For over half a century, Star Trek has generated a true sense of wonder at the possibilities of the universe—a science fictional lens through which the writers and producers examine important social issues of our times.
Star Trek is far more than a successful television show, but a multi-faceted entertainment franchise and a cultural phenomenon. Created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek follows the crew the starship U.S.S. Enterprise as they explore new worlds and “boldly go where no man has gone before.” The show presented an optimistic future—unusual for the times—and made a specific point of depicting a multi-ethnic crew working together to explore space.
Beyond being just popular, Star Trek has strongly impacted many facets of our culture. Scientists, astronauts, engineers and technologists have been inspired by Star Trek to explore space and to replicate the show’s futuristic technologies. In the entertainment world, Star Trek has inspired countless spoofs, parodies, and homages.
Since the genesis of the series in 1966, Star Trek has generated 5 spin-off shows, 13 films, over 700 novels, dozens of board and card games, and almost 100 video games.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, novel (1982)
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, novel (1984)
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, novel (1986)
Star Trek: The Animated Series, television (1973–1974)
Star Trek: The Motion Picture, film (1979)
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, film (1982)
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, film (1984)
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, film (1986)
Star Trek: The Next Generation, television (1987–1994)
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, film (1989)
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, film (1991)
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, television (1993–1999)
Star Trek: Voyager, television (1995–2001)
Star Trek: Enterprise , television (2001–2005)
Star Trek: Nemesis, film (2002)
Star Trek, film (2009)
Star Trek: Into Darkness, film (2013)
Star Trek: Beyond, film (2016)