We all love every single amazing character in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. But how do they rank when it comes to being the best character?
Trekkies, rejoice! We’re talking about our favorite characters from the fantastic TV series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Yes, I am actually dancing in my seat out of excitement (and, you know, the “Subspace Rhapsody” soundtrack).
From the bridge to the sick bay, each member of this fantastic and irreplaceable crew brings their own flair and kind of star-studded sparkle to the screen. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or a fresh-faced cadet to the Starfleet scene, you’ll find that the heart of this lovely and refreshing series beats with the pulse of its characters; each one navigating the nebula of human (and not human) experience with a flair that’s as unique as a fingerprint on a Dilithium crystal.
Let’s take a look at our very own character ranking of this new Star Trek series, where we explore the vibrant virtues and occasional vulnerabilities that make the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise more than just spacefaring avatars – they make up a truly unique family as they chart the unknown. From Captain Pike’s commanding charm, Nurse Chapel’s healing humor, and Spock’s logic-laced loyalty to the mysterious eyes of Lieutenant La’an, every character is a universe unto themselves, worthy of exploration.
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re not caught up with the second and latest season of Strange New Worlds, there may be some spoilers ahead for you. Read at your own risk!
Grab your tricorder and join us on this mission to celebrate the crew that boldly goes where no one has gone before… when it comes to ranking order, of course.
10. Hemmer
Gliding through the hallowed halls of the U.S.S. Enterprise at No. 10 on our Star Trek: Strange New Worlds list is Hemmer, the chief engineer whose presence was as cool as the ice-blue hue of an Andorian moon.
This Aenar, a rarity with his telepathic touch and sight beyond sight, brought more than just his engineering expertise to the deck plates – he brought a flavor of mystery and a dash of delightful grumpiness that endeared him to fans and crew mates alike.
With the practical know-how to conjure warp-speed miracles, Hemmer could seem as impenetrable as a neutron star, yet his heart revealed the warm glow of a supernova when it mattered most. His sacrifice in the penultimate episode of Strange New Worlds’ first season, noble and haunting, shone a light on the depth of his character, etching his memory into the legacy of the Enterprise.
While his presence was brief (we wish we got to spend more time with him), with Commander Pelia stepping into his sizable boots in season 2, Hemmer’s impact was timeless. He was a star that burned too brightly and too quickly, leaving us yearning for more tales of the man who could ‘see’ the soul of the ship.
9. T’Pring
Sliding into our No. 9 spot is T’Pring. A unique character in the show, T’Pring offers a fascinating blend of cool reserve and understated passion. Portrayed with an elegant complexity by Gia Sandhu, T’Pring’s presence in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is like a rare comet streaking through the night sky – infrequent but impossible to overlook. She’s not just Spock’s betrothed, she’s an ode to Vulcan tradition and quiet rebellion.
Her every word as deliberate as a chess move in a game spanning light-years, T’Pring’s interactions are a dance of culture and emotion, revealing the layers beneath her serene exterior.
In this latest voyage of the Enterprise, we see her not just through the lens of Spock’s destiny, but as a character unspooling her own complex narrative thread. While her romance with Spock is destined to be star-crossed, it’s her soft-spoken, direct nature that captivates us – a portrayal that gives this enigmatic character a gravity that pulls us in, every time she graces the screen.
8. Nurse Christine Chapel
On the eighth spot in our cosmic leaderboard is none other than the medical marvel of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Nurse Christine Chapel. While she’s not steering the ship or engaging in hand-to-hand combat with Klingons, Chapel’s role is no less vital. Played with such wonderful energy by Jess Bush, Chapel brings a fresh and feisty twist to a character we first met all the way back in Star Trek: The Original Series.
Her transformation from a lovelorn caregiver to a resourceful medical genius in Strange New Worlds shows just how much space there is for character development in the vast expanse of this franchise. Her knack for bio-engineering – changing human DNA to alien – isn’t just impressive, it’s groundbreaking. And let’s not forget those tender yet complex moments with Spock. They’re filled with emotional gravitas that adds depth to both characters.
While she may not command every scene, Chapel’s moments of brilliance provide that spark of human warmth and ingenuity that is the lifeblood of Star Trek’s exploration of humanity’s future among the stars.
7. Dr. Joseph M’Benga
Gliding in at number 7 on our Starfleet commendation list is the Enterprise’s very own guardian of good health, Dr. Joseph M’Benga. The fabric of his character is woven with the threads of expertise and empathy, with actor Babs Olusanmokun infusing him with a depth that resonates with anyone who’s ever fought for a cause close to their heart.
M’Benga is a man whose stethoscope is as much a part of him as his resolve, a physician who navigates the waters of morality with the life of his beloved daughter at stake. It’s this very human struggle, played out against the backdrop of the main story points in Strange New Worlds, that endears him to us. While his unwavering focus on curing his daughter’s illness sometimes sends him spiraling into ethical grey zones, it’s a testament to his humanity, and it’s precisely this nuanced portrayal of a man caught between his Hippocratic Oath and a father’s love that places Dr. M’Benga in the vital seventh spot of our Strange New Worlds character ranking.
As much as he heals his patients, he also offers a dose of reality to the crew, reminding us that even in the future, with all its advanced medicine and technology, the heart still has its reasons that reason cannot know.
6. La’an Noonien-Singh
La’an Noonien-Singh, coming in at No. 6, strikes an imposing figure amidst the constellation of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds characters. She’s a security powerhouse with a lineage as complex as a Vulcan chess game, bearing the name of the infamous mass murderer, Khan Noonien Singh. But don’t let her genetic legacy fool you – La’an is no villain. Her past stained by tragedy, her family lost to the merciless Gorn, but from this incredible amount of sorrow, she emerges not hardened but resilient – a testament to her unyielding spirit. Hell yes, girl.
La’an doesn’t cruise the cosmos for popularity. Her resolve is as unshakable, making her a rock-solid part of the Enterprise crew. Yet, it’s not all photon torpedoes and tactical maneuvers – there’s a touch of warmth in her core. The unlikely kinship she shares with Una, and their amusing diversion with Enterprise Bingo, gives us a peek at a camaraderie that endears her to us.
Holding the sixth spot, La’an is the crew’s vigilant guardian, a beacon of strength and complexity. And that makes her one of the most interesting and compelling characters in not just Strange New Worlds but the whole of the Star Trek universe.
5. Erica Ortegas
Securing the midpoint of our celestial countdown is none other than Erica Ortegas, the incredible helmsman who steers the iconic U.S.S. Enterprise with a style that would make even the stars align for a better view. Ortegas, a nod to Gene Roddenberry’s original vision, is brought to life with an irreplaceable charm by Melissa Navia. Navia’s portrayal injects a dose of adrenaline into the heart of the series, as her hairstyle gives her an awesome edgy look that matches her fun personality.
This pilot doesn’t just navigate the vastness of space – she carves her name across the cosmos with maneuvers so insane and possibly-fatal that they’ve got their own fan club. Ortegas isn’t just part of the crew, she’s literally the pulse of the party, mixing her quick-witted humor and love for pranks with a camaraderie that binds the crew tightly.
She sits confidently at number five not just for her skills at the helm, but for the spirit she embodies – a spirit that promises even more depth, laughter, and maverick flying techniques as Strange New Worlds continues to unfold. She’s such an engaging and intriguing character; we can’t wait to see what’s next for her!
4. Spock
Holding the No. 4 spot, yes, No. 4, is the character who needs no introduction for Star Trek fans. We are, of course, talking about Spock, the venerable Science Officer of the Enterprise.
He captivates us with the cosmic clash of his dual heritage – Vulcan and human. Ethan Peck puts on the iconic prosthetic ears with a balance of reverence and innovation, bringing fresh layers to a character etched into the Hall of Fame of sci-fi history by the legendary Leonard Nimoy.
This portrayal of Spock delivers a performance where logic meets the tumult of human emotion, a tension as thrilling as it is essential to his character. His cool exterior, often mistaken for indifference, hides the warm undercurrent of loyalty and friendship he shares with his fellow crew members, making moments of his vulnerability – like his clash with the Gorn, or the rare glimpse of stress cracking his composure – all the more compelling.
It’s this intricate balance and game of hide-and-seek played by both intellect and feeling, control and chaos, that cements Spock’s place at No. 4 on our list. His character is a bridge between worlds, reflecting the internal struggles we all face and reminding us that the final frontier isn’t just a place out there among the stars, but also the uncharted territory within ourselves.
3. Nyota Uhura
Securing the bronze in our Trek-tastic ranking is none other than Cadet Nyota Uhura, whose voice and animated-self echo through the corridors of the U.S.S. Enterprise captures the beauty of a star in the making. Portrayed with a fun blend of resilience and curiosity by the incredible Celia Rose Gooding, this young incarnation of Uhura honors Nichelle Nichols’s original portrayal in Star Trek: The Original Series while charting a new course for the character’s rich legacy.
Uhura isn’t just at the communications console – she’s at the heart of Strange New Worlds, weaving her story into the fabric of the Enterprise with every confident step and every thoughtful word. Her journey on the iconic starship is a personal odyssey shaped by triumph and tragedy. Though the shadows of her past are around every corner, Uhura’s brilliance as a linguist and her ability to tune into the universe’s many frequencies resonate with an unshakable hope for the future.
She earns her spot at No. 3 on our list not only through her keen intellect and boundless enthusiasm, but through the undeniable humanity and relatability that she brings to the show, embodying the spirit of exploration that is Star Trek.
2. Una Chin-Riley, Number One
Wearing the silver medal on our leaderboard of the amazing Strange New Worlds cast of characters is none other than Una Chin-Riley, better known to many simply as Number One. Her steadfast demeanor might earn her playful monikers like “where fun goes to die,” but make no mistake – beneath that all-business exterior is a lioness, fiercely loyal and unyieldingly brave. Portrayed with such understated talent by the phenomenal Rebecca Romijn, Chin-Riley isn’t just the first officer – she’s the backbone of the U.S.S. Enterprise, serving as the commander’s trusted right hand.
Number Two on our list, but second to none in terms of complexity and courage, Chin-Riley’s Illyrian heritage brings with it conflict, as her very existence is a defiance against Starfleet’s regulations. The revelation of her genetic engineering and the subsequent trial is a testament not just to her narrative depth but also to her honor. She chose transparency over security, honesty over continued deception, and continues to do so with every action she takes. This action symbolizes her profound integrity and only fortifies her bond with her crew mates, who rally to her cause with no hesitation.
Chin-Riley may stand accused in the eyes of the law, but she stands acquitted of any lack of character in the hearts of her peers and viewers alike.
1. Captain Christopher Pike
There he is!
Holding the helm with a charisma that’s out of this world, Captain Christopher Pike secures the top spot in our Star Trek: Strange New Worlds character ranking with the grace of a seasoned Starfleet legend. Portrayed with a magnetic blend of seriousness and warmth by the ever-absolutely-dreamy Anson Mount, Pike is the quintessential Starfleet captain: a beacon of moral fortitude and the personification of the phrase “to boldly go.”
His crew’s admiration is a testament to his leadership – a captain who navigates the unknown with a joke ready at his lips and a steadfast resolve in his heart. And, as you can see, enough hair product to last a lifetime. He doesn’t just rank number 1 when it comes to character – name one single character with better hair than Anson Mount’s Pike. I dare you.
Pike’s popularity isn’t just rooted in his command abilities or his warm, approachable demeanor – it’s also in his profound humanity. His powerful and constant awareness of his horrific fate 10 years into the future doesn’t harden him, it instead dictates every decision he makes with a depth of courage and existential weight that resonates deeply with the audience. Even love, one of the most human of emotions, can steer his steady course – revealing a man who lives as passionately as he leads. It’s this rich mix of heroism and human vulnerability, paired with Anson Mount’s
handsome face
compelling performance, that solidifies Captain Pike not just as number one on our list, but as a character that embodies the enduring spirit of Star Trek.
As our ranking mission concludes, it’s clear that the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds isn’t just any crew. Each officer, with their quirks and mannerisms, has not only added a unique flair to the Star Trek universe but also etched a place in our hearts. Whether they’re solving space-problems or facing down new and terrifying enemies, they remind us that the true adventure lies in the strength of character and the bonds we forge along the way.
So, as the stars streak past and the credits roll, let’s salute these guardians of the galaxy (they’ve been those guardians since before Guardians was a thing) – not just for where they stand on our list, but for taking us on a journey that reminds us why we fell in love with Star Trek to begin with.
Who are your favorite characters in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?