Question 1

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 1 Episodes 1-10) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

We begin with Star Trek: Enterprise, which up until season three was simply called Enterprise. Despite being the first in the timeline, this story was actually the sixth Star Trek series produced, and as such, it contains numerous deliberate foreshadowings about what will happen in the future.
While we will flip episodes 11 and 12 from this season and postpone some episodes from Seasons 2 and 4 until later in the viewing sequence, we generally stick to the release order.

Question 2

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 1 Episodes 12-11) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

This viewing order flips episodes 11 and 12 to respect in-episode calendar dates, but it doesn’t actually have any real significance otherwise.

Question 3

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 2 Episodes 24-26 · Season 3 Episodes 1-15) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Since episode 23 ("Regeneration") depends on knowledge of future events that you won't yet have, we will be delaying it until later in this viewing order. To be clear, you will have seen every single Star Trek episode in a way that guaranties they make sense by the conclusion of the viewing order. This is the first of a few times we will skip episodes like this.

Question 4

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 3 Episodes 16-24 · Season 4 Episodes 1-17) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Please pay attention to the episode numbers as we will be skipping episodes 18, 19, and 22 until later in the chronology.

Question 5

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 4 Episodes 20-21) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Even tho we're leaving Enterprise after this year, we'll come back to see the series finale episode 22 as well as the omitted episodes 18 and 19. Rather, we're heading out on a two-parter, which is almost universally seen as a better conclusion for this section of the narrative.

Question 6

Why watch Star Trek: Short Treks (Season 2 Episode 5) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

This is our first "Short Treks" episode, which is an adaption of a (real) ancient African narrative told to a young girl we will later meet as an adult. These mini-episodes will sporadically occur throughout this list and are not associated with any particular period or location in the Star Trek franchise.

Question 7

Why watch Star Trek: The Original Series (Season 1 Episode 1 (Original Pilot - The Cage)) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

We arrive at The Cage, the first Star Trek episode ever made, which aired in 1965. After NBC rejected the show because it was "too cerebral," studio owner Lucille Ball persuaded the network to give it another shot and they filmed another pilot. This one was released later and retrofited into canon. Although "The Menagerie", a subsequent episode, uses a lot of The Cage's footage, you should watch both.

Question 8

Why watch Star Trek: Discovery (Season 1 Episodes 1-7) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

We now start Star Trek: Discovery, the second series in chronological order but the seventh Star Trek series released. Additionally, it is the first series to drastically change the visual designs, breaking with the preconceived notion that the 23rd century will resemble the original series from the 1960s. The designs are updated, and we are expected to believe that they have always looked this way. This includes alien cosmetics, ships, uniforms, and more. Particularly, the Klingons had a major overhaul, however it was largely changed again after the first season. We could nitpick specifics if we wanted to, but they are not continuity issues and shouldn't be seen as such.

Question 9

Why watch Star Trek: Discovery (Season 1 Episodes 8-15) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

When watching in this order, there is a peculiarity in episode 10 when the USS Defiant is, to avoid spoilers, not where it should be. Don't worry about it; the show assumes we already know the answer. When we get to 2268, we'll find out why, but for now, it has no bearing whatsoever on the plot of Discovery.

Question 10

Why watch Star Trek: Discovery (Season 2 Episodes 1-14) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Even tho there are still episodes of Discovery to watch, it should be obvious why we are suspending our viewing after watching the episode mentioned above. We'll return to Discovery when it's time to finish the series.

Question 11

Why watch Star Trek: Strange New Worlds at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Skipping episode 7 until later in the guide…

Question 12

Why watch Star Trek: The Original Series (Season 1 Episode 3 (New Pilot - Where No Man Has Gone Before)) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

With most of the iconic Star Trek crew from the 1960s, this is the second Original Series pilot that Lucille Ball battled for. Although there still aren't some of the main characters yet, Kirk has a different middle initial, and the sets and uniforms are still a little off, we are finally able to identify ourselves in the world of the program that began it all.

Question 13

Why watch Star Trek: The Original Series (Season 1 Episode 10 · Season 1 Episode 6 · Season 1 Episode 5 · Season 1 Episode 1 (The Man Trap) · Season 1 Episode 4 · Season 1 Episode 2 · Season 1 Episode 14 · Season 1 Episode 7 · Season 1 Episode 9 · Season 1 Episode 8 · Season 1 Episode 13 · Season 1 Episode 16 · Season 1 Episode 20 · Season 1 Episode 11 · Season 1 Episode 12 · Season 1 Episode 15 · Season 1 Episode 17 · Season 1 Episode 18 · Season 1 Episode 27 · Season 1 Episode 19 · Season 1 Episode 21 · Season 1 Episode 23 · Season 1 Episode 22 · Season 1 Episode 24 · Season 1 Episode 25 · Season 1 Episode 26 · Season 1 Episode 28 · Season 1 Episode 29) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

To be clear, compared to the other Star Trek series we have seen thus far, the original Star Trek will seem less sophisticated in terms of its designs and esthetics, but this is only because of the constraints of television production at the time. This is not "true" in terms of the plot; the technology and society in TOS should be interpreted as being comparable to those in Discovery and Strange New Worlds, both of which occur at roughly this same point in time, and the Enterprise should be recognized as being the exact same ship that Pike commanded in Strange New Worlds despite its different appearance.
Regarding the actual watching sequence, it is advised to watch TOS in production order rather than by air date in order to fully appreciate the show's evolution.  Generally speaking, don't become overly fixated on continuity with the rest of the series during these early stages; it takes a long time to establish certain aspects that the rest of the brand takes for granted.
Episode 11 "The Menagerie" is largely reedited from The Cage, which we watched a while back, but don’t skip it - after spending so much time with Spock and Pike since, this episode is absolutely essential.

Question 14

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 4 Episodes 18-19) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

This part is one of the most entertaining examples of how the programs connect. A TOS episode that leads into two of the Enterprise episodes we skipped, plus we finally learn why the Discovery found the USS Defiant in the Mirror Universe.

Question 15

Why watch Star Trek: The Animated Series at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Star Trek: The Animated Series brings Kirk's Five-Year Mission to an end. Is TAS completely canon? Maybe. Later works in the franchise, such as Enterprise's Vulcan arc and many more seemed to contradict Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's later claims that it wasn't. Therefore, I don't see any reason not to regard it as canonical as everything else.

Question 16

Why watch Star Trek: The Motion Picture at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

It's time for the first movie! For the background: a new Star Trek series called "Star Trek Phase II" was supposed to serve as the foundation for Paramount's planned new network. They decided to pick one of the scripts and turn it into a (very long) movie after network plans failed and Star Wars became a smashing hit.
So, is it far too long for the amount of story it contains? Yes, but it's also charming. In any case, either version works narratively, but if you have access to it, I suggest the Director's Cut, which has far better pacing and replaces some really bad effects.

Question 17

Why watch Star Trek: Short Treks (Season 2 Episode 4) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Ephraim and Dot ’s continuity really makes no sense anywhere, but it’s cute so who cares. Anyway, this seemed the best place to put it.

Question 18

Why watch Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Sidenote: The opening sequence of the film Star Trek: Generations takes place this year, a few months after The Undiscovered Country.
I very much do not expect people to watch things in pieces, but as there IS a clear delineation in the film, you can, optionally, watch the beginning of Generations and stop when the “78 years later” caption comes up. Or you can just not worry about it, and watch the whole film in one sitting when we reach it.

Question 19

Why watch Star Trek: The Next Generation at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Now, we fast-forward about 70 years to a much more developed Federation and Star Trek: The Next Generation, which is arguably the most well-known and cherished Star Trek series to date. However, you will need to give it some time because it is very difficult at first. I assure you that the show improves significantly with time and merits the admiration it still enjoys now.

Question 20

Why watch Star Trek: Deep Space Nine at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Star Trek's first major attempt at serialized narrative will finally appear in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. It starts out slowly, just like past programs in the genre, but once it gets rolling, it's a true delight. We will alternate between TNG and DS9, and then DS9 and Voyager, to maintain the proper chronological order, with sporadic small adjustments to prevent disrupting ongoing story arcs.

Question 21

Why watch Star Trek: Voyager (Season 1 Episodes 1-2) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Like Phase II was intented to do, Voyager was introduced as the focal point of a new network, the short-lived UPN (which ultimately became The CW). Keep in mind that because to various oddities in production, Voyager episode orders, especially in season two, fluctuate a little.

Question 22

Why watch Star Trek: Enterprise (Season 2 Episode 23) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

222 years later, Enterprise is officially finished and explains some plot elements of The Next Generation.

Question 23

Why watch Star Trek: Voyager (Season 4 Episode 24) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

We are skipping Voyager episode 23 for now, and will be watching it later.

Question 24

Why watch Star Trek: Insurrection at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

This movie doesn't really make sense anywhere, but this is perhaps the best place to put it.

Question 25

Why watch Star Trek: Lower Decks at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Star Trek returns to animation with its ninth series, and first all-out comedy, aimed towards a more adult audience than The Animated Series. It references pretty much all the shows and has various cameos and easter eggs.

Question 26

Why watch Star Trek: Prodigy at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Star Trek: Prodigy, which takes place on the edge of the Delta Quadrant last seen in Voyager and featuring the return of various characters, is the first Star Trek since The Animated Series designed primarily for children. However, don't write off this as "just a kids show" since it's really great, sophisticated, and Star Trek.

Question 27

Why watch Star Trek: Beyond at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

This film did not perform to expectations, meaning that the long-promised fourth film has been in-and-out of production for years, and I cannot say if we’ll ever see the Kelvin timeline again.
Therefore, we now return to the Prime timeline, already in progress, fourteen years after the attack on Mars we saw at the end of Prodigy.

Question 28

Why watch Star Trek: Voyager (Season 4 Episode 23) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

You'll see why the precise positioning can be disputed as you watch this, but roughly 3074 looked ideal. We finish Star Trek: Voyager with this episode. Remember that this entire episode is set in the Delta quadrant, which is far from the majority of the franchise's prior and subsequent events.

Question 29

Why watch Star Trek: Discovery (Season 3 Episode 1) at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

Last we saw the Discovery crew, they were sent far into the future. Several hundred years later, we rejoin Star Trek: Discovery, to find a very different Federation…

Question 30

Why watch Star Trek: Section 31 at this point in the timeline?

Accepted Answer

While the Section 31 movie actually takes place way back in 2324, it wouldn’t have made sense why Georgiou was there if you’d watched it then.

Chronological watch order Star Trek

22ND CENTURY

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: Enterprise

23RD CENTURY

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: Enterprise

Star Trek: The Original Series

Star Trek: The Animated Series

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Star Trek: Short Treks

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

24TH CENTURY

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Star Trek: The Next Generation