From the time Star Trek first hit the airwaves in the 60s, these shows have been groundbreaking. They explore themes of tolerance, diversity, and the responsibilities that come with advancing technology. When Gene Roddenberry first conceived of the idea for Star Trek, he had no idea how big the franchise would become. Whole generations have grown up, watching spellbound as the Star Trek Universe unfolded over seven TV series, 13 movie spinoffs, video games, comics, and more.
Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) kicked things off with a stylized, kitschy take on the universe. The show ran from 1966 to 1969 and introduced audiences to iconic characters such as Captain Kirk and Spock.
Two decades later came Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). This series ran from 1987 to 1994, and featured characters like Captain Picard and unforgettable villains like The Borg.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine followed the lives and struggles of people aboard a space station near a wormhole. It ran from 1993 to 1999, and audiences could tune in to the adventures of Commander Benjamin Sisko and the tale of the Federation-Dominion War.
In 1995, Star Trek: Voyager hit the little screen, and it ran until 2001. This series left the Alpha Quadrant behind, bringing new aliens and new adventures for Captain Janeway and the Voyager as they tried to find their way home through the uncharted Delta Quadrant.
Star Trek: Enterprise, running from 2001 to 2005, took a trip back in time. Here, Captain Jonathan Archer guided a crew through the beginnings of the Federation.
Finally, there is Star Trek: Discovery, which debuted in 2017. It is set shortly before the events of The Original Series. This critical hit is scheduled for a second season.
With this many series stretching back almost sixty years, there are hundreds of major characters featured in the Star Trek Universe. Are you a superfan, or have you just started dipping your toes into this beloved sci fi franchise? Test your trivia knowledge by matching the faces to the names here: