The Definitive Ranking of Every Star Trek Series

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The Star Trek universe, spanning decades of television, has captivated audiences with its optimistic view of the future, thought-provoking stories, and memorable characters. With such a rich history, the inevitable question arises: which series reigns supreme? Ranking these shows is a challenging endeavor, with passionate arguments to be made for each. This article undertakes that very challenge, providing a comprehensive review and ranking of every live-action and animated series in the Star Trek franchise, including the often-overlooked Short Treks.

The Pinnacle of Trek

1. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) isn’t just a good Star Trek series; it’s a landmark television show. Set a century after the original, TNG expanded the Star Trek universe in significant ways. It offered a more nuanced portrayal of the Federation, tackling complex ethical dilemmas and philosophical questions with a depth rarely seen in episodic television. The ensemble cast, led by Patrick Stewart’s iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is arguably the best in the franchise.

Strengths:

• Strong ensemble cast with well-developed characters.
• Exploration of complex ethical and philosophical themes.
• High production values and memorable visual effects.
• Defined the template for modern Star Trek.

Weaknesses:

• Slow start with uneven quality in the first two seasons.
• Occasional reliance on technobabble and “reset button” endings.

2. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993-1999)

Deep Space Nine (DS9) dared to be different. Unlike its predecessors, which featured starships exploring the galaxy, DS9was set on a space station near a strategically vital wormhole. This stationary setting allowed for serialized storytelling, long-form character arcs, and a darker, more complex tone. DS9 explored themes of war, religion, and political intrigue with a maturity that set it apart.

Strengths:

• Complex and morally ambiguous characters.
• Compelling serialized storylines.
• Exploration of war, politics, and faith.
• Exceptional acting, particularly from Avery Brooks as Commander Benjamin Sisko.

Weaknesses:

• Slower pace compared to other Star Trek series.
• Can be less accessible to casual viewers due to its serialized nature.
• The Dominion War arc, while epic, occasionally became repetitive.

3. Star Trek (1966-1969)

The one that started it all. Star Trek, often referred to as The Original Series (TOS), broke new ground in science fiction television. Its optimistic vision of the future, where humanity had overcome its internal conflicts and joined a peaceful Federation, resonated with audiences. Despite its sometimes campy style and limited budget, TOS tackled social issues through allegory and introduced iconic characters like Kirk, Spock, and McCoy.

Strengths:

• Groundbreaking for its time, with a positive vision of the future.
• Iconic characters and memorable episodes.
• Addressed social issues through allegorical storytelling.
• Laid the foundation for the entire Star Trek franchise.

Weaknesses:

• Dated special effects and production values.
• Campy tone and occasional inconsistencies.
• Uneven episode quality, with some episodes being significantly weaker than others.

The Solid Middle Ground

4. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974)

Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) often gets overlooked, but it’s a worthy continuation of The Original Series. Bringing back most of the original cast to voice their characters, TAS was able to tell stories that would have been impossible to realize with the special effects limitations of the time. It expanded on the Star Trek universe and explored intriguing science fiction concepts.

Strengths:

• Retained the spirit and many of the original cast members of the original series.
• Allowed for more imaginative stories unconstrained by live-action limitations.
• Introduced new alien species and expanded the lore.

Weaknesses:

• Limited animation quality.
• Some storylines are less engaging than others.
• Shorter episode lengths can feel rushed.

5. Star Trek: Voyager (1995-2001)

Star Trek: Voyager (VOY) had a compelling premise: a Starfleet vessel flung 70,000 light-years from home, forced to make a decades-long journey back. It introduced the franchise’s first female captain, Kathryn Janeway, and explored the challenges of survival and cooperation in unfamiliar territory. While Voyager had its high points, it often failed to fully capitalize on its premise, relying too heavily on episodic storytelling and the “reset button.”

Strengths:

• Strong female lead in Captain Janeway.
• Exploration of the Delta Quadrant and new alien species.
• Some standout episodes, particularly those focusing on the Doctor and Seven of Nine.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent character development.
• Overreliance on episodic storytelling and the “reset button.”
• Failed to fully explore the potential of its premise.

6. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001-2005)

Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT) was a prequel series set a century before The Original Series, depicting the early days of Starfleet and humanity’s first steps into deep space. It was an attempt to return to the franchise’s roots, focusing on exploration and the challenges of encountering new civilizations without the established rules of the Federation.

Strengths:

• Explored the origins of Starfleet and the Federation.
• Offered a fresh perspective on familiar Star Trek concepts.
• The Temporal Cold War arc, while divisive, added an element of intrigue.
• Showed improvement and found its footing in later seasons.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent tone and struggled to find its identity early on.
• Often felt disconnected from the established Star Trek timeline.
• The controversial Xindi arc and the series finale left many fans dissatisfied.

The Lower Echelons

7. Star Trek: Discovery (2017-Present)

Star Trek: Discovery (DISCO) marked the franchise’s return to television after a long hiatus. Set ten years before The Original Series, it initially focused on the war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Discovery has been praised for its high production values and diverse cast, but criticized for its serialized storytelling, dark tone, and deviations from established canon.

Strengths:

• Visually stunning with high production values.
• Diverse and talented cast.
• Exploration of new technologies and concepts, such as the spore drive.

Weaknesses:

• Serialized storytelling can be convoluted and difficult to follow.
• Darker tone departs from the optimism of previous Star Trek series.
• Frequent retcons and deviations from established canon.
• Overreliance on action and spectacle over character development.

8. Star Trek: Picard (2020-2023)

Star Trek: Picard (PIC) brought back Patrick Stewart as the beloved Jean-Luc Picard, now retired from Starfleet and living a quiet life. The series explored themes of aging, regret, and the legacy of the past. While the return of Picard was initially exciting for fans, the series struggled with a muddled plot, uneven pacing, and a focus on nostalgia over compelling storytelling.

Strengths:

• The return of Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard.
• Exploration of Picard’s character in his later years.
• Connections to The Next Generation and other Star Trek series.

Weaknesses:

• Slow pacing and a convoluted plot.
• Overreliance on nostalgia and fan service.
• Uneven character development for the new characters.
• Final season feels disconnected from the previous seasons.

9. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020-Present)

Star Trek: Lower Decks (LD) is an animated comedy series that focuses on the low-ranking crew members of the USS Cerritos, one of Starfleet’s least important ships. It’s a lighthearted and humorous take on the Star Trek universe, poking fun at the franchise’s tropes and conventions while still showing affection for its source material.

Strengths:

• Humorous and self-aware take on the Star Trek universe.
• Focus on relatable, everyday characters.
• Fast-paced and energetic animation style.

Weaknesses:

• Humor can be hit-or-miss, and may not appeal to all fans.
• Focus on comedy can overshadow character development.
• Relies heavily on references to other Star Trek series, which may alienate casual viewers.

10. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022-Present)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW) follows the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One aboard the USS Enterprise in the years before The Original Series. It’s a return to episodic storytelling, with each episode featuring a standalone adventure.

Strengths:

• Return to episodic format.
• Strong performances from the main cast.
• Balances classic Star Trek feel with modern sensibilities.

Weaknesses:

• The series is still finding its footing and potential.
• Relies on nostalgia for The Original Series characters.
• Inconsistent tone.

11. Star Trek: Prodigy (2021-Present)

Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO) is a computer-animated series aimed at a younger audience. It follows a group of young aliens who discover a derelict Starfleet vessel and must learn to work together to escape their captors and explore the galaxy.

Strengths:

• Visually appealing animation style.
• Introduces Star Trek concepts to a new generation.
• Features the return of Kate Mulgrew as a holographic version of Kathryn Janeway.

Weaknesses:

• Storylines can be simplistic and predictable.
• Focus on a younger audience may not appeal to older fans.
• The show’s cancellation, then move to another streaming service, has hampered its momentum.

The Outliers

12. Star Trek: Short Treks (2018-2020)

Star Trek: Short Treks is an anthology series of short films, each exploring a different character or storyline within the Star Trek universe. These shorts served as companion pieces to Discovery and Picard, providing additional context and backstory. The quality of the shorts varies greatly, with some being quite memorable and others being forgettable.

Strengths:

• Offers a variety of storytelling styles and tones.
• Provides additional depth to characters and storylines from other series.
• Some shorts are genuinely creative and engaging.

Weaknesses:

• Uneven quality, with some shorts being significantly better than others.
• Short format can feel rushed or incomplete.
• Requires familiarity with other Star Trek series to fully appreciate.

Summary

This ranking represents a considered evaluation of the Star Trek television landscape. While personal preferences will always play a role, this order is based on factors such as storytelling quality, character development, thematic depth, and overall impact on the franchise. The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine stand out as the pinnacle of Star Trek, offering compelling characters, thought-provoking storylines, and a lasting legacy. While other series have their strengths and weaknesses, they all contribute to the rich tapestry of the Star Trek universe, a universe that continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

Last update on 2026-01-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API