So You Want To Get Into Star Trek? Here’s some advice on where to start from a hardcore Star Trek fan.
So You Want To Get Into Star Trek?
It happens, you log into social media and see mutuals and people in general discussing something they enjoy. The occasional Star Trek tweet might have popped up, and you find yourself intrigued, what is Star Trek? Is that the 2009 movie starring Chris Pine? That old show that is constantly referenced in pop culture? Why is everyone talking about it now? Well the answer is quite simple, Star Trek is back and better than ever.
So you want to get into Star Trek, but are overwhelmed by everything there is to watch? Understandable. The good news is, if there was a moment to start watching Star Trek it is now. The new television series have become more accessible to everyone, even if they have never seen any of the previous Star Trek iterations, which are a lot.
Star Trek also originally premiered in the 1960s, which means that a lot of it has not aged well, and the new series have made sure to adapt to the 21st century and implement the proggressive views that the original show mentioned. Now, let’s review the different new series and see which one is the best fit for an incoming Trekkie.
Star Trek: Discovery
First, Star Trek: Discovery, it follows the crew of the USS Discovery and their adventures, however each season contains a full arc rather than individual adventures like the old series used to be. Bright side? There is no need to watch any of the previous iterations to understand the plot, since it is essentially a new show set in the Star Trek universe. While there are certain aspects, like time travel and the mirror universe that are explored, they are explained in a way that it is not confusing, like it is something that is being used for the first time.
While there are appearances by important characters like Spock and Christopher Pike, it is essentially a fresh start. While it struggles to find its pacing and voice, by season two it manages to establish itself and it has one of the best two-parters in Star Trek history. In conclusion, if you like time travel and alternate timelines, Star Trek: Discovery might be your best choice.
Star Trek: Picard
Next up, Star Trek: Picard. This one is interesting, because it was more anticipated than Discovery due to it being a sequel series following Captain Picard, who is one of the most beloved characters in Trek history. Like Discovery, each season has a central story and are not episodic adventures. Due to the central plot being focused on Picard, it is difficult to follow the show without knowing the character first, since it also features appearances by original members of The Next Generation and their connections to each other are not explained as well because it is assumed that it is known.
However, from the beginning, Star Trek: Picard was confirmed to only be three seasons long due to Patrick Stewart’s availability, they also did not want it to be a long running show. So in that sense, Star Trek: Picard is perfect because it has an ending in sight, unlike the other shows. The other exciting aspect to Picard, is that its final season will feature the return of every single The Next Generation actor, finally giving them a proper send off, and you have a full calendar year to catch up if you want to witness what promises to be an iconic final season.
Animated Star Trek
In 1973, Star Trek: The Animated Series aired, lasting for only two seasons. In 2021, Star Trek: The Lower Decks premiered. Unlike The Animated Series, Lower Decks is meant for adult audiences, and features a set of new characters and the mischief that they cause as they work the lowest ranking jobs in one of Starfleet’s least important ships, the USS Cerritos. It is a fun time and while there are some cameo appearances by iconic characters, it is overall a show that does not need previous Star Trek knowledge to be enjoyed.
If you have a child and want them to be familiar with Star Trek, look no further than Star Trek: Prodigy. This show airs on Nickelodeon, so it is family friendly and for all ages. It follows a crew of young aliens as they find an abandoned Starfleet ship called the USS Protostar, and their journey to the Alpha Quadrant.
Interestingly enough, this show takes place after the events of Star Trek Voyager, and even features appearances by Captain Janeway. References to previous shows is minimal, and it is mainly focused on the adventures of the crew. A perfect introduction to Star Trek for younger audiences and fun for the whole family.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Finally, we have Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, announced after Discovery’s last season after introducing Captain Pike. It is essentially a spinoff of Discovery, but with Captain Pike at the center as we see the Enterprise’s five year mission before Captain Kirk. This show is a perfect combination of what made the original television series iconic, while adding its own modern twist to it. This show has a full story arc, while also relying on the standalone adventures that made the original series so much fun.
While it is recommended that you watch some of the original Star Trek, this show does a great job in introducing all the original characters and explaining their respective backgrounds so that they feel completely new. There is a lot of tension, adventure, and heartbreak, and it is the perfect representation of what Star Trek is, so if you like all of that, then welcome to the Star Trek universe because after watching Strange New Worlds you will for sure want more.
Before Strange New Worlds aired, my recommendation would have been Star Trek: Picard hands down, but having seen what Strange New Worlds did, it is by far the best choice to introduce someone to Star Trek who has never seen anything before. It is the right mix of everything and a guaranteed fun time. In conclusion, it is never too late to start watching Star Trek, there is so much to discover in the universe and the new series are doing exactly that.
NEXT: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: The Progressive Trek We Always Wanted
