The Star Trek franchise is known for several hallmarks, but its top five shows on Rotten Tomatoes reveal a surprising fact about the legendary space opera. The Star Trek timeline is far from linear when release dates are concerned, as various prequel and sequel shows continue to be greenlit. Viewers have come to expect certain things from Star Trek TV shows, but the franchise hasn't always abided by the same formula through the decades. Although some eras are more revered than others, Rotten Tomatoes' ranking proves a certain type of Star Trek show has proven more successful than others.
![Star Trek's Top 5 Shows On Rotten Tomatoes Reveal A Surprising Truth About The Iconic Sci-Fi Franchise]()
Since the cast of Star Trek: The Original Series kickstarted Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi universe, the franchise has continued to go from strength to strength. That being said, there have been certain fallow periods in Star Trek's onscreen history. However, with Star Trek arguably in its second golden age, it's natural to reappraise the consistency of the property's overall output. One trend that is starting to emerge would take many seasoned Trekkies by surprise.
Three Of Star Trek's Top Five Shows On Rotten Tomatoes Are Animated
Animated Star Trek shows snag 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place
Star Trek doesn't particularly evoke imagery of animated settings and characters when it's brought up in general conversation. It has long been established as a live-action property, despite the presence of animated projects as early as the 1970s. That being said, the franchise has only recently started to pour more effort into animated TV shows. While it may go against what many perceive Star Trek to be, these more recent non-live-action additions to franchise lore are clearly being well-received.
Star Trek's Animated Output Is Way Better Than It Gets Credit For
The live-action shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation often overshadow the franchise's animated projects
![Vice Admiral Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) pilots a shuttle in Star Trek: Prodigy]()
It wouldn't surprise many to learn that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is currently sitting at the top of the TV branch of the franchise on Rotten Tomatoes. What's a little more shocking is that the 98%-rated prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series is just 1% ahead of the show in second place: Star Trek: Prodigy. Two more animated shows fall in third and fourth place before the next live-action series gets a look in. That's right, Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: The Animated Series are both ranked above Star Trek: The Next Generation.
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Top 5 Star Trek TV Shows On Rotten Tomatoes
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Show
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Years Aired
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Rotten Tomatoes Score
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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
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2022-Present
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98%
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Star Trek: Prodigy
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2021-Present
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97%
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Star Trek: The Animated Series
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1973-1974
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94%
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Star Trek: Lower Decks
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2020-2024
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92%
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Star Trek: The Next Generation
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1987-1994
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92%
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Star Trek doesn't particularly evoke imagery of animated settings and characters when it's brought up in general conversation. It has long been established as a live-action property, despite the presence of animated projects as early as the 1970s. That being said, the franchise has only recently started to pour more effort into animated TV shows. While it may go against what many perceive Star Trek to be, these more recent non-live-action additions to franchise lore are clearly being well-received.
Star Trek's Animated Output Is Way Better Than It Gets Credit For
The live-action shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation often overshadow the franchise's animated projects
Star Trek has the same problem as any other long-running franchise. Viewers want to see familiar faces, but without new characters, the saga would risk falling into obscurity. While live-action spinoffs like Star Trek: Picard allowed Patrick Stewart to reprise the role of his iconic Starfleet officer, the show being made so long after Star Trek: The Next Generation resulted in a bit of a disconnect and change in tone. Animation doesn't have this restriction, and the medium can allow Star Trek to revisit beloved eras without worrying too much about real-world restrictions.
As well as the practicalities of Star Trek's animated TV shows, they're also incredibly well-made. Star Trek: The Animated Series was a brilliant way to add to the show that started it all, just as Prodigy and Lower Decks also contribute new pieces of worldbuilding to live-action shows like Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: The Next Generation. They also offer different kinds of moments that the other shows can't, like Lower Decks' parodical-yet-canonical moments that reference the franchise's rich history. Star Trek will likely always thrive on its live-action content, but the power of its animated shows is growing.
