News about Star Trek Viewing Order: Full Series Timeline

Since the premiere of the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the entertainment landscape has been transformed by this iconic franchise. Star Trek has boldly ventured into uncharted territories, captivating the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. It has evolved into a vast universe, encompassing multiple television series, feature films, comics, and a wide array of merchandise. With such an extensive collection of content, navigating the Star Trek universe can be daunting, whether you're aiming to watch everything in chronological or release order. To simplify your journey through this expansive saga, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you engage with the Star Trek universe effectively.

Thanks to Paramount+, accessing the full spectrum of Star Trek content has become more straightforward. This platform serves as the central hub for nearly all past, present, and future Star Trek entries, making it easier than ever to catch up on the adventures of beloved characters like Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and many others who have contributed to the franchise's legacy over the past 56 years.

Embark with us into the final frontier and discover how you can immerse yourself in the Star Trek saga. Our guide provides a mostly spoiler-free chronological timeline, ensuring you can enjoy the journey without major plot spoilers. If you prefer to experience Star Trek as it was released, we've included that list as well.

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How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological OrderHow to Watch Star Trek by Release OrderHow to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order

1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)

Star Trek: Enterprise marks the earliest entry in our chronological journey, set a century before the adventures of Kirk and Spock in Star Trek: The Original Series. Airing from 2001 to 2005, the series stars Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, who commands the Enterprise NX-01, Earth's first starship capable of reaching warp five. Despite its ups and downs, the show offers a unique perspective on a crew navigating the galaxy without the advanced technology seen in later series, and it features the first contact with many familiar alien species.

Star Trek: EnterpriseUPNSep 26, 2001### Where to Watch

Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 2. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 1 and 2 (2256-2258)

Navigating the timeline can get tricky with Star Trek: Discovery, as its first two seasons are set before Star Trek: The Original Series, while seasons 3, 4, and 5 leap into the distant future. The series, which premiered in 2018, stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. Following her court-martial and demotion, she is reassigned to the U.S.S. Discovery.

Star Trek: DiscoveryParamount+Jan 7, 2018### Where to Watch

Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds also precedes Star Trek: The Original Series and is introduced through Star Trek: Discovery, featuring Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike. Pike, originally seen in the unaired pilot "The Cage" of The Original Series, becomes a central figure in this series, which explores his story and those of other familiar and new characters aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, the ship that would later be commanded by James T. Kirk.

Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+May 5, 2022### Where to Watch

Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)

Star Trek: The Original Series, created by Gene Roddenberry, is the cornerstone of the franchise. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons from 1966 to 1969 due to low ratings, it gained immense popularity in syndication, laying the groundwork for the expansive Star Trek universe. The series stars William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, embarking on a five-year mission to explore new worlds and civilizations, boldly going where no one has gone before.

Star TrekNBCSep 8, 1966### Where to Watch

Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 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+

The 2009 film Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams, launched the Kelvin Timeline, a reboot featuring familiar characters from The Original Series portrayed by new actors. This alternate timeline, sparked by an event in 2233, allows for fresh storytelling while paying homage to the original series, including a notable return by Leonard Nimoy as Spock.

5. Star Trek: The Animated Series (2269-2270)

Following the success of The Original Series in syndication, Gene Roddenberry continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew in Star Trek: The Animated Series. Airing from 1973 to 1974, this series brought back many of the original characters and their voice actors for two seasons of animated storytelling.

Star Trek: The Animated Series [1973]NBCSep 8, 1973### Where to Watch

Powered byBuyBuyBuyMore### 6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture marked the return of the The Original Series crew to the big screen in 1979. Despite initial resistance from Paramount Pictures, the film's eventual success paved the way for further cinematic adventures. In this film, Admiral James T. Kirk retakes command of the refitted U.S.S. Enterprise to confront a mysterious alien entity known as V'Ger.

Star Trek: The Motion PictureParamount PicturesDec 7, 1979PG

### Where to Watch

Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyRent/BuyMore### 7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (2285)

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, released in 1982, is often hailed as the best Star Trek film. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, it follows the epic confrontation between Admiral James T. Kirk and the genetically engineered superhuman Khan Noonien Singh, played by Ricardo Montalban. The film picks up 15 years after Khan's exile by Kirk in the episode "Space Seed" from The Original Series.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanParamount PicturesJun 4, 1982PG

### Where to Watch

Powered byRent/BuyRent/BuyRent/BuyMore### 8. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (2285)

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock continues the narrative from The Wrath of Khan, focusing on the aftermath of Spock's death. The film follows Kirk and his crew as they embark on a mission to retrieve Spock's body and katra, which resides within Dr. McCoy. Their journey involves stealing the Enterprise, encountering Klingons, and more.