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

By Camila Domingues | Dec 24, 2023, 12:24 AM EST

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: Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATIONScreen grab: ©1990 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. /

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9. “The Measure of a Man” (season 2, episode 9)

“Measure of a Man” stands tall as one of the most stellar episodes in Star Trek: The Next Generation, earning its well-deserved spot as the ninth-best in the series. This gem takes us on a captivating journey as Captain Jean-Luc Picard finds himself defending the rights and humanity of Lieutenant Commander Data, our favorite android crew member.

What makes this episode shine is its thought-provoking exploration of sentience and the ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence – which is getting scarier and scarier by the day in our world. The courtroom drama adds a nice flavor to the usual space-faring adventures, showcasing the show’s different ways to tell us the stories we love to watch.

The writing in “Measure of a Man” is top-notch, especially when it comes to it incredible dialogue. The episode masterfully touches on what it means to be alive, raising questions that stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s not just an episode – it’s a philosophical feast served with a side of legal drama. Sir Patrick Stewart’s performance as Captain Picard is nothing short of stellar, as per usual, anchoring the episode with conviction.

The distinct character development and the exploration of morality make “Measure of a Man” an enduring classic, earning its spot among the best in The Next Generation.

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