Star Trek, a beloved franchise with a rich history, has evolved significantly over the decades. For the sake of this listicle, it's practical to categorize its vast output into distinct eras. We start with the iconic Original Series from the late '60s, followed by the cinematic adventures of those pioneering scientists. This then transitions into the Rick Berman era, which kicked off with Star Trek: The Next Generation and concluded with Enterprise. Fast forward to the present, and we're immersed in the modern era spearheaded by Paramount+, which began with Discovery in 2017.
Today, we're delving into this contemporary chapter, particularly as the platform once known as CBS All Access (do you recall?) rolls out the first-ever straight-to-streaming TV movie, Star Trek: Section 31—a project that initially started as a series. In just under eight years, the creative minds behind modern Trek have introduced five new series, including two animated ones, alongside a collection of shorts aptly named Short Treks.
Given the diverse range of formats—from traditional sci-fi drama to comedy, animation, shorts, and feature-length productions—comparing these projects is no easy task. It's also worth noting that a series can have its peaks and troughs across different seasons. Our rankings consider the entirety of each series, rather than spotlighting just a stellar run of episodes.
So, without further ado, let's embark on this journey—whether you prefer to say "make it so," "engage," "fly," "blast off," or "punch it" while donning your Starfleet captain's attire!
The Best Star Trek Series of the Modern Era (and the Worst)
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