Star Trek aired on NBC from September 8, 1966, to June 3, 1969. It was first broadcast on September 6, 1966, on Canada's CTV network. While on NBC, Star Trek's Nielsen ratings were low and the network canceled it after three seasons and 79 episodes.

Why was the original Star Trek so popular?

As many fans later explained, Star Trek presented a positive image of the future at a time when the news was filled with stories of racism, social strife, and war.

When did Star Trek come out and why was it important?

Star Trek, American television science-fiction series that ran on NBC for only three seasons (1966–69) but that became one of the most popular brands in the American entertainment industry.

Was Star Trek popular in the 60s?

The Origins of the Star Trek Phenomenon: Gene Roddenberry, the Original Series, and Science Fiction Fandom in the 1960s. Star Trek became one of the most popular television series, not only in the United States but the world, in the latter half of the twentieth century.

When did TNG become popular?

TNG was the most-watched Star Trek show, with a peak audience of 11.5 million during its fifth season prior to the launch of DS9. Between 1988 and 1992 it picked up half a million to a million additional viewers per year. Science fiction authors noted how Star Trek: The Next Generation influenced their careers.

STAR TREK | A Brief History

How popular was Star Trek when it came out?

Season 1 (1966–1967)

Debuting against mostly reruns, Star Trek easily won its time slot with a 40.6 share.

Why was Star Trek TNG so successful?

TNG's decision to bypass major networks and go straight to first-run syndication was a groundbreaking move that proved to be a resounding success. The success of TNG solidified the enduring legacy of the Star Trek franchise and demonstrated that science fiction shows could attract a wide audience.

What was more popular Star Trek or Star Wars?

Despite the similar number of films, the profit made by the Star Wars film series exceeds the profit of the Star Trek film series by six times, while the entire Star Wars franchise surpasses Star Trek by four times.

Why was Star Trek cancelled in 1969?

The third season of TOS is generally considered its worst, and since the ratings continued to fall, NBC unceremoniously cancelled the show at the conclusion of the third year. That, of course, was not to be the end for Star Trek.

Who is the most famous Star Trek?

Captain James Kirk

Actually, there is one character who might be even more synonymous with Star Trek, depending on which fan you ask. Captain James Tiberius Kirk was the most famous captain of the Enterprise, revered by the Federation as a skilled diplomat and brilliant tactician.

When did Star Trek get big?

Reruns began in late 1969, and by the late 1970s the series aired in over 150 domestic and 60 international markets. This helped Star Trek develop a cult following among Trekkies greater than during its original run; by 1976, the cast described Star Trek as "the most popular series in the world".

What does TOS stand for Star Trek?

Star Trek: The Original Series is often referred to as "TOS" by fans. This is a meta reference to the fact that The Original Series characters would encounter new aliens on each new show, which aired weekly. Additionally, the picture of Spock and James T. Kirk is drawn in Star Trek: The Animated Series style.

Who is the best Star Trek captain?

#1 – Captain Jean-Luc Picard – Star Trek: The Next Generation. Captain Picard, played by Sir Patrick Stewart, is widely considered the best captain in Star Trek history. He is a skilled diplomat, philosopher, and strategist who values diplomacy and the Prime Directive.

Did the original Star Trek cast get along?

Yes. YES [there was camaraderie on set of Star Trek]. Except for one, who was a prima donna. But the rest of us shared a great camaraderie.

Why is Picard more popular than Kirk?

Fans of Star Trek: The Original Series prize Kirk for his rough and tumble attitude, and the cheesy, over-the-top style of his acting that matches the show around him. On the other hand, fans of TNG prefer Picard for his sophistication, his commanding demeanor, and the classically trained actor that portrays him.

Why is Star Trek so beloved?

Some fans were drawn to a franchise that stood out for being unusually hopeful about the future, compared with most other works of science fiction. Rolling Stone credited its appeal to "sunny assurances": "Optimism. Respect for diversity.

What was the banned Star Trek episode?

TOS episodes "The Empath," "Whom Gods Destroy," "Plato's Stepchildren," and "Miri" were all banned. Although TNG's "Conspiracy" may be the most well-known episode to have been banned, this kind of censoring wasn't new to Star Trek.

Was the original Star Trek a flop?

Star Trek: The Original Series was seen as a "failure" due to its high production cost, but it went on to become a cult classic and set the foundation for the franchise's success. Series creator Gene Roddenberry was a challenging person to work with, leading to conflicts and the cancellation of the original series.

What is the most controversial Star Trek episode?

Was Spock more popular than Kirk?

William Shatner's Captain Kirk was supposed to be the breakout star. Yet while Trekkies loved everyone on the bridge, their greater affection for Spock has made him the most beloved character in the entire decades-old franchise.

Was George Lucas inspired by Star Trek?

George Lucas claims he became a fan of Star Trek when the original series broadcast in the late 1960s which played an influence on the development of Star Wars in 1977. Lucas claimed he also visited Star Trek conventions.

Who would win, Star Wars or Star Trek?

The forces of the Star Trek universe would have the edge in space combat, capable of travelling at faster-than-light speeds with incredible combat capabilities.

What was Star Trek biggest flop?

Regarded as the worst Star Trek: The Next Generation film, it's not particularly surprising that Star Trek: Nemesis made the least amount of money at the box office. Nemesis grossed $43,254,409 in the United States, but its budget was about $60 million.

Why wasn t Leonard Nimoy in Star Trek Generations?

Nimoy turned down directing Star Trek Generations due to script issues and felt it was a marketing gimmick by Paramount.

Why was the original Star Trek pilot rejected?

NBC reportedly called the pilot "too cerebral", "too intellectual", and "too slow" with "not enough action." Rather than rejecting the series outright, the network commissioned - in an unusual, and at the time unprecedented, move - a second pilot, which then became Where No Man Has Gone Before (1966).