Plus, read the second chapter of the tie-in comic!

Star Trek: very Short Treks Invites You to a Holiday Party This Week

Last week, the Star Trek: The Animated Celebration kicked off with the first installment of Star Trek: very Short Treks and first chapter of STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION PRESENTS THE SCHEIMER BARRIER!

In the second very Short Treks, "Holiday Party, it’s a First Contact Day celebration and Spock is in charge of the entertainment.

In order of appearance, "Holiday Party" features cast Bruce Horak (Hemmer), Ethan Peck (Spock), Bonnie Gordon (Communications Officer, Engineer, Crying Ensign), Eric Bauza (Red Shirt, Lieutenant, Ensign), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Gia Sandhu (T'Pring), and Doug Jones (Saru).

In the second chapter of STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION PRESENTS THE SCHEIMER BARRIER, from critically-acclaimed writer and director Casper Kelly and Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Jonathan Case, mad scientist Fontana plops Kirk, Spock, and company in a strangely familiar American high school in the middle of a strangely familiar love triangle between Artie, Bessie, and Verona. The crew must now tangle with a mad scientist and teen emotions…while searching both river and dale to find a way back to their own universe!

The celebration of the 50-year anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series continues as the mad scientist Fontana plops Kirk, Spock, and company in a strangely familiar American high school in the middle of a strangely familiar love triangle between Artie, Bessie, and Verona. The crew must now tangle with a mad scientist and teen emotions…while searching both river and dale to find a way back to their own universe!

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier - Chapter 2

Star Trek: very Short Treks pays tribute to the series that kicked off Star Trek's animated legacy — Star Trek: The Animated Series — while incorporating all corners of the Star Trek universe in a fun and irreverent manner. Star Trek: very Short Treks comes from Casper Kelly, best known for the viral smash hit Too Many Cooks and his work on Star Trek: Short Treks and Adult Swim. Star Trek: very Short Treks is produced by Awesome Inc. Casper Kelly and Ashley Kohler serve as executive producers; Brandon Betts as supervising producer; and Aaron Hawkins as producer/director. "Holiday Party" is written by Claire Friedman.

Plus, read the final chapter of the tie-in comic!

Star Trek: very Short Treks Debates the Merits of Holoprograms

Star Trek: very Short Treks Debates the Merits of Holoprograms with 'Holograms All the Way Down'

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration continues with the latest installment of Star Trek: very Short Treks and the final chapter of STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION PRESENTS THE SCHEIMER BARRIER!

In the penultimate very Short Treks, "Holograms All the Way Down, it's Holodecktastic!

In order of appearance, "Holograms All the Way Down" features cast Connor Trinneer (Trip), Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Armin Shimerman (Quark), Noël Wells (D'Vana), Angus Imrie (Zero), George Takei (Sulu), Doug Jones (Saru), Bruce Horak (Hemmer), Ethan Phillips (Neelix), and Bonnie Gordon (Computer).

In the final chapter of STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION PRESENTS THE SCHEIMER BARRIER, from critically-acclaimed writer and director Casper Kelly and Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Jonathan Case, mad scientist Fontana forces Kirk and company to battle other beloved Federation crew members from The Next Generation all the way to Lower Decks in the brawling death match of the millennium! How can our heroes possibly survive this horrifying gladiator game when the referee has limitless godlike powers? Find out in the thrilling conclusion of this comic book celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series.

Mad scientist Fontana forces Kirk and company to battle other beloved Federation crew members from The Next Generation all the way to Lower Decks in the brawling death match of the millennium! How can our heroes possibly survive this horrifying gladiator game when the referee has limitless godlike powers? Find out in the thrilling conclusion of this comic book celebrating the 50-year anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series.

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier - Chapter 4

Star Trek: very Short Treks pays tribute to the series that kicked off Star Trek's animated legacy — Star Trek: The Animated Series — while incorporating all corners of the Star Trek universe in a fun and irreverent manner. Star Trek: very Short Treks comes from Casper Kelly, best known for the viral smash hit Too Many Cooks and his work on Star Trek: Short Treks and Adult Swim. Star Trek: very Short Treks is produced by Awesome Inc. Casper Kelly and Ashley Kohler serve as executive producers; Brandon Betts as supervising producer; and Aaron Hawkins as producer/director. "Holograms All the Way Down" is written by Aaron Waltke.

Plus, read the penultimate chapter of the tie-in comic!

Star Trek: very Short Treks Welcomes A New Species to the Federation in 'Worst Contact'

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration continues with the latest installment of Star Trek: very Short Treks and the third chapter of STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION PRESENTS THE SCHEIMER BARRIER!

In the third very Short Treks, "Worst Contact, we're reminded First Contacts, like first dates, can be awkward.

In order of appearance, "Worst Contact" features cast Jonathan Frakes (Riker), Dana Snyder (Bragu), Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher), and Sarah Sherman (Mucara).

In the third chapter of STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION PRESENTS THE SCHEIMER BARRIER, from critically-acclaimed writer and director Casper Kelly and Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Jonathan Case, the mad scientist Fontana collides a hapless Kirk and Spock with a rapid succession of other Star Trek crews from past, present, and future in a bit of diabolical fun! Will our heroes be able to survive?

(Editor’s note: This comic book has the record for most first pages of any comic! Confused? Buy a copy and find out what we mean!)

The celebration of the 50-year anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series continues as the mad scientist Fontana collides a hapless Kirk and Spock with a rapid succession of other Star Trek crews from past, present, and future in a bit of diabolical fun! Will our heroes be able to survive? (Editor’s note: This comic book has the record for most first pages of any comic! Confused? Buy a copy and find out what we mean!)

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier - Chapter 3

Star Trek: very Short Treks pays tribute to the series that kicked off Star Trek's animated legacy — Star Trek: The Animated Series — while incorporating all corners of the Star Trek universe in a fun and irreverent manner. Star Trek: very Short Treks comes from Casper Kelly, best known for the viral smash hit Too Many Cooks and his work on Star Trek: Short Treks and Adult Swim. Star Trek: very Short Treks is produced by Awesome Inc. Casper Kelly and Ashley Kohler serve as executive producers; Brandon Betts as supervising producer; and Aaron Hawkins as producer/director.

Holiday Party

'Holiday Party' | Star Trek: very Short Treks - 102

In "Holiday Party," it’s a First Contact Day celebration and Spock is in charge of the entertainment.

From the mind of Casper Kelly (Too Many Cooks, Star Trek: Short Treks), Star Trek: very Short Treks celebrates the bold, the silly, and the unusual across the animated universe of Star Trek.

Star Trek: very Short Treks - "Holiday Party" Credits:

Produced By: Awesome Inc
Created By: Casper Kelly
Executive Producers: Casper Kelly & Ashley Kohler
Supervising Producer: Brandon Betts
Producer / Director: Aaron Hawkins
Written By: Claire Friedman
Cast (In Order of Appearance):
Bruce Horak (Hemmer)
Ethan Peck (Spock)
Bonnie Gordon (Communications Officer, Engineer, Crying Ensign) 
Eric Bauza (Red Shirt, Lieutenant, Ensign) 
Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura) 
Gia Sandhu (T'Pring) 
Doug Jones (Saru)

What happens when you ask a Vulcan to run the entertainment at a party?

Star Trek: very Short Treks - 'Holiday Party'

Skin A Cat

'Skin A Cat' | Star Trek: very Short Treks - 101

In "Skin A Cat," a dire Klingon attack is further complicated by poor word choice.

Star Trek: very Short Treks - "Skin A Cat" Credits:

Produced By: Awesome Inc
Created By: Casper Kelly
Executive Producers: Casper Kelly, Ashley Kohler
Supervising Producer: Brandon Betts
Producer / Director: Aaron Hawkins
Cast (In Order of Appearance):
Ethan Peck (Spock)
Pete Holmes (Captain)
Cristina Milizia (Knickersonian, Dream Woman, M'Ress)
Bonnie Gordon (Computer)
Eric Bauza (Antedian, Ass Face, Screwhead)

Captain, might we suggest avoiding figures of speech...

Star Trek: very Short Treks - 'Skin A Cat'

Worst Contact

'Worst Contact' | Star Trek: very Short Treks - 103

In "Worst Contact," First Contacts, like first dates, can be awkward.

Star Trek: very Short Treks - "Worst Contact" Credits:

Produced By: Awesome Inc
Created By: Casper Kelly
Executive Producers: Casper Kelly & Ashley Kohler
Supervising Producer: Brandon Betts
Producer / Director: Aaron Hawkins
Cast (In Order of Appearance):
Jonathan Frakes (Riker)
Dana Snyder (Bragu)
Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher) 
Sarah Sherman (Mucara)

Star Trek: very Short Treks - 'Worst Contact'

Holograms All the Way Down

'Holograms All the Way Down' | Star Trek: very Short Treks - 104

In "Holograms All the Way Down," it's Holodecktastic!

Star Trek: very Short Treks - "Holograms All the Way Down" Credits:

Produced By: Awesome Inc
Created By: Casper Kelly
Executive Producers: Casper Kelly & Ashley Kohler
Supervising Producer: Brandon Betts
Producer / Director: Aaron Hawkins
Written By: Aaron Waltke

Cast (In Order of Appearance):
Connor Trinneer (Trip)
Jonathan Frakes (Riker)
Armin Shimerman (Quark)
Noël Wells (D'Vana)
Angus Imrie (Zero)
George Takei (Sulu)
Doug Jones (Saru)
Bruce Horak (Hemmer)
Ethan Phillips (Neelix)
Bonnie Gordon (Computer)

Star Trek: very Short Treks - 'Holograms All the Way Down'

Jerry O'Connell hosts the fourth annual 'Star Trek Day' with a special program!

Paramount Invites Fans to a Special Global 'Star Trek Day' Celebration on September 8

Join Paramount+, the CBS Television Network, CBS Studios and fans from around the world for the annual Star Trek Day global celebration on Friday, September 8. This year’s special program is hosted byStar Trek: Lower Decks’ Jerry O’Connell on Paramount+ and features special Star Trek: Lower Decks screenings across the U.S., the UK, and Canada in anticipation of the upcoming fourth season, special airings of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on CBS and more.

Additional information on “Star Trek Day” programming and initiatives can be found at StarTrek.com/Day.

On Sept. 8, 1966, Star Trek debuted for the first time on television with “The Man Trap.” On that day, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry introduced audiences to a world that championed diversity, inclusion, acceptance and hope. Fifty-seven years later, Paramount honors this important day and the franchise’s enduring legacy by providing fans with a memorable way to enjoy and celebrate all things Star Trek.

Additional information on Paramount’s Star Trek Day global celebration and initiatives is below:

STAR TREK DAY SPECIAL PROGRAM, HOSTED BY JERRY O’CONNELL

On September 8, fans worldwide can watch the “Star Trek Day” special program, hosted by Star Trek: Lower Decks’ Commander Jack Ransom, himself, Jerry O’Connell. A salute to the franchise, the special program will include segments that look back at memorable moments over the past 57 years; commemorate 50 years of Star Trek animation; pay tribute to Star Trek: Discovery, ahead of its final season; provide an exclusive sneak-peek clip from the upcoming fourth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks; and commemorate many other moments that highlight Star Trek’s legacy.

WHERE TO WATCH THE STAR TREK DAY SPECIAL PROGRAM

The Star Trek Day special will be available to watch for free globally on:

YouTube (Paramount+ and Star Trek Official pages)

Facebook (@StarTrekOnPPlus and @StarTrek)

In the U.S., the special will be available to stream on:

Pluto TV (Paramount+ Picks, STAR TREK, More STAR TREK and Pluto TV Sci-Fi channels)

The special will also air on select local CBS affiliates, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, Pop TV, Fave TV and Smithsonian.com.

STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS SPECIAL AIRINGS ON CBS

The CBS Television Network will broadcast the first two episodes of the hit Paramount+ original series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with back-to-back special airings, beginning at 8 pm ET/PT.

“Strange New Worlds” (Episode 101, Series Premiere) –
When one of Pike’s officers goes missing while on a secret mission for Starfleet, Pike (Anson Mount) has to come out of self-imposed exile. He must navigate how to rescue his officer, while struggling with what to do with the vision of the future he’s been given.

Teleplay by Akiva Goldsman; story by Akiva Goldsman, Alex Kurtzman & Jenny Lumet; directed by Akiva Goldsman

“Children of the Comet” (Episode 102) –
While on a survey mission, the U.S.S. Enterprise discovers a comet is going to strike an inhabited planet. The crew tries to re-route the comet, only to find that an ancient alien relic buried on the comet’s icy surface is somehow stopping them. As the away team tries to unlock the relic’s secrets, Pike (Anson Mount) and Number One (Rebecca Romijn) deal with a group of zealots who want to prevent the U.S.S. Enterprise from interfering.

Written by Henry Alonso Myers & Sarah Tarkoff; directed by Maja Vrvilo 

STAR TREK: THE ANIMATED CELEBRATION – STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS SPECIAL SCREENINGS

The animated universe of Star Trek began 50 years ago on September 8, with Star Trek: The Animated Series. This Star Trek Day commemorates the 50th anniversary with an evening of cartoon comedy, including four specially selected episodes of the hit animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Fans can attend these exclusive, free promotional screenings and experience the brand-new season of Star Trek: Lower Decks on the big screen. The day is jam-packed with sneak peeks and surprises, free concessions, giveaways and more! This is a can’t-miss event for long-time fans of Star Trek and adult animation across the U.S., Canada and the UK.

All screenings are free to attend, and fans can register at STAR TREK ANIMATED CELEBRATION SCREENINGS on Thursday, August 24, at 9 am PT / 12 pm ET. The special Star Trek: Lower Decks fan screenings will take place in Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, St. Louis, Washington D.C., Vancouver, Calgary and London.

SPECIAL STAR TREK DAY MERCHANDISE AND SALE

On September 8, fans can use the code STARTREKDAY for 25% off sitewide at Shop.StarTrek.com, which includes curated Star Trek Day and Star Trek: The Animated Series collections.

Official Trailer | Star Trek: very Short Treks

From the mind of Casper Kelly (Too Many Cooks, Star Trek: Short Treks), Star Trek: very Short Treks celebrates the bold, the silly, and the unusual across the animated universe of Star Trek. Here's everything you need to know about Star Trek: very Short Treks!

The first Star Trek: very Short Treks will launch on Star Trek Day, September 8, exclusively on StarTrek.com and the official Star Trek YouTube channel.

A salute to the 50th anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration at San Diego Comic-Con 2023

Today, during the Official 50th Star Trek Animated Celebration panel at San Diego Comic-Con, fans received a sneak peek into this year’s salute to the 50th anniversary of Star Trek’s first foray into animation, Star Trek: The Animated Series.

To commemorate this golden anniversary, CBS Studios is creating five all-new animated promotional spots in the style of Star Trek: The Animated Series featuring fan favorite characters voiced by cast members from across the Star Trek universe including icons "Neelix," Jonathan Frakes as “Will Riker,” Doug Jones as “Saru,” and Armin Shimerman as “Quark.”

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Character Design of Neelix

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Character Design of Jonathan Frakes as Will Riker

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Character Design of Armin Shimerman as Quark

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Character Design of Doug Jones as Saru

Debuting later this year, these all-new animated spots come from Creative Consultant Casper Kelly, best known for the viral smash hit Too Many Cooks, and his work on Star Trek: Short Treks and Adult Swim. Kelly announced the program alongside fellow panelist John Van Citters, Vice President, Star Trek Brand Development.

Casper Kelly will also release a new comic book with IDW Publishing, Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier. The comic will debut digitally in September on StarTrek.com with physical copies available at New York Comic Con in October. IDW revealed two first-look images from the comic during the panel.

First-look Image of IDW’s Upcoming “Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier” Comic Book Cover by Jonathan Case

First-look Image of IDW’s Upcoming “Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier” Comic Book interior art by Jonathan Case

Additional announcements in the area of Star Trek publishing were delivered by panelist Heather Antos (IDW Group Editor) with the latest gaming news revealed by Scopley’s Brian Lelas (Lead Narrative Designer, Star Trek Fleet Command) and Rebekah Plants (Community Manager, Star Trek Fleet Command).

Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way OGN - Choose Your Own Adventure interactive adventure by Ryan North and Chris Fenoglio

Star Trek: Day of Blood - Shax's Best Day

Full list of announcements and reveals include:

Star Trek: Prodigy: Season 1, Episodes 11-20 on Digital today, coming to Blu-ray and DVD on September 26, 2023. Get all the details here!

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration promotional spots debuting later this year in collaboration with Casper Kelly (Star Trek: Short Treks, Too Many Cooks)

Star Trek: The Animated Celebration character designs for Jonathan Frakes as “Will Riker,” Doug Jones as “Saru,” and Armin Shimerman as “Quark.” More to come on Star Trek Day!

Casper Kelly x IDW comic book: Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier, debuting digitally in September on StarTrek.com with physical copies at NYCC in October. Two first-look images from the comic revealed during the panel.

Official announcement of Star Trek: Lower Decks fan screenings domestically and internationally in celebration of Star Trek Day in September.

The first of five 'very Short Treks' to debut on Star Trek Day 2023 along with the first chapter of a new comic book!

'Star Trek: very Short Treks' to Launch on Star Trek Day

Celebrate 50 Years of Star Trek Animation with the Launch of 'Star Trek: very Short Treks'

Star Trek continues its salute to the 50th anniversary of Star Trek: The Animated Series with the launch of Star Trek: very Short Treks, five all-new animated promotional shorts, and the new comic book, Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier, both debuting on Friday, September 8 as part of the annual Star Trek Day global celebration.

Previously announced Star Trek Day programming and events can be found at StarTrek.com/Day.

CBS Studios is launching Star Trek: very Short Treks, a series of all-new animated promotional spots in the style of Star Trek: The Animated Series. 

The very Short Treks will feature previously announced fan-favorite characters voiced by cast members from across the Star Trek universe, including icons Jonathan Frakes as Will Riker, Doug Jones as Saru and Armin Shimerman as Quark, and a new line-up of exciting voices, including Ethan Peck as Spock, Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher, Celia Rose Gooding as Uhura, Connor Trinneer as Trip Tucker, Bruce Horak as Hemmer, Noël Wells as Tendi and the legendary George Takei as Sulu.

Star Trek: very Short Treks comes from creative consultant Casper Kelly, best known for the viral smash hit Too Many Cooks and his work on Star Trek: Short Treks and Adult Swim. The first animated spot will launch on Star Trek Day, September 8, exclusively on StarTrek.com and the official Star Trek YouTube channel, with four additional animated spots rolling out weekly on Wednesdays through October 4 at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET. Titles and release schedule include:

September 27 – “Holograms, All the Way Down”

Casper Kelly will also release a new comic book with IDW Publishing, Star Trek: The Animated Celebration Presents The Scheimer Barrier. The first chapter of the comic will debut digitally on September 8 on StarTrek.com with physical copies available at New York Comic Con in October. Additional chapters of the comic will drop weekly on Wednesdays on StarTrek.com at 10:00 am PT / 1:00 pm ET.

On the anniversary of its premiere in 1974, we're revisiting the classic The Animated Series episode!

Star Trek: The Animated Series | A Look Back at 'Bem'

On Saturday, September 14, 1974, planet Earth was a distinctly different place. 

The President of the United States was Gerald Ford. “I Shot the Sheriff” by Eric Clapton was the number one song in America. Tatum O’Neal and her father, Ryan, won over cinema audiences in Paper Moon, while Darren McGavin spooked them as the titular character in Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Arcade kids would have been laying down their hard-earned pocket money playing Elimination, Tank or Qwak!, just as Charles Kowal was announcing the discovery of Leda, the 13th satellite of Jupiter. Very different times indeed.

But within the realms of the Star Trek universe, it wasn’t all that different. That long-distant Saturday morning saw the first airing of “Bem,” the second episode of the truncated sophomore season of Star Trek: The Animated Series, and while we may now look back at those episodes with a mixture of charm and nostalgia, the messages and themes of the episode are every bit as relevant in present day Star Trek as they were in ’74.

Let’s first read Captain Kirk’s log entry as the mission begins.

Captain's log, Stardate 7403.6. The Enterprise is on a series of exploratory and contact missions. Traveling with us as an independent observer is a member of a recently contacted alien species. Honorary Commander Ari bn Bem is from the planet Pandro in the Garo VII system. We have taken up orbit around Delta Theta III, a newly discovered Class M planet. A previous scouting mission has reported possible aboriginal lifeforms here and the Enterprise is to investigate and report.

Written by “The Trouble with Tribbles” scribe David Gerrold, “Bem” (taken from the old-school sci-fi term meaning “bug-eyed monster”) tells the story of the U.S.S. Enterprise mission to the world of Delta Theta III. Discovering “several groupings of aborigines” on the surface, Kirk orders a landing party to beam down, accompanied by the observer Bem, who elects to join them on his own first Enterprise mission. 

However, unbeknownst to the crew, Bem swaps out their phasers and communicators with fakes and alters the transporter coordinates, so Kirk and Spock down beam down to the wrong location and materializing into a body of water.

Uhura’s discovery of a potentially intelligent lifeform leads the crew into a forest, where suddenly Bem breaks into a sprint, leaping into the trees and separating into different body parts to get through the dense foliage. 

With Bem being held by the natives and a force field surrounding the village, Kirk and Spock use the cover of night to find and liberate the captured Pandronian. However, Bem does not wish to be rescued, and as Kirk notes his irritation at Bem’s unorthodox methods, the alien explains his dislike for phasers and communicators, vocalizing his wish to see if Kirk can manage a mission without his weapons and the casual violence they bring.

Bem once again splits into smaller parts and returns their equipment to them, revealing himself to be what Spock describes as a "colony creature." They leave, but are captured in a force field by an alien entity who chastises them for trying to harm her “children.” Kirk explains their mission of exploration and is relieved when the entity orders them to leave immediately. Bem accuses Kirk of failure and runs away again, captured a second time by the planet’s natives. 

Angry at the crew for not leaving, the alien entity returns, and Kirk explains that just as the entity is responsible for her “children,” so he is responsible for his crew. Placated, she allows them to once again leave. Bem is crestfallen, deciding that for his failure, he must disassemble into his smaller parts, or, in other words, die. It’s the alien entity who explains that the only way to develop is to learn from our mistakes.

Originally written as an episode of the third season of The Original Series, “Bem” found its home in animated form. Already mostly written and paid for, the episode was picked up by Filmation for the shortened second season after the exit of associate producer and story editor Dorothy "D.C." Fontana. Gerrold further worked up the story with the Great Bird of the Galaxy himself, Gene Roddenberry, who suggested adding a number of elements, including the concept of finding god on the planet. Fifteen years later, this would resurface in 1989’s Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, as well as be a key element in the development of Phase II and pre-The Motion Picture era stories.

“Bem” is also notable for a number of other reasons. While James Doohan and his magnificent radio voice were often called upon to provide the vocals for guest characters, this episode employed the skills of Nichelle Nichols, who voiced the alien entity. 

It was also the first time we heard Captain Kirk’s middle name. Taken from a book that Gerrold had read about torture, the previously undiscovered “T” became — with Rodenberry’s blessing — Tiberius. The name later saw print in Alan Dean Foster’s 1979 novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and on-screen in the original crew’s final big-screen hurrah Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, released during the 25th anniversary year of 1991.

While the story is reminiscent of March 1967’s Original Series season-one episode “Errand of Mercy,” “Bem” displayed many Star Trek elements that live long and prosper to this day. Starfleet’s mission of exploration and first contact is a franchise staple, as are working with officers from other organizations and factions. Here it’s Bem as visiting officer, but stepping ahead 15 years with the Star Trek: The Next Generation season-two episode “A Matter of Honor,” we see Riker assigned to the Klingon vessel the I.K.S. Pagh, while the Benzite ensign, Mendon, comes aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. The hunger to learn more about the galaxy and our fellow species is a continuing thread through all series.

Powerful entities are another staple, as seen in numerous episodes across Star Trek, from Armus, the malevolent being who infamously murdered Tasha Yar on an away mission to Vagra II in TNG season-one’s “Skin of Evil” to the Pah-Wraiths of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. And let’s not forget Q, the Sha Ka Ree god of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, the Douwd, all alien entities with god-like powers, and ones that our respective crews must face down and communicate with. As for Pandronians and modern day Star Trek, the species makes its return with Star Trek: Lower Decks' "I, Excretus."

Forty-nine orbits of the sun after its premiere, let’s raise a glass of prune juice and celebrate “Bem.”

A Look Back at 'Bem'

Ahead of its 50th anniversary, we're revisiting archival assets from Star Trek: The Animated Series released as part of the Roddenberry Vault's 366 Project, which celebrated Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and his enduring creation.

Go behind-the-scenes of an array of TAS concept art designs depicting characters and ships, sketches, scripts, promo art, and more!

From the Vault | Star Trek: The Animated Series Concept Art, Scripts, and More

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Lt. M'Ress and Lt. Arex promotional art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Captain Kirk and Spock promotional art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Captain Kirk promotional art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Captain Kirk concept art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Spock promotional art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Spock concept art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - D.C. Fontana's correspondence to the LA Times regarding the series' tone

Star Trek: The Animated Series - "No Space to Grow and No Place to Go" (unproduced) script written by Don Sandburg

Star Trek: The Animated Series - "The Infinite Vulcan" storyboards

Star Trek: The Animated Series - character concept art from "The Lorelei Signal"

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Aleek-Om concept art from "Yesteryear"

Star Trek: The Animated Series - "The Pirates of Orion" storyboards

Star Trek: The Animated Series - "The Survivor" script with notes from Gene Roddenberry

Star Trek: The Animated Series - "The Survivor" script

Star Trek: The Animated Series - disabled ship concept art from "The Survivor"

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Klingon battlecruiser concept art

Star Trek: The Animated Series - robot grain ship concept art from "More Tribbles, More Trouble"

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, let's revisit some character designs, sketches, promo art, and more!

Top 10 Animated Star Trek Episodes

Beginning in 1973, Star Trek began its foray into the world of animation. Now, exactly 50 years later today, the continuing adventures of Starfleet have firmly affixed themselves within this beloved medium, bringing exciting stories to the fore and introducing an entirely new generation of fans to the wonders of the final frontier. Granted, Star Trek is a world many feel shines best in live-action. 

Does this then mean that the animated offerings of the starship Enterprise and its contemporaries are somehow inferior? Not by a long shot! In celebration of Star Trek: The Animated Celebration, what follows now is a look at 10 of the best animated Star Trek episodes to date. While they may be slightly smaller in scope then their live-action counterparts, each has been carefully chosen for its ability to both embrace the confines of animation, while still holding true to the ideals that have defined the Star Trek franchise for the last 57 years.

Did your favorite make the list? Let’s take a look and find out...

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Season 2, Episode 1

Originally airing on September 7th, 1974, this Season 2 premiere of Star Trek: The Animated Series sees Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise battling Orion pirates who’ve attacked a Federation vessel carrying medicine needed to cure a fatally ill Spock. With some robust writing courtesy of a young Howard Weinstein, the story does a nice job of keeping viewers on their toes as the malicious marauders look for a way to outsmart our heroes without jeopardizing the status of their home planet. Add to this a healthy dose of McCoy/Spock banter, alongside some strong design choices for the primary antagonists, and you’ve got an episode that’s a near perfect blend of Star Trek and early 70’s animation. It’s not particularly deep or profound, but it holds well to the values of its live-action predecessor and is a really fun way to spend 24 minutes.

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Season 1, Episode 14

Hitting the airwaves on December 13, 1973, this episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series hails from science fiction icon Larry Niven and focuses on a group of Kzinti attempting to unlock the secrets of an ancient Slaver weapon. Exploring themes of race superiority, societal roles, and the dangers associated with digging up the past, this episode remains unique in that it actually serves as animated adaption of Niven’s 1967 short story, “The Soft Weapon”. Thus, both the Slavers and cat-like Kzinti are concepts explored within the author’s past body of work. 

In addition to thrusting a spotlight on Spock’s leadership capabilities, the episode also marks the only official appearance of the Kzinti in Star Trek canon to date – although, they were mentioned by Riker in the Star Trek: Picard episode “Nepenthe," making them an official part of franchise lore some five decades later.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 3, Episode 10

Gracing television screens on October 27, 2022, this Season 3 episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks sees the crew of the Cerritos attempting to prove their worth in a mission race against a new class of drone. Tackling themes of corruption and greed, this episode uniquely admits not everyone in Starfleet is squeaky clean, while also lifting a curtain on the downfalls of artificial intelligence. 

In addition, we also get some Indiana Jones-style shenanigans, upsetting revelations about Rutherford’s past, Shaxs living out his ultimate fantasy, and a surprise arrival by the cavalry! New is not always better and this episode proves it in a way that only Lower Decks could!

Star Trek: Prodigy - Season 1, Episode 5

While I’ll be the first to admit Star Trek: Prodigy didn’t initially strike the same sort of chord with me as other shows on this list, it was this episode in particular that made me sit up and take notice of just how special the series really was! Released on January 26, 2022, “Kobayashi” is written by Aaron Waltke and features a two-fold story that focuses on both Dal and Gwyn respectively. 

Brimming with beautiful animation, humor and strong voice work, this episode fills out some much needed backstory regarding Gwyn’s past, while also taking a rather amusing route that sees Dal attempting (repeatedly!) to beat Starfleet’s famed no-win scenario. It’s a really fun episode overall, one that ticks all the boxes and features a number of surprise cameo appearances and Easter eggs that longtime fans of the franchise are sure to appreciate.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 1, Episode 10

Written by Mike McMahan and airing on October 8, 2020, this episode of Lower Decks crams some great stuff into its 24 minute runtime. Badgey returns and Peanut Hamper makes her debut. There are nods to everything from Star Trek: The Animated Series to Remco’s much-maligned Spock helmet. Rutherford plays hero, Mariner can’t escape the shadow cast by her family name, and Shaxs makes the ultimate sacrifice. Oh, and it’s all topped off by a surprise rescue from Captain Riker and the crew of the Titan! There are Pakleds, fisticuffs a plenty, and even Landru makes an appearance. 

Look, full disclosure here, I love Lower Decks – and this episode is not only one of the best from the series overall, but essential viewing for those looking to delve into the very best that the animated side of the final frontier has to offer!

Star Trek: Prodigy - Season 1, Episode 19

An episode that proves just how badly we need a second season of the show, this first chapter of a two-part finale aired on December 22, 2022 and sees the crew of the Protostar facing off against a fleet of Federation ships that will soon find themselves in the cross-hairs of the Living Construct. 

Told against the backdrop of a seemingly dire situation, and featuring some of the best ship combat scenes in recent years, it’s a wonderful start to a worthy finale that allows each of the characters to shine while also reminding viewers that friends can accomplish amazing things when they work together. Gwyn’s leadership capabilities remain an episode highlight, while the final exchange with her father is plenty emotional and certain to bring a tear to the eye. Throw in a dash of childlike excitement courtesy of Jankom Pog coupled with an ending that leaves you wanting more and you’ve got one of the strongest Star Trek stories to grace the world of animation to date!

Star Trek: Prodigy - Season 1, Episode 20

Let me begin by saying that if, for some reason, we don’t end up getting a second season of Star Trek: Prodigy, this final episode of its inaugural outing, which originally aired on December 29, 2022, is exactly how you’d want things to end. More than just a group of outsiders, it’s clear to see just how much these characters have grown over the span of 20 episodes and everyone ends up in a good place come the end – although, perhaps not where you’d necessarily expect. 

Kevin and Dan Hageman craft a truly satisfying “end” that comes to fans wrapped up in a nice, big bow – complete with a length of ribbon representing some of the plot threads that could still be picked up if the powers that be decide to move forward with a second season. Janeway’s final monologue is top-tier and I have to take my hat off to the fact that this is yet another piece of Star Trek media that succeeded in making us care about an artificial life form in a way I never thought possible. Bottom line, this is a great “conclusion” to a great show.

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 2, Episode 9

Ever wonder how other species in the galaxy spend their downtime? Then you’ll need to check out this fun episode of Lower Decks which originally aired back on October 7, 2021. While the majority of this episode focuses on Boimler attempting to find himself a Bridge buddy, it also features an expertly crafted three-pronged narrative that not only introduces some classic aliens into the mix, but seamlessly advances the overall plot of Season 2 toward its end. Witnessing the parallels between three different species is amusing to say the least, and it all ends up spearheading toward one of the finest season finales to date! The pacing is perfect, the writing strong. Plus, the scene that rolls during the end credits serves as a rather ingenious reminder as to why we need a show like Lower Decks now more than ever!

Star Trek: Lower Decks - Season 2, Episode 10

Proving that Starfleet never backs down from a challenge, this Season 2 finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks is a big one that sees the Cerritos attempting to save a fellow ship caught in a gravity well. Featuring perfect pacing coupled with moments of tension and genuine emotion, the episode is almost cinematic in scope and demonstrates that even the fleet's goofiest chapter, which aired this episode back on October 14, 2021, is capable of tackling a dramatic plot that holds true to Gene Roddenberry's original vision. Rich with themes of friendship, family, and a major twist ending certain to have you crying out for more, it's not only a gold standard in Star Trek animation, but the living embodiment of Cerritos Strong!

Star Trek: The Animated Series - Season 1, Episode 2

While it may not feature the humor of Lower Decks or the beautiful animation of Prodigy, this classic episode from September 1973 will always remain my top choice for the best animated Star Trek episode of all time. Written by the legendary D.C. Fontana, “Yesteryear” is not only an essential piece of Star Trek animation, but one that would go on to influence the future of franchise canon for 50 years! 

An emotionally charged time-travel tale that looks back upon Spock’s childhood, it deals with themes of growing up and loss in a way guaranteed to pull at the heartstrings while once again reminding us that our favorite Vulcan is perhaps far more human than we know. Seriously, if you only watch one animated episode of Star Trek, make it “Yesteryear.” It’s not only a masterpiece in its own right, but an important part of franchise history that proves powerful storytelling is not limited to a single medium.

Animator and supervising director Barry Kelly details Season 4's opening episodes, how the series fits in Star Trek's legacy, and more!

WARP FIVE: Lower Decks Pays Tribute to 50 Years of Star Trek Animation, Voyager, and Bone Drinking Creatures

Welcome to Warp Five, StarTrek.com's five question post-mortem with your favorite featured talent from the latest Star Trek episodes.

In conjunction with Star Trek: The Animated Celebration, which celebrates 50 years of Star Trek animation, fans of the franchise were treated to the return of our favorite lower deckers with the Season 4 premiere of Star Trek: Lower Decks!

This season, an unknown force is destroying starships and threatening galactic peace. Luckily, the crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos isn’t important enough for stuff like that. Instead, Ensigns Beckett Mariner, Brad Boimler, D’Vana Tendi, and Sam Rutherford all face their greatest challenge yet — getting promoted!

Ahead of the premiere, StarTrek.com had the opportunity to chat with the series’ animator and supervising director Barry Kelly on the benefits of animated storytelling versus live-action, designing everyone’s new favorite bone drinker, being part of Star Trek’s rich animated history, and more!

When Star Trek: The Animated Series premiered 50 years ago, it afforded the franchise opportunities to explore strange new worlds and seek out new lifeforms that would have been constrained with the realities of a live-action production.

“The beauty of animation is just how flexible the medium is,” shares Kelly. “The more reduced of a medium you get- let’s say it goes from live-action film where it’s super big with its too big to fail attitude, you’ve got to be pretty safe. Then you scale down to TV where you got a longer format, and you can get a little bit riskier. Animation is in the middle of all those worlds where, because it’s hand-drawn, you can create the world you want to see, you’re at the limits of what the artists and time are capable of.”

Kelly sees this flexibility extending to publishing, adding, “You reduce it down more, then there’s comics books where you can get even crazier with the stories because it's less expensive, creative-wise. You go down to novels where it's just print on paper, and you can get even more creative because of how much less expensive the production gets. But animation, to me, has just been in that sweet spot in the middle of all those; that is a good medium that can go to any genre or go to any space we need. It can be scary, it can be funny, it can be heartfelt, it can be annoying. We can make you really annoyed with characters just to make you, in turn, love them — make them a heel to turn them into a hero.

Kelly has been part of Star Trek: Lower Decks since its first season. The series has largely been a love letter to the franchise as a whole while offering fans a look to unexplored areas of Starfleet that don’t involve flagship starships or heroic, larger-than-life bridge crews. In the fourth season’s premiere episode, “Twovix,” Lower Decks pays tribute to Star Trek: Voyager.

Speaking to his experience with Titmouse’s approach to animation, and how it incorporates the franchise’s rich history and distinct looks, Kelly reveals, “We just try to embrace the different styles and try to make them work with each other.” 

“In my head, I don't want you to look at the Cerritos or look at a live-action ship on a live-action show and think in Lower Decks, ‘Oh, it's going to look like a zany cartoon version of it.’ I want you to look at it and say, ‘Oh, that's the ship, that's the Enterprise-D. That's exactly what it looks like,’” adds Kelly, detailing the line the animators adhere to. “Even though it's an illustrated, I want you to feel like, ‘Oh, that's the ship from that live-action show.’ Likewise, if the Cerritos, let's say, ever showed up in live-action, you'd be like, ‘Oh, that's it.’ Even though it'll probably have more texture and more lens flares and more detail and more fidelity and all that stuff, it'll still look like, ‘Oh, that's the thing from the cartoon.’ That's exactly it.”

Summing up their north star, Kelly states, “I just want you to be able to see something and recognize it instantly. Even if it's a translated version of it's still an iconic version that you- It's like comic book characters. Anytime I draw one, I'm trying to make the most iconic version of it so that when you look at it, boom, you know who it is, and you don't have to question. Clarity is key. Clarity is what we're striving for in what the characters are doing, what the characters look like, who they are, what their motivation is. Clarity is always our best friend that we're trying to be better friends with, if that makes sense.”

Designing Star Trek’s Cuddliest Yet Deadliest Creature

In the fourth season’s second episode, “I Have No Bones Yet I Must Flee,” while Ransom, Mariner, and Gary are on an away mission at a menagerie, we’re introduced to the cute and fluffy Moopsy. Unfortunately for all present, Moopsy is freed from its cell, and especially unfortunate for our Starfleet officers, the menagerie’s curator failed to mention that everything at the menaj is incredibly dangerous. How dangerous, you ask? Well, far more dangerous than the Swamp Gobblers because Moopsy drinks your bones!

What is the animators’ approach to designing creatures and/or characters that haven’t yet existed in the franchise? Kelly explains, “To the strength of Mike [McMahan] and the writers, a lot of the descriptions are great. When you get a script or even when you’re writing a script, how much direction do you give in the action lines? They’re pretty great at staying general in a good way so that it tells us just enough that the story needs, and we can take it from there and inspire it visually.”

For Moopsy specifically, Kelly recalls, “With that one, in my head, I’m like, ‘I just want to make a Star Trek Pokémon.’ I want to make to make the cutest little… I’m a nerd. I love toys and figures so it’s almost like when you give me something like Moopsy, I want to make something that, I just want to make it look like I can eat it. I want to bite it. It’s tactile. It’s like a lot of great Pokémon designs or cute emoji designs. You want to make something that feels like you could touch it and eat it, like it’s candy or something. Moopsy is a perfect example of that.”

“Some of our robot AI characters are like that,” adds Kelly. “There's a lot of things that we can make those characters do that the live-action shows can't. That's where we really push the medium, so that we can make the design something that you couldn’t probably translate into live-action. It'd probably be really scary and really creepy, but we can make the cuter graphic iconic version of it and make it cute when we need it to be cute and make it scary when we want it to be scary.”

As a self-professed nerd, Kelly would never forget his first contact. That’s because at the tender age of five years old, it was a traumatizing experience.

Shedding light on his statement, Kelly shares, between laughs, “It’s an awful memory; it’s really hard. I'm pretty sure when I saw Wrath of Khan, I knew who Spock was. My brother was watching it, and on this same day, we had just watched Transformers: The Movie, and I watched Optimus Prime die. Then we watched Wrath of Khan after, and it was my first time seeing it. My brother had seen it. We just rented both, because it's what I wanted, and we watched it. I knew who the characters were. I remember understanding what's going on, and my first real emotional connection, heart element was Spock dying. It was one of the saddest things I'd ever seen, and it was on the back of Optimus Prime dying. I'm like, ‘How could this day get any worse? You telling me Spock dies?’”

How did he process this heart-wrenching double feature as a kid? “I didn't really have a context, but I understood the moment,” reflects Kelly. “It was one of the first times I understood that, probably what death meant to a character, and how to respond with it and how to move on — that death happens and there's 10 minutes, 12 minutes of the movie left after that. William Shatner's performance is incredible in it; Leonard Nimoy's performance is incredible it. It broke my heart, and I've watched that movie. The Motion Picture has grown in my heart as probably my favorite Star Trek movie since then, but Spock dying in Wrath of Khan is a very triggering childhood memory, because it was two heroes dying in the same day — one animated and one Star Trek.”

On Being Part of Star Trek Animation’s 50 Years Legacy

Closing out the conversation, Kelly notes, “It's an honor to be a part of the TAS legacy. I love that old cartoon. It's definitely for adults, and even though it's very rudimentary, that old cartoon, they were still able to do things the live-action shows couldn't; even though it was limited, and they held cells and stuff like that for acting, and they couldn't go too crazy. But that old show, it's a pretty awesome concept to know that they tried to make those scripts that didn't make it to the live-action world and made animated versions of them. That's awesome. I would love to continue doing that. If we can make more Star Trek shows and continue making Lower Decks, that would be a dream.”

“Seven and a movie,” pitches Kelly. “Let's keep asking for seven and a movie. Let's get the TNG sprawl. Let's get that going!”

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