Star Trek Viewing Order: Complete Guide

Since the debut of *Star Trek: The Original Series* in 1966, the franchise has captivated millions, expanding into a vast universe encompassing numerous shows, films, comics, and merchandise. This abundance of content can make navigating the Star Trek experience challenging, whether you prefer chronological or release order viewing. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you don't miss a single adventure.

Finding all Star Trek shows and movies used to be difficult, but Paramount+ now houses nearly every past, present, and future entry, making the journey significantly easier.

Join us on a spoiler-free chronological journey through the final frontier, exploring the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and countless others who have shaped Star Trek's legacy over the past 56 years. A release-order viewing list is also provided below.

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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)

Set a century before *Star Trek: The Original Series*, *Star Trek: Enterprise* (2001-2005) follows Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) aboard Earth's first warp 5-capable starship, the Enterprise NX-01. The series explores a crew with less advanced technology than later iterations, showcasing first contact with familiar alien species and more.

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

The first two seasons of *Star Trek: Discovery* precede *Star Trek: The Original Series*. Note that Seasons 3-5 jump significantly forward in time. This series stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham, a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war, leading to her reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery.

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

Also set before *Star Trek: The Original Series*, *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* features Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, introduced in *Star Trek: Discovery*. This series delves into Pike's backstory and features familiar faces from *The Original Series* alongside new characters, all aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.

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

The foundational series, created by Gene Roddenberry, features William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons (1966-1969), its enduring popularity laid the groundwork for the entire franchise. Many iconic episodes established themes for future installments.

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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: Paramount+

J.J. Abrams' 2009 reboot, existing in the Kelvin Timeline, offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters. These films can be watched at any point in your viewing journey, offering callbacks to *Star Trek: The Original Series*.

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

Following the success of *The Original Series* in syndication, Gene Roddenberry continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew in animated form (1973-1974). Many original voice actors reprised their roles, expanding the universe with new stories.

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

This first Star Trek film (1979) brought back the original crew, with Kirk now an Admiral. The film's plot centers around a mysterious energy cloud, V’Ger, prompting Kirk to reclaim command of a refitted Enterprise.

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(Continue in this format for the remaining entries, maintaining consistency in styling and image placement.)