Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation
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Star Trek: The Next Generation

"New stars. New stories. New worlds to explore."

8.4
Yr 1987
Rt 45m
Status Ended
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Action & Adventure Drama Mystery
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Series Brief

Overview

Follow the intergalactic adventures of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and his loyal crew aboard the all-new USS Enterprise NCC-1701D, as they explore new worlds.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 90 /100

Star Trek: The Next Generation is widely regarded as a high-water mark of science fiction television. While its 1987 debut was met with a lukewarm reception from critics who were initially unimpressed, the series eventually found its footing to become a beloved cultural institution. It is frequently cited as the gold standard of the Star Trek franchise, credited with evolving the optimistic spirit of the original series for a new era.

Critics praise the show for its internal consistency, plausible world-building, and its ability to blend thoughtful, philosophical storytelling with space adventure. By successfully balancing intellectual themes with engaging character development, the series is considered not only one of the greatest sci-fi shows ever produced but a transformative work that changed the landscape of television.

“it managed to create an entire future universe that seems plausible, is nearly religious about maintaining internal consistency, and is loads of fun to watch”

“Star Trek: The Next Generation's approach to sci-fi TV was a gamble, but it paid off in spades”

“widely considered one of the greatest sci-fi series ever made”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Paramount+ Amazon Channel
US • UK • CA
Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
US • CA • UK
Paramount Plus Essential
US
Show 4 more
Paramount Plus Premium
US • CA • UK
Paramount Plus Basic with Ads
UK • CA
Paramount Plus
CA • UK
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
US
Why fans love it

Star Trek: The Next Generation relies on an optimistic perspective of the future that remains distinct in the science fiction genre. The series prioritizes diplomatic problem solving and intellectual curiosity over constant conflict, positioning the crew of the USS Enterprise as ambassadors rather than soldiers. This focus allows the show to tackle complex moral dilemmas while focusing on the technical and ethical implications of deep space travel.

The portrayal of Data, played by Brent Spiner, serves as a focal point for the series. His journey to understand humanity provides a recurring lens for examining identity, logic, and emotion. Alongside the broader ensemble cast, these characters maintain a steady dignity that separates the show from more chaotic space adventures. It is a measured piece of television that favors thoughtful mystery and the steady process of discovery.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 7
Longest run 176 eps
Patrick Stewart
Patrick Stewart
as Jean-Luc Picard
176 episodes
Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes
as William T. Riker
176 episodes
Brent Spiner
Brent Spiner
as Data
176 episodes
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
as Geordi La Forge
176 episodes
Michael Dorn
Michael Dorn
as Worf
176 episodes
Marina Sirtis
Marina Sirtis
as Deanna Troi
176 episodes
Gates McFadden
Gates McFadden
as Beverly Crusher
154 episodes
Diana Muldaur
Diana Muldaur
as Katherine Pulaski
22 episodes
Show 67 more
Whoopi Goldberg as Guinan 28 episodes Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher 82 episodes John de Lancie as Q 8 episodes Rosalind Chao as Keiko O'Brien 8 episodes Lee Arenberg as DaiMon Bok 2 episodes David Warner as Gul Madred 2 episodes Susan Gibney as Dr. Leah Brahms 2 episodes Jordan Lund as Kluge 2 episodes Daniel Roebuck as Jaron 2 episodes Brian Bonsall as Alexander Rozhenko 7 episodes Carolyn McCormick as Minuet 2 episodes Clyde Kusatsu as Adm. Nakamura 3 episodes Denise Crosby as Tasha Yar 33 episodes Colm Meaney as Miles O'Brien 53 episodes Dwight Schultz as Lt. Barclay 5 episodes April Grace as Transporter Technician Hubbell 5 episodes Eric Menyuk as Traveler 3 episodes Andreas Katsulas as Commander Tomalak 4 episodes Jonathan Del Arco as Third of Five / Hugh 3 episodes Robert O'Reilly as Gowron 5 episodes Barbara March as Lursa 3 episodes Michelle Forbes as Ensign Ro Laren 9 episodes Pamela Winslow as Ensign McKnight 3 episodes Lanei Chapman as Sariel Rager 4 episodes Natalija Nogulich as Admiral Alynna Nechayev 4 episodes Michael Rider as Transporter Chief 4 episodes Majel Barrett as Enterprise Computer (voice) / Lwaxana Troi 37 episodes Gwynyth Walsh as B'Etor 3 episodes Carel Struycken as Mr. Homn 5 episodes Tony Todd as Kurn 3 episodes Ken Thorley as Mr. Mot 3 episodes Suzie Plakson as K'Ehleyr 3 episodes John Durbin as Gul Lemec 3 episodes Carolyn Seymour as Commander Toreth 3 episodes James Horan as Dr. Jo'Bril 3 episodes Brad Zerbst as Nurse 3 episodes James Cromwell as Jaglom Shrek 3 episodes Rickey D'Shon Collins as Eric 3 episodes Michael Braveheart as Crewman Martinez (uncredited) 22 episodes Patricia Tallman as Security Officer 3 episodes Jerry Hardin as Samuel Clemens 3 episodes Mike Hagerty as Captain Larg 3 episodes Marc Alaimo as Gul Macet 4 episodes Armin Shimerman as Letek 4 episodes Norman Large as Proconsul Neral 3 episodes Cameron Oppenheimer as Ensign Kellogg 7 episodes Sheila Franklin as Ensign Felton 5 episodes Peter Marx as Nibor 3 episodes Doug Wert as Jack R. Crusher 3 episodes Patti Yasutake as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa 16 episodes Denise Lynne Roberts as Patti (uncredited) 6 episodes Jeremy Doyle as Enterprise-D Ensign 3 episodes Lorine Mendell as Crewman Diana Giddings (uncredited) 9 episodes Natalie Wood as Bailey (uncredited) 5 episodes Guy Vardaman as Darien Wallace (uncredited) 4 episodes Rachen Assapiomonwait as Crewman Nelson (uncredited) 7 episodes James G. Becker as Youngblood 6 episodes Richard Sarstedt as Command Division Officer (uncredited) 3 episodes Carrie Crain as Ten Forward Waitress 3 episodes Mark Lentry as Science Division Officer 4 episodes James McElroy as Command Division Officer 3 episodes Keith Rayve as Command Division Ensign 4 episodes Eben Ham as Operations Division Ensign 4 episodes Joyce Agu as Ensign Gates (uncredited) 14 episodes Nick Dimitri as Henchman (uncredited) 4 episodes Tracee Cocco as Jae (uncredited) 63 episodes Tim McCormack as Ensign Bennett (uncredited) 8 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Star Trek: The Next Generation overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

android spacecraft space travel exploration space alien alien planet trek space opera adventurer imaginative explore factual exciting tng
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 28, 1987
Status
Ended
Episode Runtime
45 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
1,817