Since its groundbreaking premiere in 1966 with "Star Trek: The Original Series," the franchise has transformed the entertainment landscape, captivating millions worldwide and expanding into a vast universe of shows, films, comics, and more. With such an extensive catalog, navigating the Star Trek universe can be daunting, whether you prefer watching in chronological order or by release date. To simplify your journey through this iconic saga, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you engage with every aspect of Star Trek.
Tracking down all the Star Trek series and movies used to be a challenge, but Paramount+ has streamlined the process, serving as a central hub for nearly all Star Trek content, past, present, and future.
Join us as we explore the final frontier and discover how to catch up on the epic tales of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and the many others who have made Star Trek a beloved phenomenon for over 56 years.
Rest assured, the chronological timeline provided here is mostly spoiler-free, ensuring you can enjoy the adventure without major plot points being revealed prematurely. If you prefer to follow the release order, you'll find that list conveniently included as well!
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How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological OrderHow to Watch Star Trek by Release OrderHow to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order
1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)
"Star Trek: Enterprise" kicks off our chronological journey, set a century before the adventures of Kirk and Spock. Airing from 2001 to 2005, the series follows Captain Jonathan Archer, portrayed by Scott Bakula, as he commands Earth's first warp-five capable starship, the Enterprise NX-01. Despite its ups and downs, the show offers a unique perspective on a crew operating without the advanced technology seen in later series, and features the first contacts with familiar alien species.
Star Trek: EnterpriseUPN### Where to Watch
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BuyMore### 2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258)
Navigating the timeline gets a bit tricky with "Star Trek: Discovery," as its first two seasons occur before "The Original Series," while seasons three, four, and five leap into the future. This series, premiering in 2018, centers on Sonequa Martin-Green's character, Michael Burnham, who inadvertently sparks a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, leading to her demotion and reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery.
Star Trek: DiscoveryParamount+### Where to Watch
Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)
"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" bridges the gap before "The Original Series," with its narrative established in "Discovery's" second season. Anson Mount's Captain Christopher Pike, a character introduced in the original pilot "The Cage," takes center stage alongside familiar and new faces aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, setting the stage for Kirk's eventual command.
Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+### Where to Watch
Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)
Launched by Gene Roddenberry, "Star Trek: The Original Series" is the cornerstone of the franchise. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons due to low ratings, it found lasting popularity in syndication and laid the groundwork for future Star Trek narratives. Featuring William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, the series epitomizes the quest for exploration and discovery, as encapsulated in its iconic opening monologue.
Star TrekNBC### Where to Watch
Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 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+
The Kelvin Timeline, inaugurated with J.J. Abrams' 2009 "Star Trek" film, offers a fresh take on the classic characters, setting them in an alternate universe sparked by a pivotal event in 2233. These films can be enjoyed at any point in your Star Trek journey, enriched by nods to the original series and the return of Leonard Nimoy's Spock.
5. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270)
Following the cancellation of "The Original Series," its enduring popularity led Gene Roddenberry to continue the crew's adventures in "Star Trek: The Animated Series." Airing from 1973 to 1974, this series brought back many original voices and expanded the universe's storytelling.
Star Trek: The Animated Series [1973]NBC### Where to Watch
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BuyMore### 6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)
After the original series' end, "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" marked the crew's return to the big screen. Released in 1979, it follows Admiral Kirk's decision to retake command of the refitted U.S.S. Enterprise to confront the mysterious V'Ger, despite initial studio hesitations.
Star Trek: The Motion PictureParamount PicturesPG
Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyRent/BuyMore### 7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (2285)
"Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," often hailed as the best Star Trek film, was released in 1982. It pits Admiral Kirk against the vengeful Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman exiled by Kirk years earlier. This gripping sequel, directed by Nicholas Meyer, showcases the enduring rivalry between these two iconic characters.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanParamount PicturesPG
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