Star Trek

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Emblem

Gene roddenberry 1976

Leonard Nimoy William Shatner Star Trek 1968

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QTXP 20121019 Destination Star Trek London MG 2284

Star Trek TOS logo

Star Trek TAS logo

Star Trek is a science fiction franchise that originated from a television series created by Gene Roddenberry, first airing in 1966. The series, set in the 23rd century, follows the adventures of the Starship USS Enterprise and its crew as they explore new worlds, seek out new life and civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before. The original series, often referred to as "TOS" for The Original Series, sparked a cultural phenomenon leading to numerous television series, films, books, games, and other media, making it a cornerstone of modern science fiction.

Television Series

The Star Trek franchise has expanded to include several television series, each contributing to the expansive universe Gene Roddenberry envisioned:

• Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969) - The series that started it all, featuring Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and the crew of the Enterprise.
• Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1974) - An animated continuation of the original series.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) - Set in the 24th century, this series follows a new Enterprise under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999) - Takes place on a space station near a strategically important wormhole, with Commander Benjamin Sisko at the helm.
• Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001) - Chronicles the journey of the starship Voyager, stranded in the Delta Quadrant, trying to return to Earth under the command of Captain Kathryn Janeway.
• Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005) - A prequel to the original series, focusing on the early days of human interstellar travel.
• Star Trek: Discovery (2017–present) - Set a decade before the original series, it follows the crew of the USS Discovery.
• Star Trek: Picard (2020–present) - Features the later years of Jean-Luc Picard's life and career.
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–present) - An animated series focusing on the support crew of one of Starfleet's least important ships.
• Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–present) - An animated series aimed at younger audiences, featuring a group of teenagers who discover an abandoned starship.

Films

The Star Trek franchise has also been adapted into a successful film series, with entries spanning from the original crew to the rebooted film series known as the Kelvin Timeline:

• Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) through Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) feature the original series' cast.
• Star Trek: Generations (1994) through Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) focus on the Next Generation crew.
• The Kelvin Timeline films, starting with Star Trek (2009), offer a rebooted and alternate timeline featuring younger versions of the original series' characters.

Cultural Impact

Star Trek has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring generations of fans and influencing many aspects of society, from technology to language. Phrases like "Beam me up, Scotty" have entered the public lexicon, and the series has inspired technological innovations, including the cell phone. The franchise is noted for its progressive stance on social issues, including diversity and inclusion, themes of peace and humanity, and the exploration of ethical and philosophical dilemmas.

Fandom

The Star Trek fandom, known as "Trekkies" or "Trekkers," is one of the most dedicated and enduring fan communities. They have contributed to the franchise's longevity through fan fiction, conventions, and a vast array of fan-produced content.

See Also

• Science fiction on television
• List of Star Trek characters
• Starfleet
• United Federation of Planets