Star Trek’s history runs looong, across multiple series’ and a few centuries worth of storyline – so it’s hard to know where to start. Where can a wannabe newcomer get on board?
Thankfully, TrekCulture’s Seán Ferrick is here with a list of 10 excellent points to jump in.
I’ve been watching the TrekCulture do their things for a while now, and in the absence of any new Trek to watch, it’s certainly been plugging the gaps nicely.
You can watch the video below.
If you need the TLDR (or TLDW…), Ferrick’s list is below, with links to their entries on whatculture.com.
10. The Cage – the pilot ep of the original series.
9. Strange New Worlds – the newest Trek series is also a brilliant prequel to the original.
8. Balance of Terror – an Original Series episode.
7. Star Trek 2009 – JJ Abrams’ cinematic reboot of the Star Trek franchise.
6. Duet – a Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode.
5. Scorpion, Pt 1 – a Star Trek: Voyager episode.
4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home – ‘The one with the whales’ 😂
3. Yesterday’s Enterprise – a Star Trek: The Next Generation episode (Picard’s crew)
2. Brother – a Star Trek: Discovery episode, and the Enterprise’s first appearance in the series
1. Lost and Found – a Star Trek: Prodigy episode.
It’s a strong list. I’ve bolded the entries that have an extra-special personal attachment for me, but just about all of it is great.
I never loved the 2009 movie, in terms of how it played with the iconic story, but the top-tier cast and outstanding visual effects mean it’s also an easy one to enjoy. Prodigy is the one I have the least experience with, but I’ll get onto it eventually!
If you’re wondering less about where to jump on and rather why, well, right now is probably the best time in years to give Star Trek a chance. A lot of things about the world today feel bleak, and while we shouldn’t just ignore it all, an occasional escape into a better future could help keep your mind in the right place.
Even if you’re not into sci-fi, Star Trek is worth a shot because it’s really a clever, character-driven show disguised as space adventure. It tackles big themes like ethics, politics, identity, and inclusion, but wraps them in fun plots, memorable crews, and the occasional time travel shenanigan. It’s surprisingly progressive (especially for its time), often hopeful, and genuinely thoughtful.
Whether you’re into philosophical debates, found-family feels, or just want to see someone argue with a sentient hologram, there’s probably a version of Star Trek that’ll hook you.
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