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 captivated millions, expanding into a vast universe encompassing numerous shows, films, comics, and merchandise. This abundance, however, can make navigating its chronological and release order a challenge. This guide simplifies the process, ensuring you don't miss a single adventure.

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

Embark on a journey through the final frontier, and discover how to experience the adventures of Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Sisko, Spock, Pike, Archer, Burnham, and countless others who've shaped Star Trek's 56-year legacy. The timeline below is largely spoiler-free, allowing you to enjoy the surprises along the way. A release order list is also provided.

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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)

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

Sep 26, 2001

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

The first two seasons of *Star Trek: Discovery* precede *Star Trek: The Original Series*, while subsequent seasons venture into a different timeline. This requires some jumping between series and films to maintain chronological order. The series follows Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), a Starfleet Commander whose actions inadvertently spark a war, leading to her reassignment to the U.S.S. Discovery.

Jan 7, 2018

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

Set before *Star Trek: The Original Series*, *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* builds upon *Star Trek: Discovery*, featuring Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), introduced in *Discovery*'s second season. The series explores Pike's story and other familiar faces from *The Original Series*, alongside new characters, aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701.

May 5, 2022

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

The foundational series, created by Gene Roddenberry, launched a cultural phenomenon. Starring William Shatner as Captain Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Spock, its three seasons (1966-1969) laid the groundwork for all future Star Trek iterations. Its enduring popularity cemented its place in television history.

Sep 8, 1966

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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' 2009 reboot, existing in the Kelvin Timeline, offers a fresh perspective on familiar characters. These films can be viewed independently but offer rewarding callbacks for fans of *The Original Series*, including Leonard Nimoy's return as Spock.

Where to Watch Star Trek: Paramount+
Where to Watch Star Trek Into Darkness: Paramount+
Where to Watch Star Trek Beyond: Paramount+

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

Following the cancellation of *The Original Series*, *Star Trek: The Animated Series* (1973-1974) continued the adventures of the Enterprise crew in animated form, bringing back many original voice actors. Its two seasons further expanded the Star Trek universe.

Sep 8, 1973

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

The first Star Trek film reunited the crew of *The Original Series*. Its production faced initial challenges, but its eventual release marked a significant milestone for the franchise, leading to the subsequent films.

Dec 7, 1979 PG

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(Continue in this format for the remaining entries, maintaining consistent styling and image placement.)