Since the debut of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions worldwide. Its sprawling universe encompasses numerous shows, films, comics, and merchandise, making it a challenge to navigate. This guide simplifies the process, offering chronological and release order viewing options to ensure you don't miss a single adventure.
Finding all Star Trek content used to be difficult, but Paramount+ now houses nearly every past, present, and future entry, simplifying the process significantly.
Join us on a journey through the final frontier, exploring the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and many more iconic characters who have shaped the Star Trek legacy over the past 57 years.
Rest assured, the following timeline is largely spoiler-free, preserving the surprises of each entry. A release order list is also provided for those who prefer that approach.
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How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order
How to Watch Star Trek by Release Order
How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order
1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)
Star Trek: Enterprise precedes the adventures of Kirk, Spock, and the Original Series crew by a century. Airing from 2001 to 2005, the series stars Scott Bakula as Jonathan Archer, captain of the Enterprise NX-01, Earth's first warp 5-capable starship. While uneven at times, the show offers a compelling glimpse into a less technologically advanced era, showcasing first contact with familiar alien species and more.
Star Trek: Enterprise UPN
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2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258)
The first two seasons of Star Trek: Discovery precede The Original Series, while later seasons jump to a different timeframe. To maintain chronological order, some jumping between series and films is required. The series, starring Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, depicts events leading to a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, and Burnham's subsequent reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery.
Star Trek: Discovery Paramount+
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3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, set before The Original Series, builds upon Star Trek: Discovery, featuring Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike. Pike, initially seen in the original Original Series pilot, becomes Kirk's predecessor. This series delves into Pike's story and introduces familiar faces from The Original Series alongside new characters, all aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Paramount+
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4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)
This foundational series, created by Gene Roddenberry, launched the entire franchise. Starring William Shatner as James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, the show's initial low ratings led to cancellation after three seasons (1966-1969). However, its enduring popularity cemented its place in television history, laying the groundwork for future Star Trek stories.
Star Trek NBC
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Bonus: Star Trek's Kelvin Timeline (2009's Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond)
Where to Watch Star Trek: Hulu, Paramount+
Where to Watch Star Trek Into Darkness: Paramount+
Where to Watch Star Trek Beyond: Paramount+
J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot launched the Kelvin Timeline, a separate continuity featuring familiar characters portrayed by different actors. These films (2009's Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond) can be viewed at any point, offering callbacks to The Original Series and Leonard Nimoy's return as Spock.
5. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270)
Following The Original Series' cancellation, Gene Roddenberry continued the adventures of the Enterprise NCC-1701 crew in animated form. Many original voice actors reprised their roles in this two-season series (1973-1974), expanding the universe further.
Star Trek: The Animated Series [1973] NBC
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6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)
The first Star Trek film brought back the Original Series crew after the show's cancellation. Overcoming initial production hurdles, the film, featuring James T. Kirk as an Admiral, sees him return to command a refitted Enterprise to confront the mysterious V'Ger.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture Paramount Pictures PG
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...(continues in the same style for the remaining entries)
