Star Trek: The Animated Series

Watch Star Trek: The Animated Series

  • TV-Y7
  • 1973
  • 2 Seasons
  • 7.2  (8,016)

Star Trek: The Animated Series is an American science fiction animated television series that aired from 1973 until 1975. It was produced by Filmation and was based on the original Star Trek series created by Gene Roddenberry. The series follows the adventures of the crew of the starship USS Enterprise, led by Captain James T. Kirk, as they explore the galaxy and encounter new civilizations.

The series features the voices of the original cast from the live-action series, including William Shatner as Captain Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy. Other members of the original crew, such as Sulu, Uhura, and Scotty, also appear in the animated series.

The animation style of the show is reminiscent of the Saturday morning cartoons of the 1970s, with bright colors and exaggerated movements. However, despite its cartoonish appearance, the show did not shy away from tackling complex moral and ethical issues, much like its live-action predecessor.

One of the advantages of the animated format was the ability to create more imaginative and otherworldly landscapes than could be accomplished on a live-action show. The USS Enterprise travels to planets with unusual atmospheric conditions, meets creatures that are physically impossible to create with prosthetics, and goes on explorations that would have been impossible on a live-action budget.

Another benefit to the animated series was that it allowed for more creative freedom. The series was not limited by the constraints of special effects and prosthetics, which allowed the writers to dream up more fantastical stories.

One of the most significant aspects of the show was that it was one of the first animated series to feature a racially diverse cast. Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura on the live-action series, was one of the first Black women to have a significant role on a major network TV show. The animated series allowed Uhura to take center stage in some of the episodes, demonstrating her intelligence, resourcefulness, and bravery.

The show tackled a wide range of subjects, from ecology and conservation to the dangers of imperialism and colonialism. The episode "The Infinite Vulcan," for example, explored the idea of eugenics and the dangers of creating a "master race." Other episodes dealt with issues of social justice and equality, as in "The Jihad," where the crew must work with alien races to prevent a fanatical group from unleashing a weapon of mass destruction.

Despite its relatively short run, Star Trek: The Animated Series proved to be a beloved continuation of the original series. It has been described as a "hidden gem" among Star Trek series, with many fans appreciating its imaginative storylines, strong character development, and humor. It has also been praised for its inclusivity and its willingness to engage with complex topics.

In addition to the main cast, the animated series also featured guest appearances by notable voice actors such as Mark Lenard, James Doohan, George Takei, and Majel Barrett. The show also introduced new characters, such as the three-armed Edosian Arex and the feline M'Ress.

The show's legacy is still felt today, with many of its concepts and themes being explored in subsequent Star Trek series. The animated series was the first to introduce the concept of a holodeck, which became a major feature in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It also introduced the concept of the "animated series canon," which distinguished it from the live-action series and allowed for more creative license.

Overall, Star Trek: The Animated Series may have been overlooked in its time, but it has since become a beloved classic among fans of the Star Trek franchise. Its imaginative storytelling, inclusionary cast, and willingness to explore complex themes have left a lasting impression on the sci-fi landscape.

Star Trek: The Animated Series is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (23 episodes). The series first aired on September 8, 1973.

Star Trek: The Animated Series
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Seasons
The Counter-Clock Incident
6. The Counter-Clock Incident
October 12, 1974
The Enterprise inadvertently locks a tractor beam on a ship diving into a nova, and finds itself pulled into a bizarre parallel universe where time flies backward and the crew becomes younger at an alarming rate.
How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth?
5. How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth?
October 5, 1974
Backtracking a mysterious probe, the Enterprise confronts a ship in the form of a giant feathered serpent. Its captain, Kukulkan, insists on putting Kirk and others through a test to determine if they have grown sufficiently to receive his wisdom.
Albatross
4. Albatross
September 28, 1974
The Enterprise goes to the planet Dramia II to deliver medical supplies, only to have McCoy arrested and put on trial for deliberately spreading a disease that wiped out an entire colony. Now Kirk must clear his friend's name before the doctor is executed.
The Practical Joker
3. The Practical Joker
September 21, 1974
After avoiding a Romulan ambush by entering a strange energy cloud, the Enterprise finds itself at the mercy of an insane ship's computer that indulges in a series of increasingly aggressive practical jokes.
Bem
2. Bem
September 14, 1974
The Enterprise plays host to Ambassador Bem, an arrogant member of a neutral race. However, Bem endangers all of their lives when he conducts a test of suitability upon Kirk and Spock during an exploratory mission on a primitive planet.
The Pirates of Orion
1. The Pirates of Orion
September 7, 1974
Spock is stricken ill with a disease that is fatal to Vulcans. With time running out, the Enterprise must rendezvous with another ship carrying the cure. However, Orion pirates hijack the shipment and Kirk must deal with them before Spock dies.
Description
Where to Watch Star Trek: The Animated Series
Star Trek: The Animated Series is available for streaming on the NBC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Star Trek: The Animated Series on demand at Paramount+ and Amazon Prime, Netflix and Amazon.
  • Premiere Date
    September 8, 1973
  • IMDB Rating
    7.2  (8,016)
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