Star Trek has been a science fiction television phenomenon since 1966. Over the past 50-plus years, Star Trek has produced eight live action series, 13 movies, and three animated series. Each series has tackled sensitive subjects during the time they were released. Some have done remarkably well, while others have faltered.
The television series are all available on Paramount Plus. But not every one is going to appeal to all viewers. Sometimes the enjoyment of the series is generational, while other factors may also affect one's enjoyment. But, still, there is a plethora of options for fans of the science fiction franchise.
8 Discovery
The very first series produced exclusively for Paramount Plus brought Star Trek back to the masses. Star Trek: Discovery follows the crew of the starship Discovery during a time after the foundation of the Federation, but before the days of Captain James T. Kirk. The series has had its ups and downs, while introducing familiar elements like the Mirror Universe and Commander Spock.
The show is often criticized for being "woke," (in other words, featuring a diverse cast of characters, much like the original series). However, the biggest flaw of this series is its uneven storytelling. Its best stories have been found to capture the viewers' attention, while others falter. Many call season two the best season, and the characters introduced in that season even spawned a spinoff series. But, its worst stories can be described as disappointing at best.
7 Enterprise
While this series definitely has its diehard fandom, much like Discovery, Star Trek:Enterprise is a mixed bag when it comes to storytelling. The series follows the escapades of Captain Jonathan Archer and the very first Enterprise crew as they launch the initial space exploratory mission.
Seasons one and two follow a crisis-of-the-week format that had some great episodes, but plenty of duds as well. Plus, the Temporal Cold War storyline could appear at incredibly unusual times. However, season three's season long story arc about the Xindi attack and Starfleet response was strong storytelling. And, the move to three-episode story arcs in season four helped the show feel different from its predecessor. However, the show's theme song continue to divide Star Trek fans.
6 Picard
The continuing journeys of Captain Jean-Luc Picard in days long after the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation is another divisive series. Patrick Stewart's performance as Picard remains strong more than two decades after his original run ended. And guest spots from The Next Generation cast members have been welcomed by viewers, including an appearance by Wil Wheaton as a version of the Traveler.
But the storytelling again creates a problem. Many fans don't like Picard's arc after leaving Starfleet and working with the Borg. Some will never be able to accept Alex Kurtzman's view of Star Trek. Others may not like a disillusioned Picard, much like many Star Wars fans didn't like the disillusioned Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi. This is a show with more strengths than weaknesses, but the weaknesses may be too glaring for some to overlook.
5 The Original Series
The series that started it all struggled to find its audience in the 1960s, but thanks to syndication and reruns, it became the cultural phenomenon that allows for this article to be written. Pitched as a Wagon Train to the stars, The Original Series became Gene Roddenberry's way of sneaking social commentary past the censors.
The Original Series boasts some really strong episodes, including the acclaimed "Space Seed" which helps set up the events of the Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. It's got strong acting and very good writing. But much like its message, it helped spawn something bigger and better.
4 Strange New Worlds
Revisiting the time just before The Original Series has played out well for the Paramount Plus exclusive series. Strange New Worlds follows the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike and his crew aboard the Enterprise. Pike was the intended Captain of the Enterprise in the unaired pilot of The Original Series. It's a nice full circle moment.
Pike and this version of Spock were introduced in season two of Discovery before getting their own command for Strange New Worlds. Many viewers say this series, above all others on Paramount Plus, feels the most like the original Star Trek.
3 Voyager
Taking Starfleet out of the Alpha quadrant and into the Delta quadrant, Star Trek: Voyager takes the format from The Original Series and gives it a new spin. This time a Starfleet crew is stuck with a group who tried to commandeer their vessel as they all try to get back home.
It introduces the first female captain, Kathryn Janeway, as well as the first Borg crew member, Seven of Nine. It has some of the strongest acting and some of the strongest writing of the spinoff series. But, at times, it can still feel derivative of the series that came before it.
2 Deep Space Nine
The only Star Trek series to be set at a space station instead of on a starship, Deep Space Nine flips the formula on space travel by having the travelers come to the crew rather than the crew be the travelers. It also takes an interesting look at the Prime Directive, as the station's Captain Benjamin Sisko becomes far more involved in the actions of alien races than Kirk or Picard before him.
Deep Space Nine tackles even more sensitive themes than previous series. It takes a more in-depth look at war and conflict, and also tackles the pros and cons of organized religion. Much like Discovery, there's a good chance Deep Space Nine would be labeled "too woke" if it were made today, because of the issues it tackles.
1 The Next Generation
Far more than just a feel-good romp through space, The Next Generation perfectly tackles the idea of a space exploration and how Starfleet can seek out new life while not interfering. It allows for greater growth than Deep Space Nine due to the ship being the primary location.
The Next Generation updated and expanded the goal of The Original Series while being able to more flawlessly execute its mission than Voyager. It was Patrick Stewart at his best and, arguably, the best cast of characters Star Trek has produced. The one complaint against it might be that it was too perfect and not flawed enough.