Star Trek: The Next Generation
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Star Trek: The Next Generation
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| Episodes: | 178 |
| Year: | 1987-1994 |
| Country: | United States |
| Seasons: | 7 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 26, (2) 22, (3) 26, (4) 26, (5) 26, (6) 26, (7) 26 |
| Category: | Exploration |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | Series |
| Company: | Paramount Domestic Television |
| Creator: | Gene Roddenberry |
| Run Time (mins): | 44-46 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | Syndicated |
| First Aired: | September 28, 1987 |
| Last Aired: | May 23, 1994 |
Summary
Star Trek: The Next Generation follows the voyages of the USS Enterprise (NCC‑1701‑D) in the latter third of the 24th century, nearly a century after the era of Captain James T. Kirk. Under the command of Captain Jean‑Luc Picard, the star-ship undertakes a continuing mission to explore the Alpha and Beta Quadrants, seeking out new life and civilizations while upholding the principles of the United Federation of Planets.
The series is primarily episodic, presenting the crew with diplomatic challenges, scientific mysteries, and ethical dilemmas as they encounter unfamiliar worlds and species. Recurring adversaries and thematic elements shape the broader narrative landscape. The Borg, a cybernetic collective seeking to assimilate other cultures, emerge as one of the Federation’s most formidable threats. The omnipotent Q Continuum repeatedly tests humanity’s moral and philosophical boundaries, beginning with placing the crew on trial during their inaugural mission at Farpoint Station.
Across seven seasons, the series develops a diverse ensemble cast, including Commander William Riker, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Worf, Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge, Counsellor Deanna Troi, Dr. Beverly Crusher, and others, each of whom undergoes significant personal growth. Their stories explore themes such as artificial intelligence and humanity, cultural identity, the responsibilities of command, and the complexities of the Prime Directive, which prohibits interference with developing civilizations.
Although unified by its exploration‑driven premise, The Next Generation incorporates multiple recurring arcs, including escalating confrontations with the Borg, diplomatic tensions with the Romulans and Cardassians, and Q’s unpredictable interventions. The series ultimately established a new era of Star Trek storytelling, expanding the franchise’s universe and leading directly to several subsequent spin‑offs.
Cast
Captain Jean-Luc Picard SIR PATRICK STEWART, Commander William T. Riker JONATHAN FRAKES, Lt. Geordie La Forge LEVAR BURTON, Lt. Tasha Yar DENISE CROSBY (1), Lt. Worf MICHAEL DORN, Doctor Beverley Crusher GATES MCFADDEN (1, 3-7), Lt. Cmd. Deanna Troi MARINA SIRTIS, Lt. Cmd. Data BRENT SPINER, Wesley Crusher WILL WHEATON (1-4)
Lists of Lists: Star Trek
Exploration, United States, 1987, English
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