Star Trek: Show or Movie? An In-Depth Overview

Star Trek is a vast multimedia franchise that has captivated audiences for over six decades. It began as a TV series and has since expanded to include movies, books, games, and more. This article explores the history of Star Trek, focusing on its various TV series and movies, and delves into the question of whether Star Trek is a show or a movie.

The History of Star Trek: A Multimedia Franchise

Star Trek originated in 1966 as a television series, which was followed by a series of movies. The franchise then evolved into a diverse multimedia format, including TV shows, movies, novels, and video games. The table below summarizes the major components of the Star Trek franchise.

TITLENUMBER OF SEASONS/MOVIESBEGINNING YEAR/TITLENote Original Series31966- Animated Series21973- The Next Generation (TNG)71987- Deep Space Nine (DS9)71993- Voyager71995- Enterprise42001- The Original Series Reboot62009Part of the Abrams reboot timeline Discover32017Concurrently with the Abrams reboot timeline Picard4 (ongoing)2020- Lower Decks2 (ongoing)2020A prequel to DS9 and VOY Strange New Worlds1 (production)2022Spinoff of Discovery

The Original Star Trek Series

The original Star Trek series, which premiered in 1966, was groundbreaking for its time. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, the series has since become a cultural phenomena. The original series had three seasons and 79 episodes (80 if you count the unaired pilot, The Cage). It was followed by an animated series in the mid-1970s, though it is not officially considered part of the main canon.

The Movies: A Rich Timeline

Star Trek's movie series has a rich, complex timeline, encompassing 9 movies (soon to be 10). The movies span different timelines and are notably directed by J.J. Abrams, who has been a polarizing figure among fans. Here's a rundown of the major Star Trek movies:

TITLEYEARThe Abrams Timeline Star Trek2009Yes Star Trek: Into Darkness2013Yes Star Trek: Beyond2016Yes Star Trek: The Original Series1979-2009No Star Trek: The Motion Picture1979Yes Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan1982Yes Star Trek III: The Search for Spock1984Yes Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home1986Yes Star Trek V: The Final Frontier1989Yes Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country1991Yes

Trekkie Culture and Fan Engagement

Star Trek has a vibrant fan culture, with conventions, cosplay, and a strong merchandise market. Fans dress up as their favorite characters, meet actors, and engage in discussions about the franchise. Notable figures like Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock, continue to be revered by fans.

Final Thoughts

Star Trek is both a show and a movie, depending on the specific timeline you are considering. The franchise's rich history and diverse media formats make it a unique and enduring cultural phenomenon. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, there is always something new and exciting to explore within the Star Trek universe.