Star Trek Viewing Order: A Complete Guide
Since the debut of *Star Trek: The Original Series* in 1966, the franchise has captivated millions, expanding into a vast universe encompassing numerous shows, films, comics, and merchandise. This abundance of content can make navigating the Star Trek experience challenging. To simplify things, this guide provides chronological and release-order viewing options, ensuring you don't miss a single adventure.
Finding all Star Trek shows and movies used to be difficult, but Paramount+ has become the central hub for almost the entire franchise's past, present, and future offerings.
Join us on a journey through the final frontier and discover how to catch up with the exploits of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and countless others who have shaped the Star Trek legacy over the past 56 years.
Rest assured, the following timelines are mostly spoiler-free, preserving the surprises of each story. A release-order list is also provided for those who prefer that approach.
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How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order How to Watch Star Trek by Release Order
How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order
1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)
Star Trek: Enterprise, set a century before Star Trek: The Original Series, follows Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the Enterprise NX-01, Earth's first warp 5 capable starship. Airing from 2001 to 2005, the series offers a glimpse into a less technologically advanced era of Starfleet, showcasing first contact with familiar alien species and more.
Star Trek: EnterpriseUPN
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2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258)
The first two seasons of Star Trek: Discovery precede Star Trek: The Original Series, while later seasons jump significantly forward in time. For chronological viewing, some jumping between series and films is necessary. The series stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, whose actions inadvertently spark a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, leading to her reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery.
Star Trek: DiscoveryParamount+
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3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)
Building upon Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds features Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), introduced in Discovery’s second season. Pike, previously seen in the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage," commands the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, the same ship that would later be captained by Kirk. The series explores Pike's story and features familiar faces from The Original Series alongside new characters.
Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+
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4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)
The seminal series, created by Gene Roddenberry, launched the franchise's iconic status. Starring William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, the show's three seasons (1966-1969) laid the groundwork for future Star Trek adventures. Its initial low ratings led to cancellation, but its enduring popularity cemented its legacy.
Star TrekNBC
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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+
J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot, featuring a reimagined cast, exists in the alternate Kelvin Timeline, diverging from the main chronological order. These films can be watched at any point in your viewing journey.
5. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270)
Capitalizing on The Original Series’ growing popularity, Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974) continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew, featuring many of the original voice actors. The two seasons further expanded the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek: The Animated Series [1973]NBC
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6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)
The first Star Trek film brought back the Original Series crew after its cancellation. Initially facing production hurdles, its eventual release marked a significant milestone for the franchise, featuring Admiral Kirk's return to command the refitted Enterprise to confront the mysterious V'Ger.
Star Trek: The Motion PictureParamount PicturesPG
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