Watch William Shatners Chaos on the Bridge

William Shatner's Chaos on the Bridge is a documentary film that chronicles the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), one of the most successful sci-fi TV shows in history. The movie examines the struggles, creative tensions, and ego clashes that plagued the production of TNG during its first two seasons.

The film features interviews with several key players in the making of TNG, including show creator Gene Roddenberry, producer Rick Berman, cast members Gates McFadden, Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, and many others. Shatner himself, who famously played Captain Kirk on the original Star Trek series, serves as the movie's director and narrator.

The movie opens with a brief history of the Star Trek franchise, noting the impact it had on popular culture and sci-fi fandom. The film then moves on to examine the genesis of TNG, detailing how Roddenberry and his team came up with the idea for a new Star Trek series and the challenges they faced in getting it off the ground.

One of the major themes of the film is the creative tension between Roddenberry and the show's writers and producers. Roddenberry, who was known for his idealistic and often utopian vision of the future, clashed with the show's more pragmatic writers and producers who were focused on making a successful commercial product. The film details the many conflicts that arose between these two groups, with Shatner and his interviewees painting a picture of a chaotic and dysfunctional production environment.

Another major focus of the film is the casting of TNG, particularly the selection of Patrick Stewart to play Captain Jean-Luc Picard. The movie spends a significant amount of time exploring Stewart's background and his approach to the role, as well as the initial resistance he faced from the show's producers who were unsure if he was the right fit for the series.

Throughout the film, Shatner and his interviewees offer insights into the creative process behind TNG, from the development of the show's iconic visual effects to the challenges of writing for an ensemble cast. The movie also examines the cultural impact of TNG, both at the time of its original airing and in the decades since.

Despite the turmoil and chaos that defined the early years of TNG, the film ultimately leaves viewers with a sense of awe and admiration for the creative talents who brought the show to life. Shatner's Chaos on the Bridge is a thoroughly engaging and informative look at one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, and a must-see for any fan of Star Trek or sci-fi in general.

William Shatners Chaos on the Bridge is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 59 minutes.