As a science fiction fan, one cannot ignore the impact and legacy of the Star Trek franchise. Created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek has captivated audiences for over five decades with its groundbreaking storytelling, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. With multiple series and movies spanning different timelines and dimensions, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the step-by-step process of watching Star Trek in release order, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in this expansive universe.
Why watch Star Trek in release order?
Before diving into the details, you may wonder why watching Star Trek in release order is important. The release order allows you to experience the franchise as it was intended, witnessing the evolution of the storytelling, production values, and character arcs. Each series and movie builds upon its predecessors, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives. By following the release order, you can appreciate the subtle references, character developments, and thematic connections that enhance the overall viewing experience.
- Original Series (TOS):
- Start with the original series that aired from 1966 to 1969. It’s the foundation of the Star Trek universe.
- Season 1: 1966-1967
- Season 2: 1967-1968
- Season 3: 1968-1969
- The Animated Series (TAS):
- This animated series aired from 1973 to 1974. It follows the adventures of the original crew.
- It’s a shorter series, and you can watch it after the Original Series.
- Movies Featuring the Original Series Cast:
- After the Original Series, there are a series of movies with the original cast:
- “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979)
- “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982)
- “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock” (1984)
- “Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home” (1986)
- “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier” (1989)
- “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991)
- After the Original Series, there are a series of movies with the original cast:
- The Next Generation (TNG):
- After the original series movies, you can move on to The Next Generation.
- Season 1: 1987-1988
- Season 2: 1988-1989
- Season 3: 1989-1990
- Season 4: 1990-1991
- Season 5: 1991-1992
- Season 6: 1992-1993
- Season 7: 1993-1994
- Movies Featuring The Next Generation Cast:
- “Star Trek Generations” (1994)
- “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996)
- “Star Trek: Insurrection” (1998)
- “Star Trek: Nemesis” (2002)
- Deep Space Nine (DS9):
- This series aired alongside some of the later TNG movies.
- Season 1: 1993-1994
- Season 2: 1994-1995
- Season 3: 1995-1996
- Season 4: 1995-1997
- Season 5: 1996-1997
- Season 6: 1997-1998
- Season 7: 1998-1999
- Voyager:
- While DS9 was still running, “Star Trek: Voyager” aired.
- Season 1: 1995-1996
- Season 2: 1996-1997
- Season 3: 1997-1998
- Season 4: 1998-1999
- Season 5: 1998-2000
- Season 6: 2000-2001
- Season 7: 2001-2002
- Enterprise:
- “Star Trek: Enterprise” is a prequel series.
- Season 1: 2001-2002
- Season 2: 2002-2003
- Season 3: 2003-2004
- Season 4: 2004-2005
- New Movies (Kelvin Timeline):
- After the TV series, there’s a series of reboot movies in the Kelvin timeline:
- “Star Trek” (2009)
- “Star Trek Into Darkness” (2013)
- “Star Trek Beyond” (2016)
- After the TV series, there’s a series of reboot movies in the Kelvin timeline:
- Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, and More:
- Star Trek: Discovery (DSC)
- Star Trek: Picard (PIC)
- Star Trek: Lower Decks (LOW)
- Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO)
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW)
Tips for a seamless Star Trek marathon
Watching the entire Star Trek franchise can be an exhilarating experience, but it requires dedication and planning. Here are some tips to ensure a seamless and enjoyable Star Trek marathon:
- Create a viewing schedule – With multiple series and movies, it’s crucial to plan your viewing schedule in advance. Allocate time for each episode or movie, considering your daily routine and commitments.
- Take breaks – As much as you may want to binge-watch, it’s essential to take breaks between episodes or movies. This allows you to process the storylines, reflect on the themes, and avoid viewer fatigue.
- Engage in discussions – Star Trek has a vibrant fandom community, so consider joining online forums or social media groups to discuss your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments. Engaging with fellow fans can deepen your appreciation for the franchise.
Where to watch Star Trek online
Now that you are ready to dive into the Star Trek universe, you may wonder where to watch the series and movies online. Several streaming platforms offer access to the franchise, including:
- Paramount+ – The official streaming service for all things Star Trek, Paramount+ provides access to all the series and movies in one place.
- Netflix – Depending on your region, Netflix may have some or all of the Star Trek series and movies available for streaming.
- Amazon Prime Video – Certain Star Trek series and movies can be found on Amazon Prime Video, either included with your Prime membership or available for individual purchase.
Bonus content: Star Trek books and comics
If you want to further immerse yourself in the Star Trek universe, exploring the vast collection of books and comics is a great option. These additional materials expand upon the stories, characters, and lore, offering new adventures and insights. From novelizations of the episodes to original stories set in the Star Trek universe, there is something for every fan to enjoy.
Joining the Star Trek fandom community
One of the joys of being a Star Trek fan is connecting with others who share your passion. The Star Trek fandom community is welcoming and diverse, providing numerous opportunities for engagement. Attend conventions, join fan clubs, or participate in online discussions to connect with fellow Trekkies and celebrate the franchise together.
Common misconceptions about watching Star Trek
As you embark on your Star Trek journey, it’s important to address some common misconceptions about watching the series:
- Skipping episodes – While some episodes may not be as memorable or essential to the overarching narrative, it’s recommended to watch each episode in order. Even the standalone episodes contribute to character development and world-building.
- Starting with the movies – Although the Star Trek movies are enjoyable, they are best appreciated after watching the series. The movies often reference events and characters from the series, enhancing the viewing experience.
Conclusion
Unlocking the Star Trek universe is an adventure that will take you to the farthest reaches of space, exploring the depths of human nature and the possibilities of the future. By following this step-by-step guide on watching Star Trek in release order, you can fully immerse yourself in the franchise’s rich tapestry of storytelling and embark on a journey that will leave you inspired and captivated. So gather your friends, grab some popcorn, and boldly go where no one has gone before.
