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Since Star Trek first debuted in 1966, the franchise has boldly gone where no TV series had gone before—spawning decades of spin-offs, reboots, prequels, and animated adventures. With over a dozen shows under its belt, the Star Trek universe has delivered everything from thought-provoking morality plays to pulse-pounding space battles.
But not every warp jump has landed perfectly. Some series pushed the limits of storytelling and captured lightning in a bottle, while others stumbled under the weight of their own ambition—or simply came out at the wrong time. Here, we’re ranking every Star Trek series from worst to best, based on cultural impact, storytelling quality, fan reception, and overall contribution to the final frontier.
12. Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973–1974) — Trek’s First Cartoon Voyage
While Star Trek: The Animated Series was the first attempt to keep the franchise alive after the original show’s cancellation, it remains a divisive entry among fans. Featuring voice work from much of the original cast, the series embraced wilder, more fantastical storylines that would have been impossible to film in live action at the time. Its colorful, often campy animation style has both nostalgic charm and glaring limitations. While it’s notable for introducing some canonical ideas, like Kirk’s middle name, and new alien species, it never quite captured the same magic as its live-action predecessor. Still, it’s a curious and sometimes delightful footnote in Trek history.
11. Star Trek: Enterprise (2001–2005) — A Prequel Lost in Space
Serving as a prequel to the entire franchise, Star Trek: Enterprise had the potential to explore the early days of humanity’s adventures into deep space. Unfortunately, it struggled with inconsistent storytelling and tonal confusion in its early seasons, alienating a significant portion of its fan base. Led by Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, the series eventually found its footing with the darker, more serialized Xindi arc, but by then, it was too late to reverse declining ratings. Its controversial theme song didn’t help matters. Today, it’s often remembered as a missed opportunity with flashes of brilliance.
10. Star Trek: Short Treks (2018–2020) — Bite-Sized Boldly Going
This experimental anthology series offered bite-sized Star Trek stories, some tied directly to ongoing shows like Discovery and Picard, while others stood alone as quirky one-offs. While the short format allowed for creative risks, it also meant episodes often felt more like curiosities than fully developed tales. Still, Short Treks delivered some memorable gems, including the emotionally charged “Calypso” and the hilarious tribble origin story “The Trouble with Edward.” As a companion piece, it’s an intriguing slice of Trek experimentation, but as a standalone watch, it lacks consistency.
9. Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024) — A Flashy but Polarizing Reboot
When Discovery premiered, it brought a cinematic sheen and serialized storytelling to Star Trek, appealing to a new generation while dividing longtime fans. Initially set a decade before the original series, it made bold choices in visual design, character arcs, and canon reinterpretation. While its emotional stakes and representation were groundbreaking, critics argued that it sometimes prioritized spectacle over classic Trek-style moral dilemmas. Over its run, Discovery evolved into a heartfelt found-family saga, and its final season brought its journey to a satisfying close. Love it or hate it, Discovery undeniably shook up the franchise.
8. Star Trek: Prodigy (2021–Present) — Trek for a New Generation
Aimed primarily at younger audiences, Star Trek: Prodigy manages to balance kid-friendly adventure with enough lore to hook veteran fans. Following a ragtag group of teens who commandeer a Starfleet vessel, the show cleverly weaves in Trek’s ideals through accessible storytelling. Kate Mulgrew’s return as a holographic Janeway offers a nostalgic anchor for long-time viewers. While still building its legacy, Prodigy stands as a smart gateway into the franchise for a new generation.
7. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2020–Present) — The Funniest Ship in Starfleet
Lower Decks flipped the Trek formula by focusing on the often-overlooked support crew of a less-than-iconic starship. Packed with rapid-fire jokes, deep-cut references, and genuine affection for the franchise, it’s a love letter to fans who know their Andorians from their Tellarites. While its humor occasionally overshadows its storytelling, the series has proven capable of delivering surprisingly heartfelt moments amid the chaos. Its blend of satire and sincerity has carved out a unique space in the Star Trek pantheon.
6. Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023) — A Captain’s Last Voyage
Bringing back Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard was always going to be a high-stakes gamble, and while Picard stumbled in its first two seasons, its third season was a near-universal triumph. The final chapter reunited the Next Generation cast for an emotional farewell that hit all the right nostalgic beats. Along the way, Picard explored aging, legacy, and the long shadows of past decisions. Flawed but often deeply moving, it was a fitting sendoff for one of Trek’s most beloved captains.
5. Star Trek: Voyager (1995–2001) — The Long Road Home
With Kate Mulgrew breaking ground as the franchise’s first female lead captain, Voyager charted a bold course through uncharted space. Stranded 70,000 light-years from Earth, the crew faced alien threats, moral dilemmas, and the long road home. While some episodes leaned on familiar Trek tropes, the show developed memorable characters like the holographic Doctor and fan-favorite Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan). Over time, Voyager cemented its reputation as an enduring adventure with a fiercely loyal fan base.
4. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022–Present) — Back to Episodic Adventure
A prequel to the original series, Strange New Worlds won immediate praise for returning to the franchise’s episodic roots while maintaining modern production values. Anson Mount’s (hair and) charismatic turn as Captain Christopher Pike anchors a stellar ensemble cast. The show deftly balances standalone adventures with slow-burn character arcs, delivering both lighthearted romps and high-stakes drama. In just a short time, it has become a fan favorite and a shining example of Star Trek’s adaptability.
3. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999) — The Darker Side of the Final Frontier
Deep Space Nine dared to challenge the utopian vision of earlier Trek by exploring the political, moral, and military realities of life on the edge of Federation space. With serialized storytelling, morally complex characters, and the epic Dominion War arc, it offered a depth and darkness rarely seen in the franchise. Avery Brooks’ commanding performance as Captain Sisko anchored a rich ensemble that included fan favorites like Kira Nerys and Odo. Today, it’s celebrated as one of Trek’s most mature and ambitious achievements.
2. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) — Boldly Going, Updated for the ’80s
Launching two decades after the original, The Next Generation revitalized the franchise and set a new gold standard for sci-fi television. Patrick Stewart’s Captain Picard embodied intellect and diplomacy, steering the Enterprise-D through stories that blended moral complexity with thrilling exploration. From “The Best of Both Worlds” to “All Good Things…,” it produced some of the most iconic moments in Trek history. Its influence extends far beyond the franchise, shaping modern sci-fi for generations.
1. Star Trek: The Original Series (1966–1969) — The Show That Started It All
The one that started it all, Star Trek: The Original Series, was a ratings underdog that became a pop culture juggernaut in syndication. With William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley at the helm, the show used sci-fi allegory to tackle timely social issues. It broke ground in representation, from its diverse bridge crew to its daring storytelling during the height of the Cold War. Though its special effects are dated by today’s standards, its adventurous spirit and groundbreaking vision remain timeless, earning it the top spot in the Star Trek television pantheon.
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