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Star Trek Modern Streaming Eras: Foundational Epochs & Key Milestones

Alternate Universes/4. Science Fiction, Space Operas & Cyberpunk/Star Trek Canon Universe/Live-Action Series  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

This timeline covers the foundational epochs and key milestones of the Star Trek franchise, focusing on the modern streaming era that began with Star Trek: Discovery in 2017. It includes seminal series premieres, iconic episodes, and the evolution of streaming-exclusive content.

Chronological Storyline (40 Milestones)

Sep 1, 1964 CE

Gene Roddenberry Pitches Star Trek

Gene Roddenberry pitches a science fiction series to Desilu Productions, originally called 'The Cage'. This leads to the creation of the Star Trek franchise. #StarTrek #TVHistory

Sep 8, 1966 CE

Star Trek: The Original Series Premieres

The first episode 'The Man Trap' airs on NBC, introducing Captain Kirk, Spock, and the USS Enterprise. The show becomes a cultural phenomenon despite modest ratings. #StarTrek #RetroTV

Nov 22, 1968 CE

First Interracial Kiss on American TV

The episode 'Plato's Stepchildren' features a kiss between Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), a landmark moment for television. #StarTrek #TVHistory

Jun 3, 1969 CE

Original Series Finale Airs

The last episode 'Turnabout Intruder' ends the original run after three seasons. The show later gains massive popularity in syndication. #StarTrek #TVHistory

Sep 8, 1973 CE

Star Trek: The Animated Series Debuts

The first animated Star Trek series premieres on NBC, continuing the voyages of the original Enterprise crew with many original voice actors. #StarTrek #Animation

Star Trek: The Animated Series Debuts
Star Trek: The Animated Series Debuts
By Roddenberry Entertainment Inc. - https://www.roddenberry.com/entertainment/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16099405
Dec 7, 1979 CE

Star Trek: The Motion Picture Released

The first Star Trek film brings the crew to the big screen, setting box office records. It features a slow, cerebral plot and pioneering visual effects. #StarTrek #Movies

Nov 26, 1986 CE

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Premieres

The highly popular film features the crew traveling to 1980s Earth to save humpback whales. Its comedic tone broadens the franchise's appeal. #StarTrek #Movies

Sep 28, 1987 CE

Star Trek: The Next Generation Premieres

The first spin-off series launches with 'Encounter at Farpoint', introducing Captain Picard and a new Enterprise crew. It revitalizes the franchise for a new generation. #StarTrek #TNG

Star Trek: The Next Generation Premieres
Star Trek: The Next Generation Premieres
By Paramount Domestic Television - https://seeklogo.com/vector-logo/365607/star-trek-the-next-generation, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=89036629
May 15, 1990 CE

First Contact with the Borg in 'Q Who?'

The TNG episode 'Q Who?' introduces the Borg, becoming one of the franchise's most iconic villains. The episode airs during season 2. #StarTrek #Borg

Jun 23, 1992 CE

The Best of Both Worlds Part 1 Airs

The iconic season 3 cliffhanger sees Captain Picard assimilated by the Borg. It remains one of the most celebrated episodes in Star Trek history. #StarTrek #TNG )

Jan 3, 1993 CE

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Premieres

The third live-action series debuts, set on a space station. It explores darker themes and serialized storytelling, earning critical acclaim. #StarTrek #DS9

May 23, 1994 CE

TNG Series Finale 'All Good Things...' Airs

The final episode of The Next Generation ties back to the pilot, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series. It wins a Hugo Award. #StarTrek #TNG )

Jan 16, 1995 CE

Star Trek: Voyager Premieres

The first Star Trek series with a female captain, Kathryn Janeway, debuts. The ship is stranded in the Delta Quadrant, emphasizing survival and exploration. #StarTrek #Voyager

Nov 4, 1996 CE

DS9 Episode 'Trials and Tribble-ations' Airs

A 30th-anniversary crossover episode using digital technology to insert DS9 characters into an original series episode. It is widely praised for its cleverness. #StarTrek #DS9

Nov 22, 1996 CE

Star Trek: First Contact Released

The eighth film pits the TNG crew against the Borg in a time travel story. It is often regarded as the best TNG film. #StarTrek #Movies

Feb 3, 1999 CE

DS9 Episode 'The Way of the Warrior' Airs

The season 4 premiere features the Klingon invasion of Cardassia, marking a shift to darker war-themed storytelling. It is a fan favorite. #StarTrek #DS9 )

Sep 26, 2001 CE

Star Trek: Enterprise Premieres

The fifth live-action series, set a century before the original series, debuts with 'Broken Bow'. It tells the story of early warp exploration. #StarTrek #Enterprise

May 13, 2005 CE

Star Trek: Enterprise Series Finale Airs

The controversial finale 'These Are the Voyages...' wraps up the series with a holodeck framing device featuring TNG characters. #StarTrek #Enterprise

May 8, 2009 CE

Star Trek (2009) Film Released

J.J. Abrams' reboot film introduces a new cast as younger versions of the original characters, creating an alternate timeline. It revitalizes the franchise commercially. #StarTrek #Movies )

May 17, 2013 CE

Star Trek Into Darkness Released

The sequel features Benedict Cumberbatch as a reimagined Khan Noonien Singh. It receives mixed reviews but strong box office. #StarTrek #Movies

Jul 22, 2016 CE

Star Trek Beyond Released

The third reboot film, directed by Justin Lin, returns to classic exploration themes. It celebrates the 50th anniversary of the franchise. #StarTrek #Movies

Sep 24, 2017 CE

Star Trek: Discovery Premieres on CBS All Access

The first streaming-exclusive Star Trek series debuts, set a decade before the original series. It features a new starship, the USS Discovery, and a female lead. #StarTrek #Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery Premieres on CBS All Access
Star Trek: Discovery Premieres on CBS All Access
By Vilnisr - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=50312327
Feb 11, 2018 CE

Star Trek: Discovery Season 1 Finale Airs

The season concludes with the crew jumping to the mirror universe, setting up season 2. The season is praised for its serialized storytelling. #StarTrek #Discovery

Jan 18, 2019 CE

Star Trek: Discovery Season 2 Premieres

Season 2 introduces the classic character Captain Christopher Pike and explores the Red Angel mystery. It receives positive reviews. #StarTrek #Discovery

Jan 23, 2020 CE

Star Trek: Picard Premieres

Patrick Stewart returns as Jean-Luc Picard in a series set 20 years after TNG. The show explores his post-retirement life and synthetic life issues. #StarTrek #Picard

Aug 6, 2020 CE

Star Trek: Lower Decks Premieres

The first animated comedy series focuses on the support crew of the USS Cerritos. It is a half-hour animated show on CBS All Access. #StarTrek #LowerDecks

Oct 28, 2021 CE

Star Trek: Prodigy Premieres

A CGI-animated series aimed at younger audiences, following a group of alien teenagers who find a lost Starfleet ship. It airs on Nickelodeon and Paramount+. #StarTrek #Prodigy

Mar 3, 2022 CE

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 Premieres

Season 2 sends Picard and his crew into an alternate timeline where Earth is a fascist state, influenced by Q's return. #StarTrek #Picard )

May 5, 2022 CE

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Premieres

A spin-off from Discovery, this episodic series follows Captain Pike and the crew of the Enterprise in the decade before Kirk. It is praised for its classic Trek feel. #StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds

Feb 16, 2023 CE

Star Trek: Picard Season 3 Premieres

The final season reunites the full TNG cast for one last adventure. It is widely considered a return to form for the characters. #StarTrek #Picard )

Apr 20, 2023 CE

Star Trek: Picard Series Finale Airs

The finale 'The Last Generation' provides an emotional send-off for the TNG crew, with a final battle against the Borg. #StarTrek #Picard )

Jun 15, 2023 CE

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Premieres

Season 2 includes a musical episode and a crossover with Lower Decks, expanding the universe's creative boundaries. #StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds )

Aug 10, 2023 CE

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 2 Finale Airs

The season ends with a cliffhanger involving the Gorn, setting up high stakes for season 3. #StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds )

Apr 4, 2024 CE

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Premieres

The fifth and final season of Discovery begins, with Captain Burnham and crew searching for an ancient power that threatens the galaxy. #StarTrek #Discovery )

May 30, 2024 CE

Star Trek: Discovery Series Finale Airs

The finale 'Life, Itself' concludes the series with a time jump and a poignant farewell to the characters. #StarTrek #Discovery )

Oct 24, 2024 CE

Star Trek: Section 31 Movie Announced

Paramount+ announces a television movie centered on Emperor Philippa Georgiou, expanding the Star Trek universe on streaming. #StarTrek #Section31 )

Jan 23, 2025 CE

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 Premieres

The third season of Strange New Worlds continues the adventures of the Enterprise crew under Captain Pike. #StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds )

Jul 10, 2025 CE

Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 Premieres on Netflix

After being removed from Paramount+, Prodigy season 2 becomes available on Netflix, introducing a new alien character. #StarTrek #Prodigy )

Oct 31, 2025 CE

Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Premieres

The fifth season of the animated comedy series continues the misadventures of the Cerritos crew. #StarTrek #LowerDecks )

Nov 20, 2025 CE

Star Trek: Section 31 Movie Released

The first Star Trek streaming movie premieres on Paramount+, starring Michelle Yeoh as Emperor Georgiou. #StarTrek #Section31 )