Why Did Paramount Create Star Trek: Voyager When Deep Space Nine Was Already Populating the Telecoms?

The question of why Paramount created Star Trek: Voyager in the late 1990s, given that Deep Space Nine was already a popular show, is a fascinating one, reflecting the dynamics of television broadcasting and franchise management during this era. SEO experts often delve into these historical contexts to understand the factors that influence a show's creation and its subsequent success or failure. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the creation of Star Trek: Voyager, considering the broader landscape of the Star Trek franchise and the strategic decisions made by Paramount.

Understanding the Popularity of Previous Stars

The creation of Star Trek: Voyager was not an isolated decision but part of a broader strategy by Paramount to maintain and grow its exclusive "Star Trek" franchise. It's important to note that at the time, Deep Space Nine (DS9) was not necessarily the household name that the Original Series or even The Next Generation had been. However, the studio recognized the significant influence that the Star Trek franchise had on popular culture and the potential for more shows to cater to the existing fan base.

DS9 was heavily political and religious, which, while appreciated by some demographics, played a niche role in the overall TV landscape. In contrast, Voyager offered a more traditional 'trek' experience, with familiar themes and characters, making it a safer bet for the studio.

Paramount's Strategic Plan and the Birth of UPN

Paramount's ultimate goal in creating Star Trek: Voyager was more strategic than just filling a gap in the lineup. Since the 1970s, Paramount had been eyeing the possibility of launching its own network, much like Fox. In the late 1980s, the success of Star Trek: The Next Generation in syndication highlighted the potential of the franchise as a valuable asset. The ownership and successful syndication of the Original Series and the movies had already cemented Star Trek as Paramount's 'crown jewel.'

Family and friends will recognize that by 1991, Paramount had already made the decision to buy TVX Broadcast Group and form a new network, called United Paramount Network (UPN). The studio was determined that this network needed a strong Star Trek presence to anchor its lineup.

The Innovative Approach of Star Trek in Syndication

Star Trek had a proven track record of success in syndication. The Original Series remained a beloved show long after its initial broadcast, and the movies had been extremely successful. This unwavering fan base was a key factor in Paramount's strategy. The studio made a bold move by offering star-trek in first-run syndication, a significant decision that led to a substantial success with around 210 stations picking up Next Generation.

Addressing the Need for Diverse Storylines

Around the same period, Deep Space Nine was already a part of syndication, each network taking a unique approach. Paramount felt that the overlap between Next Generation and Deep Space Nine had worked well strategically, offering a variety that catered to different viewers. However, there was a need for a show that could serve as a solid foundation for the new Paramount network, and Voyager was chosen for this role. It offered the blend of adventure, exploration, and character-driven storylines that fans of the franchise had come to expect.

The Launch of UPN and the Critical Moment

With the launch of UPN in January 1995, Star Trek: Voyager was the opening show. This choice was not arbitrary; it was a strategic move to establish a solid foundation for the network. Voyager wasn't just another Star Trek show; it was the cornerstone of a new network designed to compete with the established networks and television behemoths of the time. The studio was convinced that the Star Trek franchise, its most valuable property, should be at the heart of this strategic venture.

Conclusion: The Unifying Force of Star Trek

In conclusion, the creation of Star Trek: Voyager was a multifaceted decision driven by both financial and strategic considerations. While Deep Space Nine was already popular, it was part of a more niche audience. Voyager, with its familiar characters and traditional Trek themes, was the perfect fit for a network launch aimed at expanding the reach of the Star Trek franchise. The journey to create a network that could stand alone and compete with established players led to the launch of Star Trek: Voyager as the cornerstone of UPN.

Keywords: Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Paramount Network, Television Syndication, Star Trek Franchise