Star Trek: The Animated Series
The animated continuation of the original Star Trek adventures.
Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) is an American animated science fiction show from Gene Roddenberry. It ran on NBC Saturday mornings from September 8, 1973, to October 12, 1974, under the simple title *Star Trek* with the subtitle *Created by Gene Roddenberry*. The series consisted of 22 episodes across two seasons, making it the second entry in the *Star Trek* franchise. It largely uses the same characters as *Star Trek: The Original Series* and is set in the 23rd century, continuing the voyages of the USS *Enterprise* as it explores the galaxy.
After *The Original Series* was canceled in 1969, its popularity in reruns and strong fan interest led Roddenberry to revive the show as a cartoon. The animated format allowed for more imaginative visuals and alien designs that were impractical for live action. Most of the original cast returned to voice their roles. Writers David Gerrold and D. C. Fontana considered this series to be effectively a fourth season of the original show. Following *The Animated Series*, the characters' stories continued in live-action films, starting with *Star Trek: The Motion Picture* in 1979.
Critically praised, *The Animated Series* became the first *Star Trek* show to win an Emmy. Its second season earned the 1975 Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment – Children's Series.
**Premise** The show takes place in the 23rd century within the *Star Trek* universe, where Earth belongs to the United Federation of Planets, a multi-species alliance. Starfleet, the Federation's military and exploration branch, operates starships that travel the galaxy to make contact with alien civilizations. The series follows Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS *Enterprise* as they explore the Milky Way.
**Voice cast and characters** - William Shatner as James T. Kirk, captain and commanding officer of the USS *Enterprise*. - Leonard Nimoy as Spock, first officer and science officer. - DeForest Kelley as Doctor Leonard McCoy, chief medical officer. - James Doohan as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, chief engineer. Doohan also voiced Arex, a navigator. - Nichelle Nichols as Nyota Uhura, communications officer. - George Takei as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman. - Majel Barrett as Christine Chapel, medical officer. Barrett also voiced M'Ress, a communications officer, and the ship's computer.
**Episodes** *Series overview* - Season 1 (1973–74) - Season 2 (1974)
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Adventure / Science fiction
- Director
- Hal Sutherland / Bill Reed
- Creator
- Gene Roddenberry
- Showrunner
- Gene Roddenberry / D. C. Fontana
- Voices
- William Shatner / Leonard Nimoy / DeForest Kelley / James Doohan / Nichelle Nichols / George Takei / Majel Barrett
- Composer
- Yvette Blais / Jeff Michael
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Num Seasons
- 2
- Num Episodes
- 22
- Producer
- Norm Prescott / Lou Scheimer
- Runtime
- 23–24 minutes
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
After the cancellation of The Original Series (TOS) in 1969, the live-action show proved popular in syndication and generated significant fan enthusiasm. This resulted in Roddenberry's decision to continue the series in animated form, with the medium allowing for spectacular imagery and non-humanoid aliens the original series could not practically depict. Much of the original cast returned to provide voices for their characters. Series writers David Gerrold and D. C. Fontana characterized The Animated Series as effectively a fourth season of The Original Series. After the conclusion of The Animated Series, the adventures of the characters continued in live-action theatrical films, beginning with the 1979 film Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
The series is set in the 23rd century in the Star Trek universe, in which Earth is part of the multi-species United Federation of Planets. The Federation's military and exploration division, Starfleet, operates a fleet of starships that travel the galaxy establishing contact with alien races. It follows the adventures of the Starfleet vessel USS Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk as it explores the Milky Way galaxy.
Development began while The Original Series was still on the air, during its third season (1968–69), with Lou Scheimer of Filmation in talks with Paramount Television, NBC, and Roddenberry. An early proposal for a series targeting a young audience, with a teenage crew including a Vulcan named Steve, an African-American boy named Bob, and a Chinese boy named Stick, was phased out due to the bitter relationship between Roddenberry and Paramount. A deal was finally reached in early 1973, with generous terms: a guaranteed minimum of two seasons with 22 episodes, a budget of $75,000 per episode, and full creative control for Roddenberry. The series was intended for all ages, and D. C. Fontana was hired as story editor and associate producer.
Reader's Guide
The Animated Series was critically acclaimed and was the first Star Trek series to win an Emmy Award, receiving the 1975 Emmy for Outstanding Entertainment – Children's Series for its second season. It is notable for featuring most of the original cast voicing their characters, with the exception of Walter Koenig as Pavel Chekov, who did not appear due to budget constraints. He was replaced by Lieutenant Arex and Lieutenant M'Ress, voiced by James Doohan and Majel Barrett respectively. Leonard Nimoy refused to voice Spock unless George Takei and Nichelle Nichols were added to the cast, citing the importance of ethnic diversity in the 23rd century. The series benefited from a Writers Guild of America, East strike in 1973 that did not apply to animation, allowing several well-known science fiction authors to contribute episodes, including David Gerrold's 'More Tribbles, More Troubles' and Larry Niven's 'The Slaver Weapon'. Elements from the series, such as the Vulcan city of ShiKahr and Spock's pet sehlat I-Chaya, have become canonical in later Star Trek productions.
Did You Know?
- The episode 'The Slaver Weapon' is the only Kirk-era television or movie story in which Kirk did not appear.
- The series was written as effectively a fourth season of The Original Series, according to writers David Gerrold and D. C. Fontana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Star Trek: The Animated Series?
It is a 1970s American animated science-fiction show that serves as the second entry in the Star Trek franchise. The series follows the crew of the USS Enterprise as they continue exploring the galaxy in the 23rd century, reusing the core characters from The Original Series.
Who created Star Trek: The Animated Series?
Gene Roddenberry, the same mind behind The Original Series, is credited as the creator of this animated continuation. The show aired on NBC Saturday mornings under the simple title Star Trek with the subtitle Created by Gene Roddenberry.
When did Star Trek: The Animated Series air?
The series premiered on NBC on September 8, 1973, and wrapped up its final broadcast on October 12, 1974. It was scheduled as part of the network's Saturday-morning children's programming block.
How many episodes and seasons does Star Trek: The Animated Series have?
The show comprises 22 episodes spread across two seasons. After The Original Series was canceled, this animated run became the franchise's next chapter in the 23rd-century setting.
Why is Star Trek: The Animated Series important to Star Trek history?
It kept the original characters and universe alive on screen after The Original Series ended, bridging the gap until later Star Trek productions. The series also earned the 1975 Emmy Award for Outstanding Entertainment – Children's Series for its second season.
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