Your Ultimate Guide: What Order to Watch Star Trek

Alright, Star Trek enthusiasts and newcomers alike, buckle up! We're about to embark on a journey through the final frontier, but first, let's tackle the age-old question: what order to watch Star Trek? With multiple series and a complex timeline, it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what order to watch star trek.

The Original Series (TOS) and The Animated Series (TAS)

Kicking things off, we have the classic Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS). Running from 1966 to 1969, TOS follows the adventures of Captain Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the USS Enterprise crew. After TOS ended, the adventures continued in Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) from 1973 to 1974. These two series are the perfect starting point for any Trek virgin.

Why start here? TOS and TAS set the foundation for the Star Trek universe. You'll meet the iconic characters, learn the basics of Trek lore, and get a taste of what the franchise is all about. Plus, they're fun and nostalgic, even for seasoned Trekkies.

The Motion Pictures

1. 1979. This was followed by five more movies, wrapping up with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier in
2. 1989. These films continue the adventures of the TOS crew, with a mix of action, drama, and humor.

Why watch them? The movies provide more character development and expand the Trek universe. They're also a great way to see your favorite TOS characters in a new light. Just be prepared for a mixed bag of quality – some are fantastic, while others are... less so.

The Next Generation (TNG)

In 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) premiered, introducing a new cast and setting the stage for a new era of Trek. TNG ran for seven seasons and spawned several spin-offs. It's a must-watch for any Trek fan, as it greatly expanded the franchise's reach and influence.

Why watch it? TNG brought Star Trek into the modern era, tackling complex social issues and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. It also introduced iconic characters like Captain Picard, Data, and Worf. Plus, it's just plain good TV.

The Spin-offs: Deep Space Nine (DS9), Voyager (VOY), and Enterprise (ENT)

With TNG's success, more series were greenlit. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) ran from 1993 to 1999, focusing on a space station rather than a starship. Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) followed in 1995, telling the story of a ship stranded in the Delta Quadrant. Lastly, Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) aired from 2001 to 2005, serving as a prequel to TOS.

Why watch them? Each series offers a unique take on the Trek formula. DS9 is known for its deep exploration of character and complex story arcs. VOY provides a fish-out-of-water story, while ENT shows the early days of human space exploration. They're all worth a watch, though they vary in quality.

The Rebooted Films and Discovery, Picard, and Lower Decks

In 2009, Star Trek (2009) rebooted the franchise with a new cast and a fresh take on the classic story. This was followed by three more films, culminating in Star Trek Beyond in 2016. More recently, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, and Star Trek: Lower Decks have joined the franchise, expanding the Trek universe even further.

Why watch them? The rebooted films offer a thrilling, action-packed take on Trek, while the new series provide fresh stories and diverse perspectives. They're a great way to keep up with the ever-growing Trek universe.

The Kelvin Timeline and the J.J. Abramsverse

A note on the rebooted films: they exist in a separate timeline from the rest of Trek, known as the Kelvin Timeline or the J.J. Abramsverse. This can be a bit confusing, but it's important to understand as you navigate the Trek universe.

Why understand it? Knowing about the Kelvin Timeline helps you keep track of what's happening in the rebooted films and how they relate to the rest of Trek. It's not essential to enjoy the films, but it's helpful for understanding the broader context.

The Kelvin Timeline and the Prime Timeline

Speaking of timelines, let's talk about the Prime Timeline – the main Trek timeline that includes TOS, TNG, and most of the other series. The Kelvin Timeline, as mentioned, is a separate branch of this. It's all a bit complex, but don't worry – you don't need to understand every detail to enjoy Trek.

Why learn about it? Understanding the different timelines helps you keep track of where each series and film fits into the broader Trek universe. It's not essential, but it can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your Trek-watching experience.

The Complexity of Trek Timelines

Trek timelines can be confusing, with paradoxes, retcons, and alternate realities galore. But here's the thing: you don't need to understand every detail to enjoy Trek. In fact, trying to make sense of it all can be part of the fun!

Why embrace the confusion? Embracing the complexity of Trek timelines is part of what makes the franchise so unique and engaging. It's okay if you don't understand everything – just go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

Wrapping Up: Your Trek Watching Order

So, what order to watch Star Trek? Here's a suggested watching order that balances chronological order with story importance:

1. 1. Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) (1966-1969)
2. 2. Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) (1973-1974)
3. 3. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)
4. 4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
5. 5. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
6. 6. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
7. 7. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
8. 8. Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) (1987-1994)
9. 9. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1994)
10. 10. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9) (1993-1999)
11. 11. Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) (1995-2001)
12. 12. Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) (2001-2005)
13. 13. Star Trek (2009) (Kelvin Timeline)
14. 14. Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) (Kelvin Timeline)
15. 15. Star Trek Beyond (2016) (Kelvin Timeline)
16. 16. Star Trek: Discovery (DIS) (2017-present)
17. 17. Star Trek: Picard (PIC) (2020-present)
18. 18. Star Trek: Lower Decks (LDS) (2020-present)

Why follow this order? This order balances chronological watching with story importance. It also helps you avoid major spoilers and ensures you're watching the best and most important Trek content first.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey

There you have it – your ultimate guide to what order to watch Star Trek. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey. Trek is all about exploration, after all – so don't be afraid to explore the final frontier in your own way.

So, grab your phaser, set your course for the nearest star system, and prepare to boldly go where no one has gone before. Live long and prosper, fellow Trekker!