Star Trek: The Original Series
Set in the 23rd century, it follows the USS Enterprise crew.
Gene Roddenberry, a lifelong science fiction enthusiast, drafted a treatment for a new TV series in March 1964, originally set aboard a starship called the S.S. Yorktown in the 23rd century. He drew inspiration from A. E. van Vogt's *Space Beagle* stories, Eric Frank Russell's Marathon series, the film *Forbidden Planet*, and the space opera *Rocky Jones, Space Ranger*. He also borrowed heavily from C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower novels, often joking that Captain Kirk was "Horatio Hornblower in Space." With experience writing Westerns, Roddenberry pitched the show as "Wagon Train to the stars," with each episode a self-contained adventure during a continuous voyage. His original protagonist, Captain Robert April, later became Captain Christopher Pike, played by Jeffrey Hunter. Lloyd Bridges was offered a lead role but declined, not wanting to work in science fiction.
Roddenberry brought the draft to Desilu Productions in April 1964. Herbert F. Solow, Desilu's production director, saw potential and signed a three-year development contract. Lucille Ball, Desilu's head, helped get the first pilot made. The concept was heavily revised; Solow added the "stardate" idea. Desilu had a first-look deal with CBS, but the network passed, already developing *Lost in Space*. Solow then approached NBC's Grant Tinker, who commissioned the first pilot, "The Cage." NBC rejected it as "too cerebral," but liked the concept enough to order a rare second pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Only Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Majel Barrett were kept from the first pilot. The second pilot introduced Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Chief Engineer Scott (James Doohan), and Lt. Sulu (George Takei). NBC picked up the series for fall 1966.
The show follows the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) and its crew in the Milky Way galaxy around 2266–2269, led by Captain James T. Kirk, First Officer Spock, and Chief Medical Officer Leonard "Bones" McCoy. Each episode begins with the "Where no man has gone before" speech. Norway Productions and Desilu produced it from September 1966 to December 1967, then Paramount Television from January 1968 to June 1969. It aired on NBC from September 8, 1966, to June 3, 1969, with a Canadian premiere on CTV on September 6, 1966. Ratings were low, and NBC canceled it after three seasons and 79 episodes.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Action / Adventure / Science fiction
- Creator
- Gene Roddenberry
- Showrunner
- Gene Roddenberry / Gene L. Coon / John Meredyth Lucas / Fred Freiberger
- Starring
- William Shatner / Leonard Nimoy / DeForest Kelley
- Theme Music Composer
- Alexander Courage
- Open Theme
- "Theme from Star Trek"
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Num Seasons
- 3
- Num Episodes
- 79This number does not include the original pilot episode "The Cage".
- List Episodes
- List of Star Trek: The Original Series episodes
- Producer
- Gene L. Coon / John Meredyth Lucas / Fred Freiberger
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The series was created by Gene Roddenberry, who drafted a treatment on March 11, 1964, for a science-fiction series set on a large starship named S.S. Yorktown in the 23rd century. Roddenberry noted influences from A. E. van Vogt's tales, Eric Frank Russell's Marathon series, the film Forbidden Planet, and the television series Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. He also drew heavily from C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower novels and characterized the show as 'Wagon Train to the stars'. The original protagonist was Captain Robert April, later developed into Captain Christopher Pike. Lloyd Bridges was offered a starring role but declined. The first pilot, 'The Cage', was turned down by NBC as 'too cerebral', but the network commissioned a second pilot, 'Where No Man Has Gone Before', which led to the series. The second pilot introduced Captain Kirk, Chief Engineer Lt. Commander Scott, and Lt. Sulu. Dr. Leonard McCoy joined for the first season, along with communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura, yeoman Janice Rand, and nurse Christine Chapel. Ensign Pavel Chekov joined in the second season. The series was nearly canceled by Desilu Productions in February 1966 before airing, but Herbert F. Solow convinced Lucille Ball to continue both Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.
Reader's Guide
Star Trek aired on NBC from September 8, 1966, to June 3, 1969, with low Nielsen ratings leading to cancellation after three seasons and 79 episodes. In the United Kingdom, it was first broadcast on July 12, 1969, on BBC One, coinciding with the Apollo 11 mission. Through broadcast syndication, it became an international success in the 1970s, achieving cult classic status and developing influence on popular culture. The series eventually spawned a media franchise consisting of 13 television series, 14 feature films, and numerous books, games, and toys, and is now widely considered one of the most popular and influential television series of all time. Production staff included art director Matt Jefferies, who designed the starship Enterprise and its interiors, and costume designer Bill Theiss, who created the look of Starfleet uniforms and alien costumes. Artist and sculptor Wah Chang designed the flip-open communicator, the tricorder, and various other props.
Did You Know?
- The first pilot, 'The Cage', was rejected by NBC as 'too cerebral'.
- Lloyd Bridges was offered a starring role but declined because he had no desire to work in science fiction.
- The character of Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, was the only character retained from the first pilot into the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Star Trek: The Original Series?
It is a science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry that premiered on NBC in 1966, chronicling the voyages of the Federation starship USS Enterprise and its crew as they explore the galaxy in the 23rd century.
Who is the creator of Star Trek: The Original Series?
Gene Roddenberry conceived the series, blending his love of Westerns and classic space opera into what he often called 'Wagon Train to the stars.' He drew on earlier works like the Space Beagle stories and the Horatio Hornblower novels to shape the show's adventurous, character-driven tone.
Where and when is Star Trek: The Original Series set?
The action unfolds in the Milky Way galaxy during the years 2266 through 2269, primarily aboard the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain James T. Kirk.
How many seasons and episodes does Star Trek: The Original Series contain?
The show aired for three seasons on NBC, running from September 8, 1966, to June 3, 1969, and produced a total of 79 episodes.
Why is Star Trek: The Original Series considered important?
It laid the groundwork for the entire Star Trek universe, introducing core characters, Federation lore, and a philosophy of optimistic exploration that has shaped science fiction for nearly six decades. Its blend of adventure, moral inquiry, and diverse storytelling set a template that countless later series have followed.
More in Television Series Set in the 23rd Century 1-19
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