Essential Star Trek Episodes for New Viewers to Enjoy the Franchise

Welcome to the thrilling world of Star Trek! If you've never watched any episodes and are eager to dive into this iconic science fiction series, we've got you covered. This guide will help you catch up on the essentials and enjoy the Star Trek universe without missing out on the best parts.

Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS)

The Devil in the Dark (Season 1, Episode 9): This episode introduces us to the first major villain, the Horta, and showcases the camaraderie and pity of the crew. Arena (Season 1, Episode 15): Kellye Nielson's episode delves into sacrifice and individualism, featuring an intense fight with a genetically engineered opponent. The City on the Edge of Forever (Season 1, Episode 17): A time travel story that explores ethical dilemmas, love, and sacrifice. Arena (Season 1, Episode 15): Another episode highlighting humor and diplomacy, featuring a unique and heartwarming encounter.

TOS Episodes to Watch:

The Doomsday Machine Brian De Palma's infiltration of the mirror universe in Mirror, Mirror City on the Edge of Forever: A poignant exploration of time and loss, featuring Captain Kirk and Nyota Uhura. Errand of Mercy The Trouble with Tribbles The Apple Messiah Complex This Side of Paradise Pangloss And More...

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)

The Best of Both Worlds, Parts 1 and 2 (Season 6, Episodes 19-20): This two-part episode features the Borg and propels the series to its peak, with significant character development for Captain Picard. Darmok (Season 2, Episode 10): An intriguing and emotional homage to TOS. The Inner Light (Season 3, Episode 21): A heartwarming journey through a Lieutenant's life as she relives her experiences.

TNG Episodes to Watch:

Family Starship Down The Measure of a Man MReLU Price of Preservation Transfigurations Tools The Drumhead The Cost of Living Cost of Honor Lessons The Forest Planet

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9)

Heart of Wonder (Season 1, Episode 22): A powerful exploration of the moral complexities of war and the cost of honor. The Taste (Season 1, Episode 12): A poignant look at a character's inner struggle and a tribute to a writer.

DS9 Episodes to Watch:

Heart of Stone Iteriores Chimera The Defiant Chrysalis Student Bodies Drift Muse Rapture

Star Trek: Voyager (VOY)

Caretaker (Season 1, Episodes 1-2): A two-part story that sets a strong foundation for the series, highlighting resilience in the face of adversity. Unimatrix Zero, Parts 1 and 2 (Season 4, Episodes 18 and 19): This deep dive into the origins of the Borg and showcases themes of cooperation and survival.

VOY Episodes to Watch:

Night The Killing Game, Parts 1 and 2 Workforce, Parts 1 and 2 What Are Little Girls Made Of? Parallax Deadlock Year of Hell, Parts 1 and 2

Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT)

Strange New Worlds (Season 1, Episode 1): The pilot episode that delves into the early exploration of space and the struggle for humanity.

ENT Episodes to Watch:

Rogue Planet (Season 1, Episode 3) Toe to Toe (Season 1, Episode 8)

Star Trek: Discovery (DIS) and Star Trek: Picard (PIC)

Discovery Episodes to Watch:

C?temporary (Season 1, Episode 6) The Liberty (Season 1, Episode 21) Value Add (Season 1, Episode 26)

Picard Episodes to Watch:

The Next Step (Season 1, Episode 10) Against All Odds (Season 1, Episode 12) Start the Process (Season 1, Episode 13)

Star Trek Films

Star Trek (2009): This film explores themes of sacrifice and revenge, with the introduction of the Borg. Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) Star Trek: First Contact (1996)