10 best Star Trek characters (and the worst one that everyone loves to hate)

Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in STAR TREK (The Original Series)Screen grab: ©1967 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in STAR TREK (The Original Series)Screen grab: ©1967 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. /
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Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation
Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured left to right: Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Denise Crosby as Lieutenant Tasha Yar, Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi and John de Lancie as “Q” in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATIONScreen Grab: ©1987 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved /

Let’s rank the top 10 characters in the Star Trek franchise and talk about the one character we all collectively dislike.

With a universe as rich and as expansive as Star Trek‘s, how on Earth (or Vulcan, or Qo’noS) can you pick 10 characters that stand out from the rest? I mean, I’m talking about a lineup that’s given us everything from heroic captains to mysterious aliens, each with such personality and character growth that it’s truly daring to try and rank them. So, to nobody’s surprise, I decided to boldly go and rank 10 of my personal favorites.

Let’s dive head-first into a debate that’s likely as old as the Federation itself. Whether you’re Team Kirk or Team Picard, a fan of the classics, or all about the new and exciting spinoffs, get ready.

We’re warping into a countdown that’s bound to ruffle a few feathers – or scales – or get some nods of approval. Regardless… Engage!

Star Trek, Star Trek: Discovery, Michael Burnham
“Choose Your Pain” — Episode 105 — Pictured: Sonequa Martin-Green as First Officer Michael Burnham of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: Jan Thijs/CBS © 2017 CBS Interactive. All Rights Reserved. /

10. Michael Burnham

One of Star Trek‘s newest shining stars, Michael Burnham has managed to snag a VIP seat in the hall of fame of unforgettable Trek characters in record time.

What makes her one of the best characters? Well, for starters, she’s relatable and complex. From the get-go, Burnham hits us with a nice mix of emotional depth and stubborn determination that leaves us wanting to know more about her.

Not only that, but Burnham brought a whole new and welcome vibe to Star Trek. Whether you’re trying to untangle her complicated history or cheering for her latest bold move (let’s be honest, she’s got a lot of those moments), it’s hard not to get emotionally invested in her and her character arc. Burnham doesn’t just capture your attention – she downright commandeers it.

Michael Burnham isn’t just a character you watch – she’s a character you experience. And man, what an experience it’s been so far.