Star Trek Viewing Guide: Complete Series Timeline Revealed

Ever since the premiere of the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the entertainment landscape has been transformed. This pioneering franchise has boldly ventured into uncharted territories, captivating the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. It has evolved into a vast, space-faring universe, encompassing multiple TV shows, feature films, comics, and an array of merchandise. With such an extensive universe, navigating the Star Trek saga can be daunting, whether you're aiming to watch it in chronological order or by release date. To simplify your journey, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to help you explore the Star Trek universe.

Tracking down every Star Trek show and movie was once challenging, but Paramount+ has streamlined the process by becoming the primary hub for nearly all past, present, and future Star Trek content.

Join us as we embark on a journey into the final frontier and discover how to catch up on the adventures of iconic characters like Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and more, who have made Star Trek so beloved over the past 56 years.

Rest assured, the guide below provides a mostly spoiler-free chronological timeline, ensuring you can dive into the series without spoiling major plot points. If you prefer to watch Star Trek as it was originally released, you'll find that list provided as well.

Jump to:

• How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order
• How to Watch Star Trek by Release Order

How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order

1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)

Star Trek: Enterprise is the earliest entry in our list, set a century before the adventures of Kirk and Spock from Star Trek: The Original Series. Airing from 2001 to 2005, it features Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer, commanding Earth's first warp-five capable starship, the Enterprise NX-01. The series offers a unique perspective on a crew with less advanced technology, the initial encounters with familiar alien species, and more.

Star Trek: EnterpriseUPNSep 26, 2001

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

The timeline gets complex with Star Trek: Discovery, as the first two seasons precede Star Trek: The Original Series, while Seasons 3, 4, and 5 leap into the future. To watch in order, you'll need to navigate between series and movies. Star Trek: Discovery introduces Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. She faces court-martial and reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery.

Star Trek: DiscoveryParamount+Jan 7, 2018

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3. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2259-TBD)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is set before The Original Series and follows Captain Christopher Pike, played by Anson Mount, who first appeared in Discovery. This series delves deeper into Pike's story, alongside familiar and new characters, aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, the ship that would later be commanded by James T. Kirk.

Star Trek: Strange New WorldsParamount+May 5, 2022

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4. Star Trek: The Original Series (2265-2269)

Star Trek: The Original Series kickstarted the franchise and set the stage for its legendary status. Despite being canceled after three seasons from 1966 to 1969 due to low ratings, it gained immense popularity in syndication and laid the groundwork for the expansive Star Trek universe. The series, led by William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, embarked on its famous mission to explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and civilizations.

Star TrekNBCSep 8, 1966

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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 Star Trek film, directed by J.J. Abrams, launched a reboot known as the Kelvin Timeline. While these films feature many beloved characters, they exist in an alternate reality due to an event in 2233. You can watch them at any point, though they contain nods to The Original Series, including a cameo by Leonard Nimoy as Spock.

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

Following the popularity of The Original Series in syndication, Gene Roddenberry continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew in an animated format. Star Trek: The Animated Series aired from 1973 to 1974 and brought back many original characters and voice actors, expanding the universe's storytelling.

Star Trek: The Animated Series [1973]NBCSep 8, 1973

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6. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (2270s)

Star Trek: The Motion Picture marked the return of the Original Series crew to the big screen after the show's cancellation. Despite initial resistance from Paramount, the film was greenlit and followed Admiral James T. Kirk as he retakes command of the Enterprise to confront a mysterious alien entity known as V'Ger.

Star Trek: The Motion PictureParamount PicturesDec 7, 1979PG

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7. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (2285)

After The Motion Picture, Gene Roddenberry's sequel script was rejected, leading to a new direction with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Widely regarded as the best Star Trek film, it pits Admiral Kirk against the genetically engineered Khan Noonien Singh, seeking revenge after being stranded for 15 years.

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

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