‘Star Trek’: Will There Ever Be Another TV Show Like It?
“Star Trek” celebrated its 50th anniversary last week — September 8, to be exact — leading to a number of celebratory articles published and events held around the country, if not the world. Gene Roddenberry’s original series left such an indelible impact it not only stands today as one of TV’s most important programs but it also spawned numerous iterations of the universe in new series, films, books and more. “Star Trek” doesn’t stand for one show, one film or one anything anymore. It’s a brand in the best possible way because of what it stands for: integrity, courage and diversity.
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But now, with a new version on the horizon (Bryan Fuller’s “Star Trek: Discovery”), one begins to wonder if there will ever be another series with “Star Trek’s” impact — one that isn’t part of the “Star Trek” universe.
First, the next “Star Trek” would have to remain relevant for as long as “Star Trek” has; a task difficult even for the most successful TV franchises, especially in a day and age of declining ratings. Second, the show would have to be able to spawn multiple versions — spinoffs, reboots, extensions and more. Third, it would have to allow for more than one voice to tell its story. “Star Trek” has featured so many different writers, directors and creators for its many different versions, and they all have lent their voice to a discussion as expansive as any on TV.
So can such a series exist again? Very Good TV Podcast takes on that very question in its latest episode, as IndieWire TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers examine what shows could already take its place. Vote in our poll below and don’t forget to subscribe via Soundcloud or iTunes, and follow IndieWire on Twitter and Facebook for all your pertinent TV news. Check out Liz and Ben’s Twitter feeds for more, more, more. Plus, don’t forget to listen to IndieWire’s other podcasts: Screen Talk with Eric Kohn and Anne Thompson, as well as Michael Schneider’s new podcast Turn It On, which spotlights the most important TV of each week.
Related News & Articles:
- Liz watched and ranked all 19 of the TV and film versions of “Star Trek.” What’s No. 1 and what is No. 19? Read on to find out.
- Greg Berlanti is running his own universe over on The CW. Read Michael Schneider’s recent interview with the mega-producer.
- Make sure to watch Tig Notaro’s “One Mississippi,” a new Amazon series that’s absolutely outstanding.
- Fall TV is getting an influx of independent filmmakers. Here are seven you need to pay attention to, from Woody Allen to Ava Duvernay.
- Check out IndieWire’s full Fall TV preview for everything you need to know about the (packed) end-of-year slate.
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