<em>Star Trek: Discovery</em> aimed to fulfill a specific mission when it revived the beloved Star Trek franchise on television in 2017. However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has succeeded in this endeavor far more effectively than its predecessor. Although Strange New Worlds officially launched as an independent series in 2022, it originally gained traction during its introduction of Captain Pike (Anson Mount) and the iconic USS Enterprise, which played a significant role in Discovery season 2. The link between these two shows is palpable, yet the differences in their storytelling styles and themes create two distinctly unique Star Trek experiences.

The finale of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 likely marks the conclusion of Captain Michael Burnham’s journey and the adventures of the show’s titular starship—at least in its original format. While it’s true that Discovery has polarized the Star Trek fanbase, most fans can agree on its significant contribution to the franchise, particularly in paving the way for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. With Strange New Worlds season 3 on the horizon, along with season 4, the series, led by Anson Mount, proudly stands as the flagship of the Star Trek legacy, and for numerous compelling reasons.

Understanding Star Trek: Discovery’s Purposeful Franchise Overhaul to Attract New Generations of Fans

Discovery: The First New Star Trek TV Series in Over a Decade

When Star Trek: Discovery premiered in 2017, it was the first new Star Trek TV series to debut in over 12 years—since the conclusion of Star Trek: Enterprise in 2005. During this period, JJ Abrams produced his three Kelvin Timeline films, which were set in an alternate universe, creating a unique challenge for Discovery. The show had the daunting responsibility of honoring the rich legacy of the Star Trek franchise while simultaneously modernizing its narrative to appeal to contemporary audiences. This balancing act was attempted through various innovative strategies, with varying degrees of success. Above all, the overarching goal was to provide a welcoming entry point for a new generation of Star Trek enthusiasts.

Star Trek: Discovery season 1 introduced an entirely new cast, offering newcomers a fresh slate of characters to engage with. This marked the first time since Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced its ensemble, as the franchise had long relied on familiar characters. Additionally, the series shifted from the traditional episodic format to a serialized narrative structure, presenting a cohesive story arc across the entire season. Michael Burnham emerged as the clear protagonist in Discovery, a departure from the ensemble casts of previous Star Trek series. Moreover, the show underwent a significant visual upgrade, bringing a modern flair to the Star Trek universe.

Why Strange New Worlds Serves as a Superior Starting Point for New Star Trek Fans Compared to Discovery—Yet Still Has Flaws

Navigating the Discovery References in Strange New Worlds’ Initial Episodes: A Potential Challenge for New Viewers

As a long-time Star Trek fan, I find myself in a unique position. I appreciated Discovery during its initial release in 2017, despite being a fan of the franchise beforehand. While the first season of Discovery was produced with exceptional quality, I must acknowledge that it felt distinctly different from traditional Star Trek shows. Although I recognize its place in the Prime Universe, I would hesitate to recommend it to someone seeking to dive into the Star Trek saga without prior knowledge. Instead, I would confidently suggest starting with Strange New Worlds, even though it is technically a spinoff of Discovery.

If I were to provide guidance to someone deciding which Star Trek show to watch first, I might lean towards one of the classic series. However, I understand that the age of those shows can deter some viewers. In this context, Strange New Worlds emerges as an excellent compromise, as it successfully retains the essence of classic Star Trek while presenting a visually stunning modern aesthetic. A potential hurdle for new viewers is the need for some background knowledge about the conclusion of Discovery season 2. Nevertheless, Strange New Worlds offers enough context in its opening episodes to ease this transition.

If a newcomer to Star Trek can successfully navigate the initial references to Discovery, I firmly believe that Strange New Worlds serves as an outstanding entry point that can transform casual viewers into devoted Trekkies. Additionally, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds functions as a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, making it more likely that audiences will eventually engage with the franchise’s inaugural show, thereby enhancing the legacy and enduring popularity of TOS.

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  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
  

  Release Date

  
  May 5, 2022
  

  Network

  
  Paramount+
  

  Showrunner

  
  Henry Alonso Myers, Akiva Goldsman
  

  Directors

  
  Dan Liu, Amanda Row, Maja Vrvilo, Akiva Goldsman, Dermott Downs, Eduardo Sánchez, Jeffrey W. Byrd, Jonathan Frakes, Jordan Canning, Leslie Hope, Valerie Weiss, Sydney Freeland, Christopher J. Byrne, Rachel Leiterman
  

  Writers

  
  Onitra Johnson
  

  
  

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  Star Trek: Discovery
  

  

  7/10

  Release Date

  
  2017 – 2023
  

  Showrunner

  
  Alex Kurtzman
  

  Writers

  
  Alex Kurtzman, Bryan Fuller