TheStar Trekfranchise is known for several hallmarks, but its top five shows on Rotten Tomatoes reveal a surprising fact about the legendary space opera. TheStar Trektimelineis far from linear when release dates are concerned, as various prequel and sequel shows continue to be greenlit. Viewers have come to expect certain things fromStar TrekTV shows, but the franchise hasn’t always abided by the same formula through the decades. Although some eras are more revered than others, Rotten Tomatoes' ranking provesa certain type ofStar Trekshow has proven more successful than others.
Since thecast ofStarTrek: The Original Serieskickstarted Gene Roddenberry’s sci-fi universe, the franchise has continued to go from strength to strength. That being said, there have been certain fallow periods inStar Trek’s onscreen history. However, withStar Trekarguably in its second golden age, it’s natural to reappraise the consistency of the property’s overall output.One trend that is starting to emerge would take many seasoned Trekkies by surprise.
Three Of Star Trek’s Top Five Shows On Rotten Tomatoes Are Animated
Animated Star Trek shows snag 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place
It wouldn’t surprise many to learn thatStar Trek: Strange New Worldsis currently sitting at the top of the TV branch of the franchise onRotten Tomatoes. What’s a little more shocking is that the 98%-rated prequel toStar Trek: The Original Seriesis just 1% ahead of the show in second place:Star Trek: Prodigy. Two more animated shows fall in third and fourth place before the next live-action series gets a look in. That’s right,Star Trek: Lower DecksandStar Trek:The Animated Seriesare both ranked aboveStar Trek:The Next Generation.
98%
97%
1973-1974
94%
2020-2024
92%
1987-1994
Star Trekdoesn’t particularly evoke imagery of animated settingsand characters when it’s brought up in general conversation. It has long been established as a live-action property, despite the presence of animated projects as early as the 1970s. That being said, the franchise has only recently started to pour more effort into animated TV shows. While it may go against what many perceiveStar Trekto be, these more recent non-live-action additions to franchise lore are clearly being well-received.
Star Trek’s Animated Output Is Way Better Than It Gets Credit For
The live-action shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation often overshadow the franchise’s animated projects
Star Trekhas the same problem as any other long-running franchise. Viewers want to see familiar faces, but without new characters, the saga would risk falling into obscurity. While live-action spinoffs likeStar Trek: Picardallowed Patrick Stewart to reprise the role of his iconic Starfleet officer, the show being made so long afterStar Trek:The Next Generationresulted in a bit of a disconnect and change in tone. Animation doesn’t have this restriction, andthe medium can allowStar Trekto revisit beloved eraswithout worrying too much about real-world restrictions.
11 Star Trek Timeline Violations In Strange New Worlds Crossover
Boimler and Mariner stumble through the Star Trek timeline like toddlers in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' long-awaited crossover with Lower Decks.
As well as the practicalities ofStar Trek’s animated TV shows, they’re also incredibly well-made.Star Trek:The Animated Serieswas a brilliant way to add to the show that started it all, just asProdigyandLower Decksalso contribute new pieces of worldbuilding to live-action shows likeStar Trek:VoyagerandStar Trek:The Next Generation. They also offer different kinds of moments that the other shows can’t, likeLower Decks' parodical-yet-canonical moments that reference the franchise’s rich history.Star Trekwill likely always thrive on its live-action content, but the power of its animated shows is growing.
Source:Rotten Tomatoes
Star Trek
Star Trek is one of pop culture’s biggest multimedia franchises, spanning multiple movies, TV shows, books, comics, video games, and various other media. The franchise was created by Gene Roddenberry and started with the 1960s TV series starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Over the decades, several equally popular series have come out since as Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Discovery.
