Star Trek, a franchise with a rich history spanning several decades, can be conveniently categorized by its distinct eras for the sake of a listicle. We start with the iconic era of The Original Series in the late '60s, followed by the cinematic adventures of those pioneering scientists. This then transitions into the Rick Berman era, which encompasses the journey from The Next Generation to the conclusion with Enterprise. Fast forward to the present, and we enter the modern era spearheaded by Paramount+ shows, which kicked off with Discovery in 2017.

Today's discussion centers on the latest addition to this era: the first straight-to-streaming TV movie, Star Trek: Section 31, which initially started as a series concept. In just under eight years, the creative minds behind modern Trek have not only introduced this movie but also launched five new series, including two animated shows, and a collection of shorts aptly named Short Treks.

The diverse range of formats and genres—from traditional sci-fi drama to comedy, animation, shorts, and feature-length content—makes comparing these projects challenging. It's also important to consider that a series can have its ups and downs across different seasons. Our rankings take into account the entirety of a series' run, rather than focusing solely on standout episodes.

So, without further ado, let's dive in and explore the best and worst of the modern Star Trek series. Whether you prefer to say "make it so," "engage," "fly," "blast off," or "punch it," let's embark on this journey as if we're all Starfleet captains ready for the adventure ahead!

The Best Star Trek Series of the Modern Era (and the Worst)

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