With a legacy spanning decades, it's only fitting to categorize the vast Star Trek universe by its distinct eras. We start with the iconic Original Series from the late '60s, followed by the cinematic adventures of those pioneering scientists. The franchise then evolved through the Rick Berman era, which kicked off with The Next Generation and concluded with Enterprise. Fast forward to the present, and we're immersed in the modern era, initiated by Paramount+'s Discovery in 2017.
Today, we're delving into this latest chapter, especially as the platform once known as CBS All Access introduces its first direct-to-streaming TV movie, Star Trek: Section 31, which interestingly began life as a planned series. Within a span of less than eight years, the creative minds behind modern Trek have given us five new series, including two animated ones, and a collection of shorts aptly named Short Treks.
Given the diverse range of formats and genres—from gripping sci-fi drama to light-hearted comedy, animation, shorts, and feature-length productions—comparing these projects is no easy task. It's also worth noting that a series might have its peaks and troughs across seasons. Our rankings consider the entirety of each series' run, not just the standout episodes.
So, without further ado, let's embark on this journey, ready to "make it so," "engage," "fly," "blast off," "punch it," or whatever catchphrase you prefer while donning your Starfleet captain's attire!
The Best Star Trek Series of the Modern Era (and the Worst)
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