# Star Trek: The Original Series

> American science fiction television series (1966–1969)

**Wikidata**: [Q1077](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1077)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Original_Series)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/star-trek-the-original-series

## Summary
Star Trek: The Original Series is an American science fiction television series that originally aired from September 8, 1966, to September 2, 1969. Created by Gene Roddenberry and produced by Desilu (later Paramount Television Studios), it premiered on NBC and served as the foundational entry in the Star Trek media franchise. The show followed the crew of the USS Enterprise as they explored the galaxy, addressing social and philosophical issues through a futuristic lens.

## Key Facts
- **Original run**: September 8, 1966 – September 2, 1969 (3 seasons, 79 episodes).
- **Network**: NBC.
- **Production companies**: Desilu (seasons 1–2) and Paramount Television Studios (season 3).
- **Creator**: Gene Roddenberry.
- **Genre**: Science fiction television program.
- **Part of**: Star Trek canon and the broader Star Trek franchise.
- **Notable episodes**: "The City on the Edge of Forever," "Space Seed," "Mirror, Mirror," and "The Trouble with Tribbles."
- **Awards**: Two Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation (1967, 1968) and a Saturn Award for Best Retro Television Series on DVD.
- **Cast**: Included Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and Leonard Nimoy (not explicitly listed but implied via franchise context).
- **Preceded by**: The unaired pilot "The Cage."
- **Succeeded by**: *Star Trek: The Animated Series* (1973–1974).
- **Websites**: https://intl.startrek.com/shows/star-trek-the-original-series and https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/star_trek/.

## FAQs
- **Who created Star Trek: The Original Series?**  
  Gene Roddenberry, an American screenwriter and producer, developed the series.  

- **Which network aired the show?**  
  NBC broadcast the series for its entire three-season run.  

- **How many seasons and episodes were produced?**  
  The series comprised 3 seasons and 79 episodes, including two unaired pilots.  

- **What awards did the series win?**  
  It won two Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation and a Saturn Award for Best Retro Television Series on DVD.  

- **What notable actors appeared in the series?**  
  Key cast members included Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura), Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov), and Leonard Nimoy (Spock), among others.  

- **Is the series part of a larger franchise?**  
  Yes, it is the foundation of the Star Trek media franchise, which includes films, spin-off series, and other media.  

## Why It Matters
Star Trek: The Original Series revolutionized science fiction television by blending optimistic futurism with commentary on contemporary social issues, such as racism, war, and gender equality. Its diverse cast and inclusive vision influenced popular culture and inspired real-world innovations, from flip phones to tablet computers. The series also established the template for the Star Trek franchise, which became a global phenomenon. Its Hugo Awards underscored its literary merit, while its cancellation after three seasons spurred a dedicated fan movement that ensured its enduring legacy.

## Notable For
- First scripted interracial kiss in U.S. television history ("Plato's Stepchildren," 1968).  
- Introduced iconic characters like Captain James T. Kirk, Spock, and Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy.  
- Explored complex themes such as colonialism ("The Apple"), artificial intelligence ("I, Mudd"), and Cold War tensions ("Balance of Terror").  
- Won two Hugo Awards during its run, a rare feat for a television series at the time.  
- Inspired NASA engineers and scientists, with the Space Shuttle Enterprise named in honor of the USS Enterprise.  

## Body

### History and Production
Star Trek: The Original Series premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966, as a production of Desilu, which merged with Paramount Pictures in 1967. Gene Roddenberry conceived the series as a "Wagon Train to the stars," emphasizing cerebral storytelling over action. Despite low initial ratings, the show gained a fervent fan base and critical acclaim, earning two Hugo Awards. NBC canceled the series in 1969 after three seasons due to high production costs and declining viewership, but syndication revitalized its popularity.

### Broadcast and Seasons
The series aired 79 episodes across three seasons:  
- **Season 1** (1966–1967): 29 episodes, including "The Man Trap" and "The City on the Edge of Forever."  
- **Season 2** (1967–1968): 26 episodes, featuring "Amok Time" and "The Trouble with Tribbles."  
- **Season 3** (1968–1969): 24 episodes, such as "Spock's Brain" and "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield."  

### Cast and Crew
- **Creator/Showrunner**: Gene Roddenberry.  
- **Writers**: D.C. Fontana, Jerome Bixby, and Robert Justman.  
- **Notable Cast**: William Shatner (Captain Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Spock), DeForest Kelley (Dr. McCoy), Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura), and Walter Koenig (Chekov).  

### Legacy and Impact
The series pioneered representation in casting, featuring one of the first Black women in a leading role (Nichelle Nichols) and addressing civil rights issues. Its influence extended to technology, with communicator devices inspiring early cell phones. The show’s cancellation prompted a fan-led letter-writing campaign, a precursor to modern fandom activism. It spawned the *Star Trek* franchise, including films, animated series, and spin-offs like *The Next Generation*.

### Related Media and Canon
- **Preceded by**: The unaired pilot "The Cage" (1964), starring Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Pike.  
- **Succeeded by**: *Star Trek: The Animated Series* (1973–1974), which continued the original cast’s voices.  
- **Canon Status**: The series is part of the core Star Trek canon, influencing all subsequent films and shows.  

### Awards and Recognition
- **Hugo Awards**: Won Best Dramatic Presentation in 1967 ("The Menagerie") and 1968 ("The City on the Edge of Forever").  
- **Saturn Awards**: Received a Saturn Award for Best Retro Television Series on DVD in 2005.  

### Online Presence
The series is available on Paramount+ and streamed internationally via startrek.com, ensuring its accessibility to new generations of fans.

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