1987 • TMDB 8.4 • 7 seasons • Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Action & Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Overview
Nearly a century after the voyages of Captain Kirk, a new crew takes the helm of a new starship Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Captain Jean-Luc Picard leads his officers into the far reaches of the galaxy, where every mission tests diplomacy, science, and conscience in equal measure. The series trades much of its predecessor’s pulp swagger for thoughtful, character-driven storytelling: Picard negotiates with hostile empires, Data wrestles with what it means to be human, and Worf balances his Klingon heritage against his Starfleet oath. Across seven seasons, the show built a rich universe of recurring civilizations, moral dilemmas, and landmark episodes — from the Borg’s terrifying arrival to the time-bending finale — that made it one of the most respected science fiction series ever made. Smart, optimistic, and endlessly rewatchable, it remains the gold standard for thoughtful space adventure.
Creator and Main Cast
Star Trek: The Next Generation was created by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the original Star Trek. The main cast includes Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard (176 episodes), Jonathan Frakes as Commander William T. Riker (176 episodes), Brent Spiner as Data (176 episodes), LeVar Burton as Geordi La Forge (176 episodes), Michael Dorn as Worf (176 episodes), Marina Sirtis as Deanna Troi (176 episodes), Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher (154 episodes), and Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher (82 episodes).
Seasons Snapshot
Star Trek: The Next Generation ran for 7 seasons and 176 episodes from 1987 to 1994. Season 1 (25 episodes) premiered on September 28, 1987, introducing Picard’s crew and the new Enterprise-D. Season 2 (22 episodes) followed in 1988, and Seasons 3 through 6 (26 episodes each) aired from 1989 to 1993, delivering the show’s most celebrated run, including the Borg two-parter “The Best of Both Worlds.” Season 7 (25 episodes) premiered on September 20, 1993, and closed with the two-part series finale “All Good Things…” on May 23, 1994.
Why Watch Star Trek: The Next Generation?
This is the Star Trek that turned a cult franchise into a cultural institution. The writing treats its audience like adults, tackling ethics, identity, and diplomacy without sacrificing adventure, while Patrick Stewart’s Picard gives the series its moral spine. If you want science fiction that is hopeful without being naive — and a crew that feels like family by the end — this is essential viewing, and its best episodes still hold up beautifully today.
Trailer
Watch the official trailer on YouTube: Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season One on Blu-ray
Where to Watch
In the US, Star Trek: The Next Generation streams on Paramount Plus and Pluto TV. Availability was checked against JustWatch US on October 29, 2026, and may change over time.
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