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Star Trek: 13 best Strange New Worlds episodes ranked from worst to best

Strange New Worlds has 20 incredible episodes, but which ones are truly considered the best ones? Let's take a look at 13 fantastic episodes and how they rank against each other.

By Camila Domingues

Pictured: Rebecca Romijn as Una, Anson Mount as Pike and Ethan Peck as Spock of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ ©2022 ViacomCBS. All Rights Reserved.
Pictured: Rebecca Romijn as Una, Anson Mount as Pike and Ethan Peck as Spock of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS. Photo Cr: Marni Grossman/Paramount+ ©2022 ViacomCBS. All Rights Reserved. /
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2. "Hegemony" (season 2, episode 10)

"Hegemony" stands glorious at number two and truly stands out as a shining example of how to nail a season finale. One of its biggest strengths lies in the dramatic tension it builds, which is pretty similar to the classic The Next Generation two-parter episode "The Best of Both Worlds." This episode masterfully raises the stakes, leaving us all on the edge of our seats with its very much not-appreciated cliffhanger ending.

The promise of a "Hegemony Part 2" cleverly plays with our hearts and anxiety, teasing what could be a very a unique and challenging situation for Captain Pike. This kind of suspenseful storytelling is what makes Star Trek so engaging, and "Hegemony" executes it with the precision of a brain surgeon.

The episode also shines in its character-driven narrative, especially with the focus on Captain Batel and the dramatic events surrounding the USS Cayuga. This personal angle adds a layer of emotional depth, making the story resonate even more with the audience. While the introduction of Scotty might have been a point of contention for some, detracting and distracting slightly from the main plot, it's a minor hiccup in an otherwise stellar episode. The fresh take on the Gorn, showcasing a new design for these iconic adversaries, is another highlight, demonstrating the show's commitment to both honoring and evolving the Star Trek universe and lore we so love.

"Hegemony" skillfully balances these elements, offering a blend of nostalgia and originality, making it not just a great episode but a memorable one in the Star Trek franchise.