. It’s also notable for the return of Captain Janeway, voiced by Kate Mulgrew, and it’s a large cameo role done right.

The series hasn’t had long enough to fully embed itself, though, but there’s plenty of potential for upward growth as it continues with season 2.

6. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

The first two seasons of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds have been impressive, tapping into that hard-to-define Star Trek-ness while still appealing to modern tastes.

Anson Mount’s Captain Pike is magnetic and unquestionably charismatic, and Ethan Peck’s rendition of Spock is increasingly delightful. Much of the supporting cast is a lot of fun, too, and it’s that sense of fun that keeps the series coasting along, even in weaker moments.

There have been flops, of course, but season 2 especially features a number of the best Star Trek episodes of recent decades (I’m looking at you, Lower Decks crossover). The characters have mostly been rounded out, and now have added depth. Season 2 still has some episodes that don’t land, but that’s just Star Trek.

5. Star Trek: Voyager

Following on from TNG and DS9, Voyager had a tough job. The first three seasons are rocky, and while there are excellent moments, a lot of the series can be hit or miss. The series picks up markedly after season four when Seven of Nine becomes the main selling point. Her character’s relationship with Captain Janeway and the EMH is hugely compelling as she looks to regain her humanity after assimilation by the Borg.

Robert Picardo’s EMH is genuinely hilarious, with his snark and disdain perfectly balanced out by his desire to exceed his nature as a hologram. Equally, Tuvok is the first Vulcan to play a major role in a Star Trek series since Spock , and he does do wonderfully as Captain Janeway’s closest confidant.

But none of this can change the fact that the series just doesn’t live up to its premise. It promised to be a series about a Starfleet vessel stranded in the depths of space. Instead, it ditches that at every possible opportunity in favor of the typical Star Trek formula. It reverts far too quickly to the TNG way of doing things, but it only rarely manages to reach the same levels.

That does seriously limit the series’ quality, and unlike other, better Star Trek series, a lot of Voyager’s crew is pretty bland. Commander Chakotay, Lieutenant Paris, Ensign Kim, Kes, and Neelix are all either underdeveloped or one-dimensional from the start.

But, make no mistake: Voyager might be the weakest of the three golden era shows, but we still love it, and it was always capable of complete brilliance. And, whisper it, it even has the greatest Star Trek opening theme of all time.

4. Star Trek: Lower Decks

It’s becoming a bit of a pattern now, but Star Trek: Lower Decks had an iffy start. A lot of the jokes just weren’t that funny, and it seemed too hesitant to engage with its sci-fi roots. But, as the animated series has begun to take its own premise more seriously, and as its characters have really developed, it has come into its own as one of the best Star Trek series in decades.

Lower Decks is a comedy series first and foremost, and seasons 2,3, and 4 have developed to humor to a point where it’s no longer just reliant on loud voices, obvious visual gags, and references. Beyond the laughs, the series has plenty of moments where it steps away from outright comedy, and the plotline with the Pakleds has highlighted the drama that the series is also capable of.

Because of the simple character design and animation, people often miss the fact that the series is also a visual delight. The Cerritos and the other ships that come in and out of the series all look gorgeous, as do the action sequences in space. Just check out the opening credits if you need any further proof.

3. Star Trek: The Original Series

It’s too easy to forget that Star Trek’s original series isn’t just notable as the first Star Trek series but is also excellent in its own right. The trifecta of Kirk, Spock, and Bones might be the best core cast of any Star Trek series. No other Star Trek series has managed to create such a strong trio with such instantly perfect personal dynamics.

The series has some standout entries that rank among the greatest sci-fi series episodes of all time, and it paved the way for everything that has come since. Undoubtedly, TOS is one of the most significant series in the history of the entire science fiction genre.

However, unlike other Star Trek series, TOS hasn’t aged particularly well. The series is aesthetically very dated (though, the lighting is gorgeous), much of the pacing and dialogue feel like slow-motion, and the action scenes are laughably quaint.

None of that’s surprising, given that the series started when Lyndon B. Johnson was the US president, but it does mean that it is potentially less accessible for modern audiences and more difficult to get into. If you can get past that initial barrier, TOS will reward you.

2. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Deep Space Nine the Star Trek formula from TNG and tweaks it, asking: what if the characters can’t run away from the problems they’ve created? What if they’re stuck in one place, and have to deal with the consequences of their actions? It couldn’t be further from the cozy comfort of TNG’s Enterprise-D.

Like most Star Trek series, it vastly improves as it’s given more time to mature. The characters are the most complex in all of Star Trek, and as you get to know them, they feel more real. The Dominion War arc is the start of Star Trek’s foray into serialized storytelling, and it’s done expertly. DS9 is unlike any other series of Star Trek, and if you’re looking for grit, moral complexity, and some of TV’s best-ever villains, then DS9 is the Star Trek series for you.

1. Star Trek: The Next Generation

Just as the list began with Jean-Luc Picard, it ends with Jean-Luc Picard. Star Trek: The Next Generation is more than just everything a Star Trek series can be: it’s everything science fiction can be.

The sci-fi series is a cocktail of action, calm, adventure, and introspection. Not every story has a happy ending, but it’s all the better for it. Because while TNG is supremely optimistic about humanity’s potential, it’s also realistic about our flaws. Unlike other, older Star Trek series, TNG has been remastered, so it remains a visual delight, too.

Its core cast is perfectly balanced, and it manages to blend personal storytelling with huge, sweeping science-fiction stories. Seasons 1 and 2 have their moments, but the long stretch of episodes between seasons 3 and 6 is practically flawless. And, while it’s evident that the series was starting to run out of steam in its final season 7, the finale remains one of the best TV series finales of all time. Endlessly rewatchable, TNG is the magnum opus of Star Trek, never to be exceeded.

That’s it on our ranking of the Star Trek series. Still, Trek’s far from over, and there are plenty of new films and shows on the way which may yet shake up this list. For more on the future of Trek, check out our guides to the  Strange New Worlds season 3 release date , the Section 31 release date , the Star Trek 4 release date , the Starfleet Academy release date , and a guide speculating about the Star Trek Legacy release date .

You can also see our picks for the best Star Trek characters and best Star Trek captains , or see why we don’t care that Strange New Worlds broke canon , and how Star Trek: First Contact was inspired by Patrick Stewart’s favorite TNG episode .

James Osborne After graduating from the University of York with a degree in archaeology (inspired by Captain Picard), James worked with the news team at Screen Rant while contributing features to Vulture, The AV Club, Digital Spy, FANDOM, and the official Star Trek website. Now, he writes about all things sci-fi and fantasy at The Digital Fix with an 'Enterprise-D ambiance' playlist on loop. He's a seasoned expert on all things Star Trek , Lord of the Rings , Star Wars , and Yellowstone , and is more than willing to share his hot takes on TNG which he believes is the greatest series ever made.

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The Best '90s Sci-Fi TV Shows, Ranked

These are the best 1990s sci-fi shows, ranked from best to worst by user votes. Some good '90s sci-fi series are set centuries in the future, while other great 1990s sci-fi programs take place in the far reaches of outer space. A few of the most popular 1990s science fiction shows have been re-imagined in films.

What programs are featured on this best 1990s sci-fi shows list? Since premiering in 1993, The X-Files kept viewers on the edge of their seats as agents Mulder and Scully discovered that “The truth is out there.” This great '90s science fiction show was so popular that new episodes were created in 2016, long after it ended in 2002. Stargate SG-1 was another good sci-fi series that aired on television in the 1990s.

When an alien expedition landed on earth in 3rd Rock from the Sun , viewers discovered lots of laughs. Other great programs that appear on this top 1990s sci-fi shows list include Profiler , Sliders and Star Trek: The Next Generation .

What are the best 1990s sci-fi TV shows? Did the sci-fi series you think were the best make this list? Vote up the '90s sci-fi shows you think are the best of the decade.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Continuing the legacy of Gene Roddenberry's iconic original series, Star Trek: The Next Generation became an instant classic with its exploration of social issues, technological advancements, and uncharted territories of space. Set in the 24th century, the show followed the adventures of the USS Enterprise-D and its diverse crew, led by the charismatic Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The series delved into a multitude of imaginative storylines, such as the existence of androids, alternate realities, and the ethical implications of advanced technology, that captivated its audience and provoked philosophical discussions. The Next Generation expertly carried the torch of its predecessor while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of science fiction television.

Is Star Trek: The Next Ge... Worth Your Time?

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• And Deeper... Longest Running Sci-Fi TV Shows
• # 3 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time

The X-Files

The X-Files , a groundbreaking series from the '90s, masterfully combined elements of science fiction, supernatural phenomena, and conspiracy theories to create a genuinely thrilling and thought-provoking experience for its viewers. With a dynamic duo of FBI agents, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, the show explored bizarre cases involving extraterrestrial encounters, advanced technology, and cryptic government cover-ups. The engrossing storytelling, which utilized both episodic and serialized narratives, helped to broaden the scope of science fiction on television. Moreover, the complex character development and chemistry between the leads further solidified The X-Files as a standout example of 1990s sci-fi television.

Is The X-Files Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... Every X-Files Episode, Ranked Best to Worst
• # 6 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time

Stargate SG-1

Expanding upon the premise of the 1994 film, Stargate , this captivating series introduced viewers to the secret military organization known as the Stargate Command, whose members traverse the galaxy through ancient wormhole technology. Stargate SG-1 expertly blended elements of Egyptian mythology, advanced alien technology, and military drama, creating a unique and engaging sci-fi experience. The series drew viewers in with its compelling characters, including the intelligent archaeologist Dr. Daniel Jackson and the resourceful military expert Colonel Jack O'Neill, who often found themselves entangled in complex interstellar politics and battles. Showcasing a rich and well-developed mythology, Stargate SG-1 remains a defining example of '90s science fiction TV.

Is Stargate SG-1 Worth Your Time?

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• # 62 of 144 on The Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
• # 63 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

A unique and innovative addition to the sci-fi genre, Farscape took viewers on a wild ride through uncharted territories of space as it followed astronaut John Crichton, who finds himself stranded aboard a living spaceship filled with alien outlaws. The series showcased inventive storytelling and a diverse cast of characters, including animatronics and puppetry from the legendary Jim Henson Company, to create a visually stunning and emotionally captivating experience for its audience. In addition to its technological advancements and spacefaring adventures, Farscape delved into themes of cultural identity, prejudice, and personal growth, providing depth and nuance to its unconventional narrative. This imaginative series remains a standout example of 1990s sci-fi television, leaving an indelible mark on the genre.

Is Farscape Worth Your Time?

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• # 274 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Set on a remote space station near a coveted wormhole, Deep Space Nine defied the traditional Star Trek formula, exchanging exploration for interpersonal conflict and political intrigue. The series delved into deep moral and ethical issues, such as the nature of war, the consequences of oppression, and the complexity of religious faith, showcasing the versatility of the science fiction genre. With its darker tone, serialized storytelling, and rich character development, Deep Space Nine presented viewers with a more complex and mature take on the Star Trek universe. This daring departure from the franchise's norms solidified its status as an unforgettable and groundbreaking sci-fi series of the '90s.

Is Star Trek: Deep Space ... Worth Your Time?

• # 10 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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Star Trek: Voyager

Breaking new ground in the Star Trek universe, Voyager introduced fans to the franchise's first female captain, Kathryn Janeway, and her diverse crew aboard the USS Voyager, stranded in the uncharted Delta Quadrant. The series excelled in incorporating cutting-edge technology, such as the Emergency Medical Hologram and bio-neural circuitry, alongside engaging storylines involving time travel, alternate dimensions, and advanced alien species. Voyager also explored themes of social and political issues, such as gender equality, environmentalism, and cultural assimilation, while boldly going where no Star Trek series had gone before. By taking risks and challenging conventions, Star Trek: Voyager solidified its status as a pivotal sci-fi series of the '90s.

Is Star Trek: Voyager Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... The Best Star Trek: Voyager Episodes
• # 82 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years

Quantum Leap

Innovative in its time-travel premise, Quantum Leap starred Scott Bakula as Dr. Sam Beckett, a scientist who becomes trapped in a time loop, "leaping" into the lives of various individuals throughout history. With its mix of futuristic technology and historical events, the show pushed the boundaries of science fiction by blending episodic storytelling with a strong focus on human experiences and character development. Quantum Leap also used its time-travel platform to examine thought-provoking social and ethical issues, from racism to animal rights, proving science fiction could engage viewers emotionally and intellectually. Its unique, character-driven approach ensures Quantum Leap remains a beloved and influential example of 1990s sci-fi television.

Is Quantum Leap Worth Your Time?

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• # 21 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 58 of 148 on Shows With The Best Freakin' Series Finales Of All Time

Babylon 5 , a groundbreaking series set on a space station tasked with maintaining fragile interstellar peace, daringly embraced serialized storytelling, weaving intricate plotlines and complex character arcs throughout its five-season run. In addition to exploring futuristic technology and alien species, the show ambitiously tackled themes of war, politics, and self-discovery, offering viewers a captivating blend of action, drama, and philosophic debate. Its creator, J. Michael Straczynski, also introduced innovative visual effects, utilizing computer-generated imagery to bring life to the vast expanse of space and intricate spacecraft designs. Through its bold narrative structure and pioneering special effects, Babylon 5 remains a legendary example of 1990s sci-fi television.

Is Babylon 5 Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... The Best Babylon 5 Episodes of All Time
• And Deeper... Why 'Babylon 5' Should Be Your Next HBO Max Binge-Watch
• # 16 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time

Challenging the science fiction status quo, Sliders introduced viewers to a group of travelers who used a wormhole technology to "slide" between parallel dimensions, encountering alternate versions of Earth along their adventures. With its unique premise, the series delved into thought-provoking storylines that explored alternate histories, social issues, and innovative technology while simultaneously raising questions about morality, personal choice, and the nature of reality. The dynamic ensemble of characters, led by physics prodigy Quinn Mallory, brought humor, heart, and humanity to the often bizarre and unpredictable worlds they encountered. As a compelling blend of adventure and speculation, Sliders stands out as an exceptional and innovative example of '90s sci-fi television.

Is Sliders Worth Your Time?

• Dig Deeper... The Best Sliders Episodes of All Time
• # 36 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 38 of 56 on The 55+ Best Teen Sci-Fi And Fantasy TV Series

The Outer Limits

Reviving the spirit of the original '60s anthology series, The Outer Limits showcased standalone episodes that delved into the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, often culminating in a dramatic twist. The series explored themes such as artificial intelligence, genetic manipulation, and extraterrestrial encounters, creating thought-provoking and suspenseful narratives that challenged viewers' perceptions and assumptions. With its striking visual style and innovative storytelling, The Outer Limits reaffirmed the power of the anthology format to push the boundaries of science fiction television. This captivating revival remains an enduring example of the creative potential of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is The Outer Limits Worth Your Time?

• # 194 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
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• # 108 of 185 on The Greatest Shows of the 1990s, Ranked

Unapologetically unconventional, Red Dwarf fused science fiction with British humor to create a cult classic that followed the eclectic crew of a titular mining spaceship through space and time. The series used its futuristic setting and outrageous plotlines to explore the human condition, often showcasing advanced technology and bizarre alien encounters amidst clever satire, biting wit, and hilarious banter. With a memorable cast of characters, including the last human alive, a holographic projection, a humanoid feline, and a servile robot, Red Dwarf demonstrated the expansive potential of science fiction to entertain, surprise, and provoke laughter. This irreverent and imaginative series remains a beloved treasure in the realm of '90s sci-fi television.

Is Red Dwarf Worth Your Time?

• # 232 of 469 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
• # 53 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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3rd Rock from the Sun

Blending elements of science fiction and sitcom, 3rd Rock from the Sun provided a refreshing and humorous spin on the genre by following a group of extraterrestrial "visitors" as they attempted to understand human society while living undercover as a suburban family. The series brilliantly used its alien perspective to explore and satirize modern-day human customs, behaviors, and technology, revealing both the absurdity and complexity of human life. Bolstered by an exceptional ensemble cast led by John Lithgow and an engaging comedic energy, 3rd Rock from the Sun demonstrated that science fiction could be both enlightening and uproariously funny. Its innovative approach and timeless humor ensure this quirky series remains a standout example of '90s sci-fi television.

Is 3rd Rock from the Sun... Worth Your Time?

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• # 45 of 469 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked

seaQuest DSV

Set in the near future, seaQuest DSV imagined a world where humans had colonized the ocean floor, utilizing cutting-edge technology to explore and protect the vast underwater frontier. The series followed the crew of a state-of-the-art submarine, navigating geopolitical conflicts, environmental crises, and encounters with mysterious aquatic creatures. With its unique setting and focus on marine exploration, seaQuest DSV offered viewers a fresh and inventive twist on the science fiction genre. Its innovative premise and thoughtful storytelling make it a memorable and compelling example of '90s sci-fi television.

Is seaQuest DSV Worth Your Time?

• # 66 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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• # 210 of 219 on The 220 Best Cult TV Shows

Mystery Science Theater 3000

As an ingenious fusion of science fiction and comedy, Mystery Science Theater 3000 broke new ground with its imaginative premise: a captive human and his robot companions are forced to endure an endless stream of low-budget sci-fi movies, all the while providing hilarious running commentary and sketches. The show cleverly navigated the intersection of science fiction and pop culture, offering viewers a unique perspective on the genre's history, tropes, and clichés. MST3K's innovative format and sharp wit not only entertained audiences but also redefined the possibilities of science fiction television. This beloved cult classic stands as an enduring and influential testament to the creative potential of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is Mystery Science Theate... Worth Your Time?

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• # 133 of 469 on The 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked

With its playful fusion of science fiction and sitcom, ALF delighted viewers with its unique premise of a lovable and wisecracking alien from the planet Melmac who becomes a part of a suburban family after crash-landing on Earth. The show cleverly navigated the intersection of otherworldly technology and human customs, showcasing the comedic potential of extraterrestrial encounters and the cultural misunderstandings that ensued. ALF's endearing antics and the humorous dynamics between the characters helped popularize the concept of aliens living among humans on television, paving the way for future sci-fi comedies. The show remains an endearing and iconic staple of '90s sci-fi TV, still capturing hearts with its charm and wit.

Is ALF Worth Your Time?

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Adapted from R.L. Stine's best-selling book series, Goosebumps captivated young audiences with its spine-tingling tales of supernatural phenomena, extraterrestrial visitors, and advanced technology gone awry. Though targeted towards children and teens, the show's imaginative storylines and memorable characters resonated with viewers of all ages, introducing an entire generation to the thrills and chills of science fiction and horror. Goosebumps demonstrated that science fiction could be accessible, engaging, and age-appropriate without sacrificing quality or ambition. This iconic series remains a beloved and influential part of '90s sci-fi TV history.

Is Goosebumps Worth Your Time?

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• # 3 of 10 on The Best Jetix Series
• # 33 of 56 on The 55+ Best Teen Sci-Fi And Fantasy TV Series

Alien Nation

Exploring the challenges of cultural integration and xenophobia, Alien Nation presented a unique take on the science fiction genre by depicting a futuristic society where human coexisted with extraterrestrial refugees known as Newcomers. The series adeptly used its sci-fi premise to address social issues, such as racism, discrimination, and cultural understanding, through compelling character-driven narratives that transcended genre boundaries. With a diverse cast of characters showcasing different perspectives, Alien Nation provided insightful and thought-provoking commentary on real-world issues, proving that science fiction could serve as an effective platform for social exploration. This groundbreaking show's innovative approach and poignant storytelling continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a defining example of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is Alien Nation Worth Your Time?

• # 104 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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• # 286 of 356 on TV Shows Canceled Before Their Time

Set in the mysterious town of Roswell , New Mexico, this captivating series followed the lives of three teenage aliens hiding their true identities while navigating high school life and relationships. Blending elements of science fiction, romance, and teen drama, Roswell delved into themes of identity, loyalty, and trust, exploring the impact of extraterrestrial origins on the characters' lives and relationships. With its compelling storylines and engaging characters, the show effectively showcased the human side of science fiction, fostering empathy and intrigue. Roswell's unique combination of genres and its focus on character development has solidified its status as a beloved and influential example of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is Roswell Worth Your Time?

• # 200 of 302 on The Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
• # 127 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
• # 28 of 56 on The 55+ Best Teen Sci-Fi And Fantasy TV Series

Envisioning humanity's quest for a new home in the far reaches of space, Earth 2 chronicled the courageous efforts of a group of colonists attempting to establish a settlement on an unexplored alien planet. This captivating series masterfully combined elements of futuristic technology, survival drama, and extraterrestrial encounters to create a suspenseful and engaging viewing experience. The complex and dynamic relationships between the diverse cast of characters added depth to the show's exploration of colonization, cooperation, and the struggle for survival. Earth 2's innovative premise and adventurous spirit continue to resonate with fans, making it a standout example of '90s sci-fi television.

Is Earth 2 Worth Your Time?

• # 144 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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From the creator of The X-Files , Millennium delved into the dark and mysterious world of a gifted former FBI agent who joins a secretive organization called the Millennium Group, tasked with combating apocalyptic threats and supernatural phenomena. The series masterfully blended elements of science fiction, horror, and crime drama to create a thrilling and unsettling viewing experience that challenged conventional genre boundaries. Millennium also explored themes of destiny, morality, and the nature of evil, providing thought-provoking commentary on the human condition. Its ambitious storytelling, complex characters, and chilling atmosphere cemented Millennium's status as a haunting and unforgettable example of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is Millennium Worth Your Time?

• # 117 of 279 on The 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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With its inventive premise of time travel technology allowing its user to journey back exactly seven days to prevent disasters and catastrophes, Seven Days offered viewers thrilling adventures and high-stakes action while raising questions about the ethical implications of altering the past. The series balanced its futuristic concepts with engaging characters and compelling storylines, providing a unique blend of excitement, suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience through the lens of time travel. Seven Days' ambitious narrative structure and its unique twist on the sci-fi genre made it a standout example of '90s science fiction television, demonstrating that it was possible to entertain and challenge audiences simultaneously.

Is Seven Days Worth Your Time?

Set during the tumultuous 1960s, Dark Skies weaved a chilling and intricate tale of alien invasion and government conspiracy, blending historical events with imaginative science fiction elements. The series followed a young couple as they became entangled in a shadowy battle to protect Earth from a covert extraterrestrial threat known as the Hive. With its suspenseful storytelling, richly drawn characters, and effective use of period detail, Dark Skies showcased the power of science fiction to captivate audiences and explore the darker side of human history. This thrilling and innovative show remains a haunting and memorable presence in the landscape of '90s sci-fi television.

Is Dark Skies Worth Your Time?

As a groundbreaking animated series, Aeon Flux redefined the boundaries of science fiction television with its dystopian vision of the future, fluid animation style, and enigmatic storytelling. Centered on the titular secret agent and her missions in a world ravaged by political intrigue and advanced technology, the show delved into themes of control, individuality, and the balance between order and chaos. Aeon Flux's groundbreaking visual style and thought-provoking narratives captivated audiences and demonstrated the potent possibilities of animation as a medium for exploring complex and mature science fiction themes. The show's lasting impact and influence make it an essential example of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is Aeon Flux Worth Your Time?

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Exploring the age-old trope of alien invasion with a fresh and innovative twist, First Wave followed the journey of a man who discovers that he has been chosen to battle an insidious alien force known as the Gua. Drawing its inspiration from the writings of Nostradamus, the series skillfully interwove elements of prophecy, advanced technology, and extraterrestrial intrigue to create an absorbing and thought-provoking viewing experience. With its engaging characters, suspenseful storytelling, and imaginative premise, First Wave demonstrated that it was possible to reinvent and invigorate a familiar science fiction concept. The show's enduring appeal and inventive spirit continue to captivate fans, securing its status as an essential example of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is First Wave Worth Your Time?

The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest

Reinvigorating the classic '60s animated series, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest brought new life to the titular character and his allies as they embarked on thrilling expeditions into a world of advanced technology, exotic locations, and dangerous adversaries. The series deftly balanced traditional animation with cutting-edge computer-generated imagery to create a visually stunning and imaginative viewing experience. With its exciting adventures and engaging characters, The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest demonstrated the enduring appeal of its source material while pushing the boundaries of animated science fiction storytelling. Its innovative approach and timeless charm continue to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved part of '90s sci-fi TV history.

Is The Real Adventures of... Worth Your Time?

Based on the popular book series by William Shatner, TekWar transported viewers to a futuristic world where a former law enforcement officer is tasked with battling a powerful and addictive virtual reality drug known as Tek. The series expertly combined elements of crime drama, advanced technology, and cyberpunk aesthetics to create a unique and immersive science fiction world. With its compelling characters, intriguing mysteries, and exploration of the consequences of technological advancement, TekWar showcased the potential for science fiction to provide both entertainment and thought-provoking social commentary. This innovative and captivating series remains a standout example of '90s sci-fi television.

Is TekWar Worth Your Time?

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A spin-off of the acclaimed Babylon 5 , Crusade followed the crew of the starship Excalibur as they embarked on a desperate mission to find a cure for a deadly alien plague threatening Earth. The series expanded upon the rich mythology and universe established in Babylon 5 , exploring new aspects of interstellar politics, advanced technology, and the struggle for survival. With its compelling characters and suspenseful storytelling, Crusade showcased the potential for thoughtful and engaging science fiction drama within the context of a larger narrative universe. Though short-lived, the series remains a memorable and cherished entry in the realm of '90s sci-fi television.

Is Crusade Worth Your Time?

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Nowhere Man

Offering an intriguing twist on the science fiction genre, Nowhere Man followed the life of a photojournalist whose entire existence is seemingly erased overnight, transforming him into a fugitive forced to unravel a vast and sinister conspiracy. The series skillfully blended elements of psychological drama, advanced technology, and shadowy intrigue to create an enigmatic and suspenseful viewing experience that challenged viewers' perceptions of reality. With its captivating storytelling, complex characters, and intricate plotlines, Nowhere Man showcased the power of science fiction to delve into the depths of the human psyche and explore the darker side of technological advancement. This unique and thought-provoking show remains a revered and influential example of '90s sci-fi TV.

Is Nowhere Man Worth Your Time?

Adapted from the popular book series by K.A. Applegate, Animorphs brought to life the thrilling adventures of five teenagers who are granted the extraordinary power to morph into animals in order to battle a secret alien invasion. The show skillfully balanced elements of science fiction, action, and teen drama, exploring themes such as identity, courage, and the struggle for freedom in the face of overwhelming odds. With its captivating storylines, relatable characters, and imaginative premise, Animorphs demonstrated that sci-fi television could be accessible, engaging, and relevant to younger audiences. Despite its short-lived run, the show remains a fondly remembered part of '90s sci-fi TV history.

Is Animorphs Worth Your Time?

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With its unique blend of science fiction and evolutionary biology, Prey presented a chilling vision of humanity's future, as a newly evolved species of humans threatens to usurp the dominant role of Homo sapiens on Earth. The series followed a group of scientists, led by the brilliant Dr. Sloan Parker, as they race against time to understand and combat this powerful new predator. Through its thought-provoking premise and suspenseful storytelling, Prey explored themes such as evolution, survival, and the natural order, providing a compelling and unsettling examination of humanity's place in the world. Though its run was brief, the show left a lasting impact on the landscape of '90s sci-fi television.

Is Prey Worth Your Time?

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A Complete Timeline of Star Trek

Star Trek stands as one of the most enduring and influential pop-culture franchises on the planet. From a comparatively humble cult TV series, it has expanded into an entire universe of speculative future history encompassing dozens of movies and TV shows. With more projects on the way, it doesn't look to slow down anytime soon. That can lead to a convoluted timeline, particularly in the early days when no one expected it to last as long as it has.

Star Trek: The Original Series producers didn't worry about what came before or after their show, and series creator Gene Roddenberry had a way of simply ignoring episodes he considered sub-par. Writers Michael and Denise Okuda are largely credited with firmly establishing a canonical Star Trek timeline during the expansion of the franchise following Star Trek: The Next Generation . That's resulted in a definable, if complicated, fictional history to chart the rise of the United Federation of Planets and its development through centuries of galactic history. Here's a breakdown of the Star Trek in-universe timeline, divided roughly by era.

The Early Years of Star Trek's Timeline Are Vague

Wrath of khan creates star trek's biggest plot hole, and the real-life explanation is hilarious.

The early years of Star Trek 's timeline run into a number of real-world continuity issues. This was most notable with the Eugenics Wars , which originally took place in the 1990s, but has since been retconned to an indeterminate point in the future. They're linked to the rise of genetically augmented humans who conquer and rule much of the planet, led by the notorious Khan Noonien Singh. The Eugenics Wars culminate in a Third World War, and the ensuing nuclear apocalypse all but destroys civilization. Khan and his followers escape the planet in a stasis ship, and await their rendezvous with Captain Kirk in The Original Series episode, "Space Seed."

The most important event after that arrives on April 5, 2063, subsequently known as First Contact Day. As depicted in Star Trek: First Contact , scientist Zefram Cochrane develops a faster-than-light engine and tests it in his vessel, the Phoenix . A Vulcan survey vessel notices the feat and makes first contact with Cochrane in Bozeman, Montana that evening. With the Vulcans' help, humanity quickly gets back on its feet. Hunger and poverty are eliminated by the early 22nd century, and even war itself has ended on the planet by 2113. A world government is established in 2150, uniting the globe under a single unifying body for the first time in human history.

Enterprise Reveals The Founding of the Federation

Why star trek: enterprise used shuttles instead of transporters.

The events of Star Trek: Enterprise begin just one year later, in 2151, as humanity launches its first earnest efforts to explore the galaxy. Captain Archer and the crew of the Enterprise spearhead the effort, resulting in key first contact with such important species as the Andorians and the Tellarites. It also comes with new conflicts, notably the Xindi crisis of 2153 which lasts for nearly a year. That is followed in 2156 by the Earth-Romulan War , which stretches out over four years. Humanity, Andorians, Vulcans, and Tellarites all join forces against the common threat, resulting in the defeat of the Romulans and the establishment of the Neutral Zone.

The victory leads immediately to the founding of the United Federation of Planets in San Francisco in the year 2161, organized by the four victorious species. Several decades of peaceful exploration and expansion follow, led by Starfleet vessels who set out to explore in the name of peace, coexistence, and scientific understanding. That marks the end of the events of Star Trek: Enterprise and a relative blank spot in the timeline for a little less than a century.

The 23rd Century Brings War, Peace, and The Original Series

The complete history of vulcans in the federation era of star trek.

With the exception of a few peripheral events, the next few decades are quiet as far as canon events go. The timeline picks up again properly with the beginning of Star Trek: Discovery as open war breaks out between the Federation and the Klingon Empire in the year 2256 . The war lasts for a year and proves costly to both sides, ending thanks to efforts of the USS Discovery to stabilize the political situation in the Empire. The Discovery vanishes approximately one year later during the battle with the rogue AI Control , jumping ahead in time to the 32nd century in the process.

With the end of the war comes another era of peaceful expansion and exploration. That encompasses the events of both Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: The Original Series , as Starfleet "boldly goes where no one has gone before." As the 23rd century continues, the franchise shifts to the first six big-screen Star Trek movies. That culminates in the events of Star Trek VI in 2293, resulting in the Khitomer Accords and long-term peace with the Klingon Empire . Captain Kirk is presumed dead a short time later as depicted in the movie Star Trek: Insurrection , officially bringing The Original Series era to a close.

The Next Generation Kicks off The 24th Century

10 best star trek: the next generation characters.

The early decades of the 24th century are another blank spot in the Star Trek calendar, marked by a few notable events but otherwise leaving a good deal open for speculation. The most important development during that time is the Battle of Narendra III in 2344 , where the Federation vessel USS Enterprise-C sacrifices itself to defend a Klingon colony from Romulan attackers. This results in a formal alliance between the Federation and the Klingons.

Star Trek: The Next Generation officially begins in the year 2364, with the Federation enjoying a golden age of peace and prosperity. The Enterprise-D under Captain Picard serves as Starfleet's flagship, conducting missions of diplomacy and peaceful exploration. The Enterprise first encounters the Borg in 2366 , during The Next Generation's Season 2 episode "Q Who." The Borg invade the Federation a year later, and come within a hair's breadth of destroying the Earth before the Enterprise crew saves the day during the Season 4 premiere, "The Best of Both Worlds Part II."

The Dominion War and the Delta Quadrant Mark DS9 and Voyager

How star trek: the next generation disserviced this fan-favorite character.

In 2369, a stable wormhole to the unexplored Gamma Quadrant opens near the planet of Bajor, kicking off the events of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine . What at first seems a conduit to a whole new sector of space soon becomes an existential threat. The Dominion is a powerful totalitarian government in the Gamma Quadrant ruled by a species of shape-shifting Changelings. The Dominion sets its sites on the Alpha Quadrant , and launches an invasion in 2373. The Federation is forced to rally its long-time foes in the Romulan Empire to its side, who join with Starfleet and the Klingons to finally defeat the Dominion in 2375.

If that wasn't bad enough, the Borg launch another attack on Earth in 2373, and again come perilously close to assimilating the entire Federation before Jean-Luc Picard and his crew put a stop to them during the events of Star Trek: First Contact. Amid it all, the USS Voyager vanishes in the year 2371, having been flung into the far reaches of the Delta Quadrant and launching a seven-year journey to return to Federation space.

The 24th Century Ends with Peace and Old Enemies

Star trek: lower decks paid off a deep space nine character arc.

The end of the Dominion War marks the beginning of another extended period of Federation-led peace. Voyager returns from its long journey in 2378 , and the Enterprise averts a surprise attack from the Romulan Empire in 2379 during the events of Star Trek: Insurrection . Beyond that, peace prevails, which leads the way to lighter Star Trek series such as Star Trek: Lower Decks (which begins in 2381) and Star Trek: Prodigy (which begins in 2383).

That comes to an end with the implosion of the Romulan Empire, whose sun is doomed and whose most militant factions sabotage any chance at Federation aid by orchestrating the destruction of the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on April 5, 2385. Two years later, the Romulan sun goes nova, seemingly killing Mr. Spock, who was attempting to halt the explosion and creating the Kelvinverse timeline of the 2010s big-screen Star Trek movies. It renders the Romluans a scattered and defeated people. Jean-Luc Picard is able to repair some of the damage done to the two powers in Star Trek: Picard, Season 1, then rejoin with his crewmates in Season 3 to defeat a unified Dominion/Borg attack on the Federation in the year 2402.

The Far Future Beckons

'we broke barriers': star trek: discovery star celebrates show's diversity.

Star Trek canon comes to a halt at the beginning of the 25th century after the events of Picard Season 3. That leaves a vast stretch of centuries that have not yet been defined in Star Trek canon, and will presumably be filled in by series to come. In that time, the Federation continues to expand until it is more than double the size it was in the 24th century. Then disaster strikes in the form of an event called The Burn, which instantly renders all dilithium in the galaxy inert in the year 3069. Every active warp engine detonates, causing widespread disaster and rendering interstellar travel exponentially more difficult.

The arrival of the Discovery in the year 3188 -- beginning with the premiere in Season 3 -- changes all of that. After destroying the tyrannical Emerald Chain, Captain Michael Burnham and her crew set about restoring the shattered Federation, which leads to the events of Discovery's final three seasons. With the series bowing out at the end of Season 5, subsequent Star Trek projects will have a new final frontier in the 32nd century -- uncluttered by earlier shows -- thanks to the leap forward in time.

Star Trek is currently streaming on Paramount+.

The Star Trek universe encompasses multiple series, each offering a unique lens through which to experience the wonders and perils of space travel. Join Captain Kirk and his crew on the Original Series' voyages of discovery, encounter the utopian vision of the Federation in The Next Generation, or delve into the darker corners of galactic politics in Deep Space Nine. No matter your preference, there's a Star Trek adventure waiting to ignite your imagination.

Created by Gene Roddenberry

First Film Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Latest Film Star Trek: Nemesis

First TV Show Star Trek: The Original Series

Latest TV Show Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Cast Nichelle Nichols, Scott Bakula, Kate Mulgrew, Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Avery Brooks, Deforest Kelley, James Doohan

TV Show(s) Star Trek: Animated, Star trek, Star Trek Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek Lower Decks, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Prodigy, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Lower Decks

The Best Sci-Fi Shows Of The '90s

It's hard to turn on the TV or walk into the cinema without seeing science fiction dominate the landscape. The general masses are now accustomed to stories about aliens and robots from the future. But it wasn't always like this. There once was a time when sci-fi was generally relegated to pulp magazines. If you wanted to try to pinpoint the general public's fascination with outlandish tales about moon men and time travel, then you need to go back to the 1990s.

Science fiction took off in a big way in this decade. Movies like  Jurassic Park  and  Independence Day  lit up the box office and got people interested in these kinds of stories. But you didn't have to look at the big screen to find such tales. You just needed to turn on your television set. The best sci-fi shows from the '90s proved you didn't need huge budgets to tell entertaining, thought-provoking stories. You just needed solid writing and an intriguing premise. Which one of these shows did you watch relentlessly in between listening to Pearl Jam and munching on Dunkaroos?

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine took you on a journey

For many fans,  Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is the one truly worthy successor to the original series. This Star Trek series follows the adventures of a crew located on the space station Deep Space Nine, and it continues ideas set forth in  The Next Generation , namely the conflict between the Cardassians and the Bajorans.

While it's set in the  Star Trek  universe,  Deep Space Nine earned a lot of praise for being accessible to people who'd never watched anything  Star Trek -related before. Since the show didn't necessarily focus on exploration as the space station wasn't traveling, the show could instead focus on themes connected to the central conflict. For example, the show often dealt with issues related to the price of war and various nations having to resolve differences. 

On top of all that,  Deep Space Nine has one of the most eclectic casts out of any  Star Trek  series. Plus, the show is noteworthy for having Avery Brooks play Benjamin Sisko, the series' first black captain and possibly the very best Star Trek captain of all. Deep Space Nine showed there was still ground to be broken on television, and it's still beloved by Trekkies today.

Babylon 5 advanced storytelling in sci-fi

Babylon 5  is an incredible addition to science fiction, primarily in the way the series was constructed. It consists of five seasons and a total of 110 episodes, but the show was designed to function as a "novel," with each episode being a single chapter in that book. As a result, the show is incredibly serialized. Characters' actions had real consequences, and they would sometimes deal with the fallout of certain decisions for several episodes after the fact. It was a unique concept considering most shows at the time would confine events to single episodes without really referencing them later.

But the show is more than just a TV writer's dream. It also dealt with heavy issues relevant to the modern world. The show deals with the struggle between war and peace, and it deals with themes from religion to substance abuse. While there are alien species galore in the show, it all centers back to a group of humans trying to protect Earth from totalitarianism. It's one of the smartest yet overlooked sci-fi shows of the '90s, and it's worth another watch. 

3rd Rock From the Sun made science fiction funny

Not all science fiction has to deal with war and ruminations on the nature of man. Some shows just use a sci-fi premise to hilarious effect, like in  3rd Rock From the Sun . The show focuses on four extraterrestrials who pose as humans on Earth to study the behavior of mankind. As a result, the series takes a look at human behavior from the outlook of an outsider, and this often results in humorous gags and jokes.

One of the best episodes of the series comes in season five with " Dial M for Dick ." The family ends up in an interactive murder mystery, but the only problem is that they don't realize the murder at hand is fake. These kinds of misinterpretations define the series, and if you grew up in the '90s, then there's a good chance you tuned in to NBC frequently to see what antics they'd get into next. We also have this show to thank for introducing the world to a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who would go on to star in films like  500 Days of Summer  and  Inception . And it all started with a little show about aliens.

SeaQuest DSV was a '90s show that gave us a glimpse into the future

One of the intriguing things about watching sci-fi properties from the past is seeing how we've outpaced much of the technology in them. When  SeaQuest DSV began, it was set in the year 2018, and obviously, we're living in a slightly different world than the one presented in this undersea drama. Still, the show feels incredibly timely, even with its super '90s vibe. In the series, mankind has depleted all natural resources on land, so they've sent a submarine to look for more resources on the ocean floor. Environmental issues and political disputes are featured prominently on the show, particularly in the earlier seasons.

While it's become one of the most relevant programs to come out of the '90s, the show had trouble getting off the ground. And despite Steven Spielberg serving as an executive producer , it never really earned the same level of interest as something like  Star Trek . The show was canceled after three seasons. But while it may not have gotten the best ratings, but  SeaQuest DSV is worthy of nostalgia. Perhaps there's something a modern audience can take from the show that people in the '90s couldn't. After all, it features a talking dolphin, some pretty cool visuals, and cameos from both Mark Hamill and William Shatner .

Earth 2 has become a cult gem

Earth 2  may have only lasted one season, but it made quite the impact in those 21 episodes. The show was nominated for numerous awards , including a Saturn and a Primetime Emmy, and it broke new ground by showing what kind of exciting stories networks could tell on TV.

The series follows a group of humans leading a force called the Eden Project. Their goal is to travel to an Earth-like planet to hopefully find a cure for an illness wiping out children. The idea of traveling to another planet when Earth no longer becomes viable is something still thrown about to this day, and  Earth 2 may one day serve as inspiration for leading the charge in such an endeavor. 

But really, the show is also noteworthy for having Debrah Farentino play the lead, making her the first female commander of a sci-fi TV show. Yes, it beat  Star Trek: Voyager  by just a few months. Besides that, Earth 2 really succeeds by focusing on the relationships within Project Eden, building a whole lot of human drama in a sci-fi landscape. Plus, with Tim Curry showing up and creating trouble for everyone for a couple of episodes, how could you pass on that?

Jupiter Moon brought a soap opera to space

Despite taking place on the outskirts of the planet with the big red dot,  Jupiter Moon doesn't really deal with hefty themes. Instead, it focuses on the mundane lives of university students aboard a space shuttle. The show is more of a soap opera set during the year 2050, where the space ship  Ilea  orbits around Jupiter, and over time, the series comes to focus on an attempt to take the ship into the stars called the Daedalus Project.

Jupiter Moon  really runs the gamut of intense storylines. Sometimes the show will focus on romantic subplots between various characters, and other times, the focus is on natural disasters that strike the space ship. It can be over-the-top and melodramatic, but what else would you expect from a soap opera? For people who want a sci-fi show that doesn't have the fate of humanity at stake,  Jupiter Moon  is accessible, escapist entertainment that's great to have on in the background.

Millennium made sci-fi a little darker

For TV viewers who weren't afraid to dive into the dark psyche of humanity,  Millennium  was there to take bold risks. The show was created by Chris Carter , who's also responsible for developing  The X-Files , and similarly,  Millennium  tells the story of a former FBI agent who now works for the mysterious Millennium Group. But this agent has the special ability to see into the minds of criminals. When the series began, it primarily focused on Frank Black (Lance Henriksen) tracking down murderers, but as the series went on, it dove more into the Millennium Group that hired him.

The show lasted for three seasons and a total of 67 episodes, although it was canceled before the finale. But for completionists who want to finish a series, you'll be happy to hear that  Millennium  did, in fact, get an ending, albeit on a different show. The seventh season of  The X-Files features an episode called "Millennium" that concludes the story of Frank Black's time working for the Millennium Group. Still, if you're looking for scary sci-fi that really delves into the darkness, then Millennium is definitely worth checking it out. 

ReBoot introduced '90s kids to sci-fi

Kids in Canada got a chance to see CGI sci-fi every week in the form of  ReBoot . This action-adventure series follows Bob, Enzo, and Dot Matrix as they keep a computer system safe from devastating viruses. The graphics may look clunky by today's standards, but the show was revolutionary at the time. Plus, considering the series takes place inside a computer system, it makes sense that the characters would be limited by the processing power of computers of that era.

The show lasted for four seasons, spanning between 1994 and 2001. But much like whatever you upload onto the internet, you can't get rid of something this good so easily. A couple of years ago, it was announced that the show would receive a ... well, reboot. Now you can watch  ReBoot: The Guardian Code   on Netflix, which brings the series into the 21st century in high-flying fashion. But as for the original itself, it actually helped kids understand computers better, and you've got to give the show credit. Not only did it feature one of the best animated villains of the '90s , it also featured one of the darkest endings in the history of kids' shows , with the villain doing a scary amount of damage for a children's cartoon.

Star Trek: Voyager continued the series' legacy in the '90s

Star Trek: Voyager   broke new ground for the franchise. It was the first  Star Trek  series to feature a female lead, but Kathryn Janeway was far from the only strong female character on the show.  Voyager  also introduced fans to Seven of Nine , a former Borg drone who switches allegiances and joins the crew. 

The show was able to explore areas of the universe that other series wouldn't have been able to. The premise follows that the Voyager spaceship is 75 years away from home, meaning the characters occasionally need to — and get away with — ignoring Starfleet protocol in order to survive. The show was also able to introduce brand new alien species, such as the Hirogen. But eventually, the Borg  — those fan-favorite villains — became the main antagonists.

The show has become an essential component of the  Star Trek  mythos. Today, it's worth watching just to see all of the insane celebrity cameos, such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Tom Morello, and Sarah Silverman.

The X-Files made you believe

For much of the '90s, you couldn't flip through a TV Guide without seeing the praises of a little show called  The X-Files . In case you haven't watched this masterpiece of a series, it follows Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), two FBI special agents who investigate cases of the paranormal. Over the course of the show, they look into events involving aliens and all kinds of unexplainable creatures. 

The show initially ran from 1993 to 2002, but fans just couldn't get enough of Scully and Mulder. The show also spawned two feature films, as well as a revival of the series itself that ran from 2016 to 2018. It's a great show that's held up surprisingly well thanks to its utilization of spirituality and conspiracy theories, themes that are still all too prevalent today. Even newcomers who've never seen an episode before can start today and become fully engrossed in the series. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson always keeps your eyes on the screen, regardless of what the monster of the week is. 

Dark Skies made you question everything

After  The X-Files  became a cultural phenomenon, every other network tried to emulate that success with their own prestigious sci-fi series. Many of these were pretty forgettable, but one  X-Files  knock-off really stands apart from the rest.  Dark Skies  ran on NBC from 1996 to 1997 for just one season, but it made quite the impact during that time. The series focuses on the idea that American history as most people know it as a lie. In fact, aliens have been on Earth since the 1940s, and the government has covered up their existence since. The show follows John Loengard (Eric Close) and Kim Sayers (Megan Ward) as they try to uncover the truth about this extraterrestrial group known as "the Hive."

The show frequently incorporates real-life events into its storylines. For example, one of the best episodes, " Moving Targets ," follows the aftermath of John F. Kennedy's assassination as John and Kim try to prevent the Hive from killing world leaders at his funeral. This remix of American history gets incredibly intriguing as the series goes on. It's just a shame it got canceled before it got a chance to really dive into its premise.

Animorphs proved teens could be heroes

The  Animorphs  book series always had some of the coolest covers at the Scholastic Book Fair. The popularity of the books naturally led to a television adaptation on Nickelodeon. The show lasted two seasons from 1998 to 2000, but for fans of the books, those seasons were enough to cement their love for the franchise.

The series follows five teenagers who come across an alien who gives them the power to transform into animals to save the world from a dangerous alien race known as the Yeerks. Interstingly, the book series actually got pretty dark as they dove into the horrors of war. If the TV show had been allowed to continue, it's unlikely it would've delved into these aspects of the books, but it's intriguing to think about how they may have been adapted to be suitable for airing on Nickelodeon. But at least we got the chance to see 26 episodes come to life on our television screens.

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In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets. In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets. In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.

• Gene Roddenberry
• William Shatner
• Leonard Nimoy
• DeForest Kelley
• 277 User reviews
• 99 Critic reviews
• 16 wins & 31 nominations total

Episodes 80

Photos 1991

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• Mister Spock …

• Lieutenant Leslie …

• Nurse Chapel …

• Ensign Freeman …

• Yeoman Rand …

• Announcer …

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• Trivia In the hallways of the Enterprise there are tubes marked "GNDN." These initials stand for "goes nowhere does nothing."
• Goofs The deck locations for Kirk's Quarters, Sickbay and Transporter Room vary (usually between decks 4-7) throughout the series.

Dr. McCoy : "He's dead, Jim."

• Crazy credits On some episodes, the closing credits show a still that is actually from the Star Trek blooper reel. It is a close-up of stunt man Bill Blackburn who played an android in Return to Tomorrow (1968) , removing his latex make up. In the reel, He is shown taking it off, while an off-screen voice says "You wanted show business, you got it!"
• Alternate versions In 2006, CBS went back to the archives and created HD prints of every episode of the show. In addition to the new video transfer, they re-did all of the model shots and some matte paintings using CGI effects, and re-recorded the original theme song to clean it up. These "Enhanced" versions of the episodes aired on syndication and have been released on DVD and Blu-Ray.
• Connections Edited into Ben 10: Secrets (2006)
• Soundtracks Star Trek Music by Alexander Courage

User reviews 277

• Jun 9, 2002

Lovable Creatures: Our Favorite Screen Pals

• How do they maintain Gravity on the the U.S.S. Enterprise ? .
• All aliens on all planets speak the English language?
• What does "TOS" mean?
• September 8, 1966 (United States)
• United States
• Star Trek: The Original Series
• Backlot, Culver Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA
• Desilu Productions
• Norway Corporation
• Paramount Television
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• Runtime 50 minutes

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Star Trek: Resurgence Is the Best of '90s Trek With the Worst of '90s Gaming

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Star Trek has an up and down history with video games moreso than most storied franchises. It’s rare for a singular game to properly capture Star Trek as an experience when, at its best, Star Trek debate, diplomacy, and scientific investigation don’t quite line up with gaming hallmarks. But the adventure game genre is one where Trek has succeeded in the past—and for the most part, Star Trek: Resurgence adds to that history... with some significant caveats.

Out this week, Star Trek: Resurgence is a narrative-driven, choice-based adventure game in the vein of Telltale Games’ episodic gaming series, such as The Walking Dead , Batman , Guardians of the Galaxy , and more (developer Dramatic Labs was founded by several former Telltale staffers after the studio first effectively shuttered in 2018; the revived studio is currently working on a game based on The Expanse ).

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Whereas traditional adventure games lean heavily on puzzles, these games are driven by player choice through multi-pronged dialogue scenes, allowing the player to shape the path of the narrative—a perfect fit for a series like Star Trek . Unlike the oeuvre of past Telltale games, however, what sets Resurgence apart is that it is a singular, 12-ish hour story, rather than being broken down into episodic seasons of game slices. The feeling it creates is less like watching an interactive episode of Star Trek , and more like a choose-your-own-adventure novel coming to life.

Resurgence is set in 2380—a year after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis —and follows the crew of the U.S.S. Resolute , a science vessel rocked by a recent accident that resulted in the loss of 20 of its crew, including its first officer. When new XO Commander Jara Rydek is brought aboard, the Resolute is tasked with participating in diplomatic negotiations between two alien species, the Alydians and the Hotari, over a mining world—only to discover the source of the conflict has dire, far-reaching implications for the entire galaxy.

Where Resurgence stands out from prior adventure games of its ilk, and where it plays to Star Trek ’s strengths the most, is in dividing the player’s perspective between two primary characters: the aforementioned Commander Rydek, a Kobliad officer thrust into the politics of not just a new command but a senior staff splintered over the loss of one of their own, and Petty Officer Carter Diaz, an engineering crewperson trying to navigate life in the lowest of the lower decks on a Federation starship with his best friend, a Trill named Nili Edsilar. By making the audience viewpoint cover such a broad scope of Star Trek ’s command structure, Resurgence deftly manages to explore life aboard a starship from multiple narrative and mechanical angles.

If Jara’s sections of the story are driven around establishing herself as a senior officer and the politics of diplomacy, from command of the bridge to staff meetings, Carter’s leans a little more on the practical side of the adventure game genre, problem-solving and puzzling to get his job done in environments where his rank means he’s not often the go-to for big, splashy Star Trek action. Even when things go sideways and the whole Resolute crew is thrust into an epically staked mission to save the galaxy, this divide in perspective remains throughout, capturing the broad Star Trek experience.

This is just one of the many ways Resurgence revels in capturing the vibe of Star Trek —and more specifically the vibes of his heyday in the late ‘80s and the ‘90s, the peaks of The Next Generation , Deep Space Nine , and Voyager defining a modern era of the franchise beyond the original series’ retro aesthetic. Resurgence shows its love of Star Trek not in cameos and references (although their are a few notable characters who make appearances, including Ambassador Spock and Titan captain Will Riker), but in aping classic story elements and structures from those shows, weaving a largely original take through nods and connections to prior stories. Like Star Trek itself, the action is largely sparing, with the most tension and conflict coming from how your characters navigate tough command decisions or debate—and even when things do come to blows and conflict becomes violent, Resurgence more often than not eschews direct combat to instead focus on the decisions its characters are forced to make in those moments, rather than how good they are at firing a phaser.

This is amplified even further by the fact that Resurgence focuses on a completely original crew of characters. The decisions you make, from the mundane to the life-threatening, all feel like they carry a weight of uncertainty, as no character is necessarily guaranteed to make it out of the story in one piece. You’re watching your relationship to these characters grow in real-time as you decide who to put faith in and who to keep at arms’ length, or in how you shape Rydek and Diaz themselves grappling with the morals of Starfleet coming up against the desperation of their increasingly hazardous mission. Resurgence is still largely a story of Starfleet heroes saving the day, but there is a level of tension running throughout that most Star Trek stories can’t quite capture when you know the crew you’re following is going to be largely fine by the end of the tale.

All of this narrative interest, however, often comes into conflict with the other truth of Resurgence : it’s simply not a very fun game to play. The moments you are given control of Jara and Carter are defined by awkward controls, clunky animation, and an erratic graphical consistency where character models look great but the environments they’re in decidedly do not (it’s worth stating that Resurgence will run you $40, under the typical price of a major AAA game but still enough that it feels very rough around the edges for that cost).

Although moments of direct action are rare in Resurgence ’s focus on dialogue choices, that’s not to say they’re absent entirely. But you find yourself thankful that phaser shootouts are few and far between because they’re the most frustrating sequences of the game to play; weightless action and swimmy controls are matched by frustrating fail states that often feel like they’re asking far too much of what Resurgence can mechanically handle. This is further impacted by the simple fact that, for an adventure game, there’s very little actual adventuring to do. Resurgence ’s decision to lean heavily on cinematic dialogue choices for its interactions means there’s little in the way of interesting puzzles or tools to interact with the world around you. There’s one way to do most things, and it’s not about figuring that out as much as it is shepherding you from one dialogue sequence to the next.

That linearity also adds to Resurgence ’s core weakness: it’s linear to the point of frustration. Awkward moments where you’re asked to take control of your character to clunkily navigate a corridor—only for a cutscene to immediately take over—make you feel relieved that for the next few minutes, the game might only ask you to make a few dialogue choices instead of more directly play it. The single-minded thrust of the game also means there’s little downtime between major story beats for you to casually explore your surroundings, or get to know your crewmates better. Every interaction is in the name of driving the main story arc forward, with limited opportunities for reflection and exploration. By the end of Resurgence ’s 12-hour trek, that makes you feel like a lot of those big story choices you’re being asked to influence are mostly impactful on the immediate following scenes rather than the larger story, taking the bite out of the weight and tension the narrative leans on as one of its greater strengths.

Not quite as major but still frustrating is that at least on PC with Resurgence ’s press-build, the game is equally clunky in its bugginess. While it’s nothing severe enough to cause a loss of progress, Resurgence on PC was a pain to navigate with menus not functioning right, certain menus not recognizing a gamepad (which even on PC, is the recommended control option), and, bizarrely enough, the game locking up every time I tried to close it after a session. Although gameplay is largely spared from these issues, there are still some persistent bugs while playing, in the form of dialogue subtitles either not correctly displaying or, sometimes, showing incomplete or totally different lines to what was being said—a pain point from both an accessibility standpoint and a narrative standpoint, where several modified subtitles provided the player with contextual information that wasn’t actually said in the scene, making it hard to tell what mattered.

Ultimately, how willing you are to grapple with the awkward gameplay of Star Trek: Resurgence will depend on how much you really want a new, original Star Trek story, in a time when there’s more Star Trek available in various formats than arguably since its giddy heights in the ‘90s. Resurgence will very much give you a solid Trek tale populated with compelling characters and interesting leads that perhaps comes closest to making you feel like you’re taking part in a classic Star Trek narrative—certainly more than many other games have attempted in decades. But that success is often in spite of itself, a not-quite diamond in the very-much rough of its clumsy, awkward mechanics.

Star Trek: Resurgence launches tomorrow, May 23, on PC (exclusively through the Epic Games Store), PlayStations 4 and 5, and the Xbox Series X, S, and Xbox One.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel , Star Wars , and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV , and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who .

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