Star Trek: The Next Generation has, since its debut in 1987, etched itself into the Halls of Fame of pop culture as one of the most influential and beloved science fiction TV series of all time. It's not hard to see why.
Its impact stretches far beyond the confines of its genre, shaping just the world of television but also leaving a lasting imprint on the broader cultural hivemind. TNG redefined what a sci-fi TV show could be, merging thought-provoking narratives with complex character dynamics, all set within a universe filled with imagination and possibility. It wasn't just a show about space exploration and futuristic technology - it was the perfect way to explore the human condition, ethical dilemmas, and social commentary. These are themes that Star Trek explores well.
Star Trek: The Next Generation has been instrumental in shaping public perception of science fiction as a serious and legitimate form of storytelling, more than capable of tackling complex issues and presenting them in a way that is accessible, entertaining, and intellectually stimulating. And, as seen in the Kelvin Timeline movies, filled with handsome Captain Kirks.
Characters like Captain Jean-Luc Picard, with his wise leadership and moral integrity, and Data, with his quest for humanity, have become iconic figures, going far beyond the show to become part of the global cultural encyclopedia. TNG has inspired generations of writers, filmmakers, and even scientists, with its optimistic portrayal of the future - where diversity and cooperation are not just possible, but celebrated. It's a show that dared to imagine a future where humanity has overcome many of its contemporary challenges, offering a vision of hope and unity that continues to resonate with us to this day.
So, without further ado, let's take a look at its seven wonderful, hilarious, and touching seasons and rank them from worst to best, shall we?
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7. Season 1
Picture a spaceship just leaving the dock, a bit wobbly and unsure of its path. That's basically season 1 of Star Trek: The Next Generation for you.
It's like the early days of a space expedition, filled with excitement and promise, but also with a few hiccups. This maiden voyage of the starship Enterprise-D, led by the dignified Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by the incredible Sir Patrick Stewart), takes us on a journey that's a mix of bold attempts and near misses.
The characters, who later become like old friends to us viewers, are still finding their space legs here. They're like intriguing strangers you've just met at a party – you're curious, but you haven’t quite figured them out yet. The episodes themselves are a bit of a roller coaster, sometimes soaring to impressive sci-fi heights, and other times... well, let's just say they're not quite there yet. But hey, every great adventure has to start somewhere, and season 1 lays the foundation for what becomes an epic space odyssey.
While some shows come out of the gate with their strongest storylines, Star Trek: The Next Generation decided to build towards greatness, delivering some standout episodes along the way. But the best was yet to come.
6. Season 2
Season 2 boldly strides forward, taking what worked in Star Trek: The Next Generation's wobbly first season, and improving upon everything else, injecting a newfound strength and energy into its episodes and adventures.
The show's creative engines were clearly revving up at this point, as notably improved storylines and character arcs began to warp their way out of the turbulent space season 1 was flying around in. This was the season when the crew of the USS Enterprise truly started to feel like a family - each member more fleshed out, finding themselves, than before.
The introduction of Whoopi Goldberg's enigmatic Guinan added a layer of mystical wisdom to Ten Forward, while Dr. Pulaski's presence, though divisive among fans, brought a different dynamic to the medical bay. Episodes like "The Measure of a Man" and "Q Who?" shone with the kind of moral complexity and daring storytelling that would come to define the series. This was TNG starting to find its voice, a voice that whispered of greater things to come, even as it occasionally stumbled over some awkward dialogue and less-than-stellar plots.
We said that The Next Generation was slowly building towards greatness, and this was an important step on that journey, bringing it closer to its destination.
5. Season 7
Season 7 is a bit like a spaceship ride through the galaxy: thrilling at its best, but a tad shaky in parts. It's the grand finale of a beloved series, where the writers seem to be throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks. And boy, do some things stick!
You've got episodes that hit you right in the feels, like "The Pegasus," where Riker faces a ghost from his past, or the profoundly touching "Dark Page," which goes deep into the private sorrows of Counselor Troi's mother. These episodes are like warp-speed journeys to the heart, showcasing the depth and complexity that TNG can achieve. But then, just as you're buckling up for another emotional deep-dive, along comes an episode like "Sub Rosa," which - let’s be honest - feels more like an intergalactic soap opera than a Star Trek episode. The season swings from the sublime to the, well, slightly ridiculous.
It's an unusual way for the show to bow out, but Star Trek was never your conventional kind of show anyway, so it kind of worked. The brilliance within this season was the perfect example of the well-oiled machine that The Next Generation had become, even if that didn't come across in every episode of the season.
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.
3. Season 6
Season 6 is quite a fascinating season, like a thrill-ride through the cosmos that's as exciting as it is thought-provoking.
Picture this: you're aboard the USS Enterprise, zipping through star systems, each episode a new adventure, a new mystery to unravel. This season is like a puzzle, each piece a story that challenges our heroes in ways they've never been challenged before. But here's the catch - not all puzzles fit perfectly. While many episodes are absolute gems, sparkling with creativity, some are more like misshapen space rocks, not quite fitting the high standard set by the series.
Think of a stellar episode like "Chain of Command", where Captain Picard faces unimaginable challenges - it's intense, and it's Star Trek at its best. But then, there's the odd asteroid in the mix, episodes that feel a bit off the mark, not quite hitting that sweet spot of sci-fi brilliance. Regardless, each and every episode in this season is entertaining, and they teach us about bravery, friendship, and the endless possibilities that lie in the unknown.
It's a blend of the very best that The Next Generation has to offer and some of its more lackluster outings. The latter doesn't completely take the sheen off the otherwise great season, but it does result in it coming in lower on our ranking than these next entries.
2. Season 4
Season 4 is a stellar example of science fiction television done right. It's like the show hit warp speed and never looked back!
This season takes us on a galactic adventure, blending mind-bending sci-fi concepts with deeply human stories. The characters, who we've grown to love over the past three seasons, are given even more depth and complexity. Take Captain Picard, for instance – he's not just the wise and composed leader we were introduced to in the first, baby season anymore - we see layers of his personality unfold, especially in episodes like "Family," where he struggles and deals with the aftermath of his traumatic experience with the Borg. And who can forget the intense drama of "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II"? This season opener is not just a continuation of the cliffhanger that was the third season's finale, but a masterclass in suspense and character development.
This is what it became clear that Star Trek: The Next Generation was capable of, so when it finally managed to hit its stride, fans were thrilled. And when we look back on the show's run, season 4 is often thought of fondly as it was the moment that the show's own identity took center stage.
1. Season 5
Season 5 is often hailed as a stellar example of science fiction television at its finest, a season where the show truly hit its stride. This season is filled with episodes that not only entertain but also provoke thought, showcasing a level of storytelling sophistication that has become a benchmark for the genre.
Furthermore, it's in this season that the writers, having already laid a solid foundation in the previous seasons, confidently dive deeper into the complex lore of its characters and the rich universe they inhabit. Each episode feels like a mini-movie, complete with compelling plots, distinct and unique character development, and often, a moral quandary that leaves viewers sitting and thinking about it long after the credits roll. There's a sense of maturity in these narratives, a sign that the show has grown up, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the beloved crew of the USS Enterprise.
The magic of this season lies in part in how it balances high-stakes space adventures with intimate character studies. Episodes like "The Inner Light" and "Darmok" have become iconic, not only in the Star Trek universe but in the wider science fiction landscape, for their ingenious plots and emotional depth. "The Inner Light," in particular, is a standout, offering a touching and deeply personal journey for Captain Picard that resonates with viewers on a profound level. The characters, now fully fleshed out, navigate these stories with a sense of authenticity that makes their experiences feel real and relatable.
All of this makes season 5 of Star Trek: The Next Generation a shining example of television storytelling at its best.
Whether you agree or disagree with my rankings, one cannot deny the influence of The Next Generation and the way it continued Star Trek's mission of pushing sci-fi television to what it is today.