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, whether you prefer chronological or release order viewing. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you don't miss a single adventure.
Finding all Star Trek shows and movies used to be difficult, but Paramount+ has streamlined things considerably, becoming the home for almost all past, present, and future Star Trek entries.
Join us on a journey through the final frontier to discover how to catch up on the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and countless others who've made Star Trek so iconic over the past 56 years.
Don't worry, the following is a mostly spoiler-free chronological timeline, avoiding major plot points. Use this guide to catch up without ruining the surprises!
A release order list is also provided below!
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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 Kirk, Spock, and the Original Series crew, aired from 2001 to 2005. Starring Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, it follows Earth's first warp 5 capable starship, the Enterprise NX-01. Despite its inconsistencies, the show offers a compelling look at a crew with less advanced technology, first contact with familiar alien species, and more.
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2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258)
The first two seasons of Star Trek: Discovery precede the Original Series; however, subsequent seasons jump to a different time period. To maintain chronological order, some jumping around is required. The show stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, whose actions inadvertently trigger a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Following a court-martial, she's reassigned to the U.S.S. Discovery.
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3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, also set before the Original Series, is connected to Discovery through Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), who appears in Discovery's second season. Pike, initially featured in a rejected Original Series pilot, becomes Kirk's predecessor. The show explores Pike's story and other familiar faces alongside new characters, aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.
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4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)
Created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek: The Original Series, starring William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, laid the foundation for the franchise's enduring legacy. Initially canceled after three seasons (1966-1969), its popularity grew through syndication, paving the way for future installments.
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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 Star Trek reboot, along with its sequels, 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)
Following the cancellation of The Original Series, Gene Roddenberry continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew through animation. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974) featured many original characters and voice actors, further expanding the franchise's lore.
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6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)
The first Star Trek film brought back the Original Series crew. Facing challenges in securing production, the film's eventual success launched the franchise into a new era.
PG
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(...continues in the same format for the remaining entries)
