Understanding the Canon in Star Trek: A Comprehensive Guide

The significance of the canon in the Star Trek franchise is a topic of perennial interest among fans. For those unfamiliar, the canon in Star Trek refers to the officially recognized core storyline and continuity of the series. This article delves into the established Star Trek canon, explaining its definition, how it's maintained, and why certain works are considered part of it.

Defining the Established Star Trek Canon

The Established Star Trek Canon, officially recognized by the studio ViacomCBS/Paramount, has been a constant since the franchise's inception in 1966 with the original series. It encompasses all television shows, movies, and certain novels, comics, and other media that have been explicitly sanctioned as part of the official narrative. This canon is defined by the studio’s decision and does not change over time, regardless of changes in the year or fan preferences.

Key Elements of the Established Star Trek Canon

Television Shows and Movies: The original Star Trek series (Seasons 1-3), Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), Deep Space Nine (DS9), Voyager, and Enterprise make up the core canon TV series. Major films such as Star Trek: Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, The Wrath of Khan, The Search for Spock, The Voyage Home, The Motion Picture, First Contact, Insurrection, The Final Frontier, and The Undiscovered Country are also considered part of the canon.

Novels and Comics: The studio has approved certain novels and comics, including those from the publications “Countdown to Star Trek: The Next Generation”, “Countdown to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”, “Countdown to Star Trek: Voyager”, “Countdown to Star Trek: Enterprise”, and “Star Trek: Discovery” and “Star Trek: Picard” novels. Additionally, the Borg Documentary and Star Trek Online have been included under the canon.

Official Media: Any media that ViacomCBS/Paramount deems to be officially part of the canon is considered canon. This includes certain fan-created works, but only those that have been officially sanctioned by the studio.

Additional Exclusions: Numerous fan-created works, such as Star Trek: Axanar, Star Trek: New Voyages, and Star Trek: Continues, are not considered part of the established canon. These works are fan-created and, while they may be highly regarded by fans, they do not meet the legal and official standards required to be considered canon.

Why Certain Works Are Not Part of the Established Canonical Storyline

Not all works in the Star Trek universe are considered part of the established canon. Fan films and fan fiction often diverge from the official narrative due to their non-official, non-sanctioned nature. Works like Star Trek: Axanar, while highly acclaimed, were not given the official sanction from Paramount, which means they fall outside the established canon.

Legal and contractual considerations are also a significant factor. The studio, ViacomCBS/Paramount, holds the exclusive rights to the Star Trek franchise, and only media that adheres to their guidelines and is officially sanctioned is included in the canon. This legal oversight prevents unauthorized or unofficial narratives from competing with or conflicting with the official storyline.

Implications for Star Trek Fans and Enthusiasts

For fans of Star Trek, understanding the canon is essential. It helps them navigate the vast and varied universe of Star Trek and ensures they are engaging with the official storyline. This knowledge also aids in building a more informed community, where discussions and debates are grounded in the official narrative.

Supporting officially sanctioned works not only ensures a cohesive and accurate universe but also supports the franchise's integrity. This is particularly important for creators and fans who want to contribute to or grow the Star Trek universe responsibly and in line with the studio's vision.

Conclusion

The established Star Trek Canon, as recognized and maintained by ViacomCBS/Paramount, is a cornerstone of the franchise's continuity and narrative coherence. Understanding what is and is not part of this canon is crucial for both new and long-time fans. It serves not only as a guide for creators and fans but also as a respect for the studio's rights and the integrity of the Star Trek universe.