"Star Trek Viewing Guide: Complete Series Timeline"

Since the premiere of the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the entertainment industry has been forever transformed. This iconic franchise has captivated the imaginations of millions globally, evolving into a vast universe encompassing multiple TV shows, feature films, comics, and a wide array of merchandise. Navigating the extensive world of Star Trek can be daunting, especially when deciding whether to watch the series and movies in chronological order or by release date. To help you embark on this epic journey, we've put together a comprehensive guide to ensure you don't miss any of the action.

Thanks to Paramount+, catching up on Star Trek has never been easier. This platform is now the central hub for nearly all past, present, and future Star Trek content, making it the perfect starting point for any fan looking to dive in.

Join us as we explore the final frontier and guide you through the adventures of iconic characters like Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and many more who have made Star Trek a beloved saga over the past 56 years.

Rest assured, the following chronological timeline is crafted to be mostly spoiler-free, allowing you to enjoy the journey without major plot spoilers. If you prefer to watch Star Trek in the order it was released, that list is also provided below!

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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 is the earliest entry in our chronological timeline, set a century before Star Trek: The Original Series. Airing from 2001 to 2005, the series stars Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, who commands Earth's first warp-five capable starship, the Enterprise NX-01. The show offers a fresh perspective on the Star Trek universe, showcasing the crew's initial encounters with familiar alien species and operating without the advanced technology seen in later series.

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

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

Chronologically, Star Trek: Discovery begins before The Original Series, with its first two seasons set in 2256-2258. However, the series later jumps to the 32nd century, so you'll need to skip around to maintain the timeline. Discovery stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire, leading to her reassignment to the USS 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 is set before the events of The Original Series and follows the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike, played by Anson Mount, who was introduced in Discovery's second season. This series explores Pike's journey and introduces both familiar faces from The Original Series and new characters, all aboard the USS Enterprise NCC-1701.

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 is where it all began. Created by Gene Roddenberry, this series aired from 1966 to 1969 and introduced the world to Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, and his first officer, Spock, portrayed by Leonard Nimoy. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons, the series gained a cult following in syndication, laying the groundwork for the entire Star Trek universe.

The Original Series embodies the spirit of exploration, as encapsulated in its famous opening monologue: "Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man 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 that reimagines the adventures of characters from The Original Series with new actors. This alternate timeline, beginning in 2233, offers a fresh take on familiar stories while still paying homage to the original series. You can watch these films at any point, but they include numerous nods to The Original Series that enhance the viewing experience.

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

Following the success of The Original Series in syndication, Gene Roddenberry brought back the beloved characters in animated form with Star Trek: The Animated Series. Airing from 1973 to 1974, this series continued the adventures of the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 and its crew, offering fans more stories from their favorite universe.

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 Original Series crew to the big screen in 1979. Initially planned as a TV series, the project evolved into a film after the success of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The movie follows Admiral James T. Kirk as he reclaims command of the USS Enterprise to investigate a mysterious alien entity known as V'Ger.

Star Trek: The Motion PictureParamount PicturesDec 7, 1979PG

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 one of the best Star Trek films. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, it features a gripping narrative centered on the battle between Admiral Kirk and the genetically engineered superhuman Khan Noonien Singh, portrayed by Ricardo Montalban. Khan seeks revenge after being stranded on a remote planet by Kirk in a previous episode of The Original Series.

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

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