Star Trek has evolved through various eras, each marked by distinct styles and narratives. From the iconic Original Series of the late '60s to the movies featuring those pioneering scientists, the franchise transitioned into the Rick Berman era, which kicked off with Star Trek: The Next Generation and concluded with Star Trek: Enterprise. The latest chapter in this storied saga is the modern era, initiated by Paramount+ with the launch of Star Trek: Discovery in 2017.
Today, we delve into this contemporary era as Paramount+, previously known as CBS All Access, introduces the first straight-to-streaming TV movie, Star Trek: Section 31, originally conceived as a series. Over the past eight years, the creative minds behind modern Trek have not only given us this innovative movie but have also crafted five new series, including two animated shows, and a collection of shorts titled Short Treks.
The diversity in storytelling across these projects—from traditional sci-fi drama to comedy, animation, shorts, and feature-length productions—makes comparing them a challenging yet fascinating task. It's important to note that a series can have its highs and lows, so our rankings consider the entirety of each show's run, rather than focusing solely on standout seasons.
So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore the best and worst of the modern Star Trek series, ready to engage, fly, blast off, punch it, or any other command you might shout while donning your Starfleet captain's uniform!
The Best Star Trek Series of the Modern Era (and the Worst)
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