Star Trek is an expansive franchise that spans 13 movies and 12 TV series. It’s considered one of the best franchises of all time in the science fiction genre. With so much information out there about this enthralling universe, an overwhelming feeling can quickly set in.
So, whether you’re a longtime “Trekkie” or new to the franchise and looking to figure out which Star Trek series you should start with, this post will give you an overview of the order of the Star Trek TV series and how it has evolved over time.
#1 Star Trek: The Original Series
Created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek: The Original Series started the franchise with its debut on September 8th, 1966 on NBC. It is set in the 23rd century and follows the crew of the Starship Enterprise as they explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and civilizations.
It introduced some of the most iconic roles in the franchise, including Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (DeForrest Kelley), Montgomery “Scotty” Scott (James Doohan), Nyota Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), and Hikaru Sulu (George Takei), among many others. The show also introduced some of the franchise’s most notable alien races, such as the Klingons, Vulcans, Romulans, Tellarites, Andorians, and Gideonites, just to name a few.
While the show only ran for three seasons until 1969, it has been hugely influential in popular culture and is often credited with paving the way for shows like Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica.
#2 Star Trek: The Animated Series
Star Trek: The Animated Series aired from 1973-1974 and was created as a direct result of the success of Star Trek: The Original Series. The show features the voice talents of many of the original cast members and continues the adventures of the Enterprise crew. While the animation style was not well-received by fans of the Star Trek franchise, the show is still considered an important part of the franchise.
#3 Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation aired from 1987-1994 and is set in the 24th century, 100 years after the original series. Star Trek: TNG follows the crew of a new Starship Enterprise as they explore the galaxy and encounter new challenges. With a cast led by Patrick Stewart, the show was hugely successful, running for seven seasons and spawning two spin-off series.
#4 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired from 1993-1999 and is set in a space station rather than a starship. The show follows the crew of the station as they deal with political intrigue and the challenges of living in close quarters. The show is darker in tone than the previous Trek series and is considered one of the best-written shows in the franchise.
#5 Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Voyager aired from 1995-2001 and follows the crew of the USS Voyager as they are stranded in the Delta Quadrant, far from home. The show features a mix of action, adventure, and drama as the crew struggles to find their way back to Earth.
#6 Star Trek: Enterprise
Star Trek: Enterprise aired from 2001-2005 and is a prequel series set in the 22nd century. The show follows the crew of the first Starship Enterprise as they explore the early days of interstellar travel. The show was not as successful as the previous Trek series but is still considered an integral part of the franchise. Its final season was in 2005 but its influence reverberates throughout the universe.
#7 Star Trek: Discovery
Star Trek: Discovery aired its first season in 2017. The show is set 10 years before the original series and follows the crew of the USS Discovery as they explore new worlds and encounter new threats. In a departure from previous Star Trek series, the show’s primary protagonist, Michael Burnham (portrayed by Martin-Green), is not the captain of the titular ship for the first few seasons. The show, which has received mixed reviews from fans and critics, is streaming on Paramount+. Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is set to premiere in early 2023.
#8 Star Trek: Short Treks
Star Trek: Short Treks is a series of short films released in 2019 and 2020. The shorts are set in the Trek universe and feature new stories and characters.
#9 Star Trek: Picard
Star Trek: Picard is a series that was released in 2020 and is set 20 years after the events of the 2002 movie Star Trek: Nemesis. The series follows the titular character, Jean-Luc Picard, as he comes out of retirement to deal with a new threat to the galaxy and ponders the Final Frontier. As of February 2023, the show is airing its third and final season.
#10 Star Trek: Lower Decks
Star Trek: Lower Decks is an animated series that was released in 2020 and is set on a support vessel during the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show follows the lives of the lower-ranking members of the ship’s crew and is geared towards a more light-hearted tone. Returning to Paramount+ for its fourth season this 2023, the series features the voices of Tawny Newsome (Beckett Mariner), Jack Quaid (Brad Boimier), Noël Wells (D’Vana Tendi), Eugene Cordero (Sam Rutherford), Dawnn Lewis (Carol Freeman), Jerry O’Connell (Jack Ransom), Fred Tatasciore (Shaxs), and Gillian Vigman (T’Ana).
#11 Star Trek: Prodigy
Star Trek: Prodigy is an animated series that was released in October 2021 and is aimed at a younger audience. The show follows a group of teenage aliens as they are given command of their own starship.
#12 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a television series that was released in 2022. The show is a prequel to the original series and follows the early days of the Enterprise crew’s five-year mission. The show has been very well-received by Star Trek fans for featuring many of the iconic characters and villains from the original series, including villains like the Gorn, while also introducing new civilizations that Trekkies have never encountered before in the Star Trek universe.
As you have probably noticed in the list above, the best way (arguably) to watch Star Trek shows is in the order each series was made. Watching them in this order allows you to follow the franchise from its inception and explore its universe as the original fans did several years ago.
Want to learn more about Star Trek movies? Check out our story about Star Trek films covering 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture to 2016’s Star Trek Beyond.