Star Trek: All 7 seasons of The Next Generation ranked from worst to best

4. Season 3

Season 3 is like a warp-speed jump into uncharted territories of television excellence. This is the season where Star Trek: The Next Generation truly finds its footing, shedding the akwardness of its previous seasons for a more confident and sophisticated one.

Gone are the days of tentative storytelling - in their place, we find stories and plots that twist and turn like a space odyssey. This season is the equivalent of a chef who has finally mastered their recipe, blending the different spices of science fiction with the hearty staples of human drama. The character arcs unfold with elegance and ease, each one resonating with emotional depth. We see Captain Picard evolve from a stern leader into a layered Captain with vulnerabilities and strengths that are profoundly relatable. Data, the android striving to be human, embarks on touching and deep journeys, exploring themes of identity and consciousness. Every episode feels like a mini-movie, complete with compelling plots and rich character development.

Here, the series had finally distanced itself from the original series, proving that it wasn't just a modern-day reimagining of it with little to say. In fact, The Next Generation had plenty to say, and season 3 is when it started really saying it.