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

Since the debut of Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966, the franchise has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating millions worldwide. Its sprawling universe encompasses numerous shows, films, comics, and merchandise, making it a challenge to navigate for newcomers. This guide simplifies the process, offering chronological and release-order viewing options to ensure you don't miss a single adventure.

Finding all Star Trek content used to be difficult, but Paramount+ now hosts almost every past, present, and future entry, making it significantly easier.

Join us on a journey through the final frontier as we explore the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and countless others who've shaped Star Trek's legacy over the past 56 years. Rest assured, the following timeline is largely spoiler-free, preserving the surprises of each entry. A release-order list is also provided for those who prefer that approach.

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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)

Star Trek: Enterprise, set a century before The Original Series, follows Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the Enterprise NX-01, Earth's first warp 5 capable starship. The series (2001-2005) offers a glimpse into a less technologically advanced era, showcasing first contact with familiar alien species.

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

Seasons 1 and 2 of Star Trek: Discovery precede The Original Series. Note: Seasons 3-5 jump significantly forward in time. This series introduces Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), whose actions inadvertently spark a war between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Her subsequent reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery sets the stage for her journey.

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

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, set before The Original Series, expands upon characters introduced in Discovery, notably Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). This series explores Pike's command of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701, the same ship that would later be captained by Kirk.

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

Gene Roddenberry's groundbreaking series, starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, launched the franchise into legendary status. Despite its initial cancellation after three seasons (1966-1969), its enduring popularity laid the foundation for all subsequent Star Trek stories.

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

J.J. Abrams' reboot trilogy (2009, 2013, 2016) exists in an alternate timeline, the Kelvin Timeline. These films can be viewed at any point in your Star Trek journey, offering fresh perspectives on familiar characters.

Where to Watch: Paramount+

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

Following the success of The Original Series in syndication, Gene Roddenberry produced this animated series (1973-1974), featuring the original crew in new adventures.

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

The first Star Trek film reunited the original crew, facing a mysterious energy entity called V’Ger. Its production faced challenges, but ultimately proved successful, leading to further films.

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...(continues in this format for the remaining entries)