The 80s was a decade of great innovation in television, and one of the most iconic shows of the time was Star Trek. The original series had already created a legion of fans, and soon the franchise expanded with a number of spin-offs. In this article, we’re going to take a look back at the best Star Trek spin-offs of the 80s.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
One of the most successful spin-offs of the Star Trek franchise, The Next Generation ran from 1987 until 1994. The show featured a new cast and crew, with Captain Jean-Luc Picard taking the lead role. The show was set 78 years after the original series, and followed the crew of the USS Enterprise-D as they explored the galaxy.
The Next Generation was praised for its strong characters and engaging storylines. It also introduced many new concepts and ideas to the Star Trek universe, such as the holodeck and the Borg. The show was so successful that it spawned four feature films and is still remembered as one of the best Star Trek series ever made.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Deep Space Nine was a departure from the traditional Star Trek format, focusing on a single space station instead of a starship. The show was set on the space station of the same name, which was located near a wormhole that led to a distant part of the galaxy. The show ran from 1993 to 1999.
Deep Space Nine was praised for its complexity and darker themes. The show tackled subjects such as war, religion, and politics, and featured a diverse cast of characters. It also introduced the concept of the Dominion, a powerful alien race that threatened the stability of the galaxy. Deep Space Nine is still remembered as one of the most innovative Star Trek series.
Star Trek: The Animated Series
While not strictly a spin-off of the 80s, The Animated Series was produced in 1973 and featured many of the same characters and concepts as the original series. The show ran for two seasons and was praised for its high-quality animation and imaginative storytelling.
The Animated Series continued the adventures of Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise, and featured scripts from many of the original series writers. The show also introduced new concepts to the Star Trek universe, such as the Kzinti and the Slaver Empire. The show is still regarded as a classic of animated television and a worthy addition to the Star Trek franchise.
Conclusion
The Star Trek franchise has produced many iconic series over the years, but the 80s saw some of the best. The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and The Animated Series all brought something new and innovative to the universe, and are still remembered fondly by fans today. Whether you’re a die-hard Trekkie or just a casual viewer, these series are definitely worth a watch.