Star Trek: The Original Series can be viewed in two different orders, but which one is best? With its premiere in 1966, Star Trek: The Original Series launched a franchise that is still going strong nearly 60 years later. Following the adventures of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise, Star Trek introduced the world to Gene Roddenberry's optimistic vision for the future. Captain Kirk, Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) quickly became a beloved and iconic trio who left their mark on popular culture.
Whereas heavily serialized, binge-worthy shows dominate the television landscape today, this was not the case during the 1960s. Television shows of that era were episodic, meaning each episode followed its own self-contained story. Star Trek: The Original Series followed this model, making the viewing order ultimately less important than it is for many modern shows. Still, some events throughout the series affect later episodes, and it's interesting to watch how the storylines and characters of Star Trek: The Original Series change over time. What makes this somewhat confusing is that NBC did not always air the episodes in the order in which they were produced.
Why Star Trek: The Original Series Has 2 Different Viewing Orders
NBC Sometimes Chose To Air Episodes In A Different Order
The "correct" way to watch Star Trek: The Original Series has long been up for debate. Realistically, most episodes of TOS can be watched in any order, as they tell standalone stories that have few connections to one another. Still, the episodes were, of course, produced in a specific order. When Gene Roddenberry initially pitched Star Trek, no one was sure whether the show would be successful or not. NBC initially passed on Star Trek's original pilot, "The Cage," but allowed the production a chance for a second pilot, which became "Where No Man Has Gone Before."
Watching Star Trek: The Original Series In Production Order Is Easier To Follow (& More Authentic)
Production Order Is The Order Gene Roddenberry Envisioned
Production order is closer to the order Gene Roddenberry originally envisioned.
Watching Star Trek: The Original Series In Release Order Is More Nostalgic (& More Convenient)
Broadcast Order Is How Original Fans Viewed The Series
Watching Star Trek: The Original Series in broadcast order has its fair share of supporters, too, however. Most of the DVD/Blu-ray releases, as well as streaming services, list the episodes in broadcast order, making it more convenient for most viewers. Watching in production order requires viewers to find a list and manually keep track, rather than simply watching the episodes in the order provided. While this is likely a minor inconvenience for die-hard Star Trek fans, the average viewer may just want to dive in without having to think about moving episodes around.
Which Is Best For Watching Star Trek: The Original Series: Production Or Release Order?
Production Order Makes The Most Sense When It Comes To Continuity
Ultimately, the adventures of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock can be watched in any order, as each Star Trek episode can truly be enjoyed on its own. Still, viewing the episodes in production order offers the most authentic experience and represents how Gene Roddenberry intended the show to be watched. Aside from the inconvenience of keeping track of the episodes, production order better illustrates the ways the costumes, characters, and sets evolved throughout the series. During the 1960s, television networks were not concerned with continuity within a series, and the order in which NBC chose to air the episodes was arbitrary.
