How to Watch Star Trek in Order: The Complete Series Timeline

Embark on a Comprehensive Star Trek Viewing Journey: Chronological and Release Order Guides

Since the debut of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the franchise has captivated audiences worldwide, expanding into a vast universe encompassing numerous shows, films, comics, and merchandise. This guide simplifies navigating this extensive content, offering both chronological and release order viewing options.

Paramount+ serves as the central hub for most Star Trek content, past, present, and future, making access significantly easier. Join us as we explore the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, and many more iconic characters across 56 years of Star Trek history.

The chronological timeline below is largely spoiler-free, allowing you to enjoy the surprises each installment offers. A release order list is also provided for those preferring that approach.

Jump to:

• Chronological Viewing Order
• Release Order Viewing Order

How to Watch Star Trek in Chronological Order

1. Star Trek: Enterprise (2151-2155)

   Set a century before the Original Series, Enterprise follows Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) aboard Earth's first warp 5 starship. This series showcases a crew with less advanced technology than later iterations, offering a unique perspective on early Starfleet and first contact with familiar alien species.

   Star Trek: Enterprise UPN September 26, 2001

   Where to Watch: [Streaming/Purchase options]

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

   The first two seasons of Discovery precede the Original Series. Note: Seasons 3-5 jump significantly forward in time. This series introduces Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war.

   Star Trek: Discovery Paramount+ January 7, 2018

   Where to Watch: [Streaming/Purchase options]

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

   Set before the Original Series and building upon Discovery, Strange New Worlds features Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), seen in Discovery's second season. This series explores Pike's backstory and familiar characters from the Original Series alongside new additions, all aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.

   Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Paramount+ May 5, 2022

   Where to Watch: [Streaming/Purchase options]

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

   The foundational series, created by Gene Roddenberry, featuring Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Despite its initial cancellation, its enduring popularity cemented its place in television history.

   Star Trek: The Original Series NBC September 8, 1966

   Where to Watch: [Streaming/Purchase options]

Bonus: The Kelvin Timeline (2009's Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, Star Trek Beyond)

These films, directed by J.J. Abrams, exist in an alternate timeline and can be viewed at any point. They offer a reimagining of classic characters and storylines. [Streaming/Purchase options for each film]

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

   A continuation of the Original Series' adventures in animated form, featuring many returning characters and voice actors.

   Star Trek: The Animated Series NBC September 8, 1973

   Where to Watch: [Streaming/Purchase options]

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

   The first Star Trek film, bringing back the Original Series crew. [Streaming/Purchase options]

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

   Widely considered one of the best Star Trek films, pitting Kirk and the Enterprise against Khan Noonien Singh. [Streaming/Purchase options]

8. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (2285)

   Continues the story from Wrath of Khan, focusing on Spock's survival and the crew's efforts to retrieve him. [Streaming/Purchase options]

9. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (2286 and 1986)

   The crew travels back in time to 1986 San Francisco to address a threat to Earth. [Streaming/Purchase options]

10. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (2287)

    Often considered a weaker entry in the Original Series film series, featuring a journey to find God. [Streaming/Purchase options]

11. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (2293)

    The final film featuring the Original Series cast, focusing on Klingon-Federation relations. [Streaming/Purchase options]

12. Star Trek: Section 31 (2326)

    (Note: Consider skipping this one based on critical reception.) [Streaming/Purchase options]

13. Star Trek: The Next Generation (2364-2370)

    Often regarded as the best Star Trek series, starring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. [Streaming/Purchase options]

14. Star Trek Generations (2293 and 2371)

    Features a crossover between the Original Series and Next Generation crews. [Streaming/Purchase options]

15. Star Trek: First Contact (2373)

    A Next Generation film focusing on the Borg threat and time travel. [Streaming/Purchase options]

16. Star Trek: Insurrection (2375)

    A Next Generation film that often receives mixed reviews. [Streaming/Purchase options]

17. Star Trek: Nemesis (2379)

    The final Next Generation film. [Streaming/Purchase options]

18. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (2369-2375)

    The first Star Trek series set primarily on a space station, featuring Captain Benjamin Sisko. [Streaming/Purchase options]

19. Star Trek: Voyager (2371-2378)

    Features Captain Kathryn Janeway and her crew stranded in the Delta Quadrant. [Streaming/Purchase options]

20. Star Trek: Lower Decks (2380-2382)

    An animated series focusing on lower-deck crew members. [Streaming/Purchase options]

21. Star Trek: Prodigy (2383-2385)

    A 3D animated series aimed at a younger audience. [Streaming/Purchase options]

22. Star Trek: Picard (2399-2402)

    A continuation of the Next Generation story, featuring the return of Picard and other familiar characters. [Streaming/Purchase options]

23. Star Trek: Discovery: Seasons 3, 4, and 5 (3188-3191)

    The later seasons of Discovery jump significantly forward in time, depicting a future Federation. [Streaming/Purchase options]

How to Watch Star Trek by Order of Release

This list follows the order of the shows' and films' initial releases. [List of titles with release dates]

Upcoming Star Trek Projects

Several new Star Trek projects are in development. [List of upcoming projects]

Michelle Yeoh as Emperor Philippa Georgiou in Star Trek: Section 31

This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the vast world of Star Trek. Remember to check streaming services and retailers for the most up-to-date availability of each title.