The Star Trek franchise has evolved significantly over the decades, making it essential to categorize its vast output by distinct eras. We start with The Original Series from the late '60s, followed by the movies featuring the iconic crew, leading into the Rick Berman era that kicked off with Star Trek: The Next Generation and concluded with Star Trek: Enterprise. The modern era, ushered in by Paramount+ with the launch of Star Trek: Discovery in 2017, marks the latest chapter in this storied saga.
Today, we're diving into this modern era, highlighted by the release of the first straight-to-streaming TV movie, Star Trek: Section 31, which initially began as a series concept. In just under eight years, the creative minds behind modern Trek have introduced five new series, including two animated shows, and a collection of shorts aptly named Short Treks.
Given the diverse approaches these projects have taken—from traditional sci-fi drama to comedy, animation, shorts, and feature-length content—comparing them can be challenging. It's also important to consider that a series can have varying quality across its seasons. Our rankings take into account the entirety of each series' run, rather than focusing solely on standout 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," as you channel your inner Starfleet captain!
The Best Star Trek Series of the Modern Era (and the Worst)
8 Images
