Star Trek: The 14 best episodes of The Next Generation, ranked

Boldly going where no show had gone before, Star Trek: The Next Generation launched itself into the stratosphere of pop culture and left an undeniable mark on how sci-fi shows are made today.

Premiering in 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation revived Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a utopian future where humanity had transcended its earthly problems and looked up to the sky for exploration and answers. Led by the iconic and charismatic Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the Enterprise-D became a symbol of hope and exploration. The show’s impact was akin to a warp core breach, influencing not just the Trekkies huddled around their TV screens but permeating the zeitgeist at large.

One of the series’ groundbreaking aspects was its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. TNG cast aside stereotypes, introducing a multicultural and gender-balanced crew that reflected a vision of the future where humanity had moved beyond prejudice. It introduced the groundbreaking character of Lieutenant Geordi La Forge, portrayed by LeVar Burton, a blind African-American chief engineer who navigated the ship using a visor that allowed him to “see” the world in a unique way. The show’s embrace of diversity set a standard for inclusivity in science fiction, for which myself and many female Trekkies are very thankful for.

The Next Generation‘s cultural impact extended beyond the TV screen, seeping into the collective consciousness of society. Phrases like “Make it so” and “Engage” became part of everyday language, a nod to Captain Picard’s authoritative yet refined demeanor. The series sparked a resurgence of interest in science fiction and paved the way for the growth of genre storytelling in mainstream media. The legacy of The Next Generation is felt not only in the Star Trek series and movies that followed it, but also in the landscape of popular culture as a whole, where it still remains a celestial beacon guiding the way for future generations in the industry.

Speaking of the impact of The Next Generation on our pop culture, let’s take a look at 14 of the best episodes in the series and rank them from worst to best. We have standalone episodes as well as two-parters, so buckle up and start your warp drives.

Engage!