Where to Start Watching Star Trek: A Guide for Newcomers

The Star Trek universe can feel like a galaxy unto itself. Spanning over five decades, dozens of seasons, and hundreds of episodes, it’s no surprise that new fans often don’t know where to begin. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overwhelming. Whether you’re a sci-fi diehard or just curious about the hype, we’ve put together a guide to help you pick the best Star Trek series based on what you love most.

This isn’t about “the correct order.” There isn’t one. It’s about finding the right Star Trek for you.

Strange New Worlds

Best for: Modern fans who want an episodic format

If you’ve never watched Star Trek before and want something fresh, Strange New Worlds is where you start. It’s sleek, it’s cinematic, and it doesn’t expect you to know anything beforehand. Each episode stands on its own while slowly building character arcs, making it feel like classic Trek with a modern shine.

Captain Pike and his crew are wildly charismatic, and the show balances optimism with tension. If you’re looking for adventure-of-the-week storytelling, this is the closest thing to the original Star Trek spirit—just with better VFX and tighter pacing.

The Next Generation

Best for: Thoughtful sci-fi with a classic TV vibe

This is where many longtime fans started, and for good reason. TNG introduced the iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard and explored moral dilemmas, diplomacy, and the unknown with depth and intelligence. Yes, the first couple seasons are a little rocky (it was the late ’80s), but from season 3 onward, it’s some of the best science fiction TV ever made.

The Next Generation is perfect if you like philosophical debates with your warp drives and a crew that feels like family.

Deep Space Nine

Best for: Serialized storytelling and political intrigue

Want something that digs a little deeper? Deep Space Nine doesn’t boldly go to new planets every week—instead, it builds an entire world around a single space station. It’s layered, ambitious, and takes its time to explore war, faith, identity, and morality.

This is the series for people who love long-form storytelling and aren’t afraid of darker themes. If The Expanse or Battlestar Galactica are more your flavor, DS9 will feel right at home.

Voyager

Best for: Exploration and strong leadership

Voyager follows a Starfleet crew lost in a far-off quadrant of the galaxy, struggling to make their way home. It’s an underdog story with a strong, consistent tone and a standout lead in Captain Janeway. The Delta Quadrant offers weird, wonderful new species, and the ship’s isolated journey brings a tighter, character-focused arc.

Plus, Seven of Nine’s arrival mid-series adds some of the most compelling storylines in Trek history.

Lower Decks

Best for: Comedy and longtime fans

If you’re into animation or just want something light, Lower Decks is a comedic take on the Trek universe that still respects the canon. It follows the support crew of a lesser-known starship as they fumble through galactic bureaucracy and sci-fi chaos.

It’s filled with deep-cut references for longtime fans, but it also works as a fun side-door entry for newcomers who appreciate adult animation like Rick and Morty or Futurama.

Prodigy

Best for: Younger viewers or family-friendly watching

Geared toward a younger audience but still written with heart, Star Trek: Prodigy is perfect if you’re watching with kids—or if you want a gentle, hopeful introduction. A group of teens finds an abandoned Starfleet ship and slowly learns what it means to be part of something bigger.

It’s got surprising depth and even features Captain Janeway in hologram form, serving as a mentor figure for the new crew.

Quick Recommendation Guide

If you like…	Start with…
Episodic stories	Strange New Worlds
Philosophical sci-fi	The Next Generation
Ongoing plots and politics	Deep Space Nine
Lost-in-space adventures	Voyager
Comedy and animation	Lower Decks
Family-friendly storytelling	Prodigy

Final Thoughts

There’s no one right way to get into Star Trek, and that’s what makes it so great. It’s a universe big enough for everyone—whether you’re looking for ethical dilemmas, space battles, or just a good laugh. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to start, that time is now.

Fire up your warp core and hit play.

Where to Watch:
Most Star Trek series are available on Paramount+, but some also stream on Netflix or Hulu depending on your region.

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