Star Trek, a beloved franchise that has spanned decades, offers a rich tapestry of storytelling that can be categorized by distinct eras. From the iconic days of The Original Series in the late '60s, through the cinematic adventures of those pioneering scientists, to the extensive Rick Berman era that kicked off with The Next Generation and concluded with Enterprise, and finally, the current modern era that began with the launch of Discovery on Paramount+ in 2017, Star Trek continues to evolve and captivate audiences.
Today, we're focusing on the latest chapter of this epic saga as Paramount+, the platform once known as CBS All Access, introduces the first direct-to-streaming TV movie, Star Trek: Section 31, originally conceived as a series. In just under eight years, the creative minds behind modern Trek have expanded the universe with five new series, two of which explore the genre through animation, along with a collection of shorts dubbed Short Treks.
The diverse range of storytelling in these projects—from traditional science fiction drama to comedic elements, animation, shorts, and feature-length narratives—presents a challenge when comparing them. It's also important to consider that a series may have its highs and lows across different seasons. Our rankings take into account the entirety of each series rather than just a select group of standout episodes.
So, whether you prefer to say "Make it so," "Engage," "Fly," "Blast off," or "Punch it" while donning your Starfleet captain's uniform, let's dive into the rankings of the best and worst Star Trek series of the modern era.
The Best Star Trek Series of the Modern Era (and the Worst)
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