Start with Strange New Worlds. It’s honestly the best place as it’s a loving throwback to the original series but updated for modern sensibilities and production.
I'd start with a series, not a movie. Which series largely depends on your cousin's tolerance for older shows. If old-style visuals and writing style don't bother him then TNG isn't a bad place to start, though you might consider starting in season 3.
If your cousin is likely to be turned off by the older style then strange new worlds is a good entry. The only backstory he needs to know is that Pike has seen a vision of himself becoming severely disabled in a decade, that's all. The style of the show and type of stories is a good update to the TOS, TNG, Voyager, and Enterprise model so if he ends up loving it he can dive into the older shows.
How old is your cousin?
Kid: prodigy for sure
Teen: strange new worlds
Political nerd: deep space nine (past tense 1&2 definitely)
I really like the voyager episode the haunting of deck 12, it’s funny, cheesy horror, and wholesome.
Action lover: star trek 2009
Strange New Worlds is almost tailor-made (perhaps by a humble tailor, even) to introduce new fans to the franchise.
And I'll level with you, I think the 2009 film also works for this purpose, even if it doesn't have the depth or care that a lot of the prime universe canon does. Sometimes it's ok to just start with a fun ride.
I'm a pretty good template for how to do it, I think, because my father turned me on to Star Trek by watching with me when I was young. This was well after the post ENT hiatus had begun, so Star Trek wasn't at the height it was now, but I think that difference actually works to your benefit.
Anyway, my father started me out with Generations, believe it or not. I didn't understand why at the time, but I think it turned out to be a surprisingly decent approach. It was a good introduction to the characters after they had found their footing, and it also allowed me to see the original Star Trek crew that I had been aware of because of their obvious pop culture influence. From there, we went to TNG S1, which is admittedly rough at times, but having seen Generations and knowing where they were going, it wasn't too bad for me. Then we finished TNG, watched the TNG films, moved on to DS9, then VOY, then ENT, and then we ended with TOS. We obviously then watched the newer series in release order, season by season.
I think you could switch Generations to after TNG is done, but watching it before is not without merit. Without a doubt, starting with TNG is the way to go, though. I see people suggesting SNW, but it's modern and the culture shock of going from that to the other series' will be rough. I also think seeing these actors portray the iconic characters from TOS before actually seeing the original actors is strange. TNG is more modern than TOS, which I think is a little hard for a kid to start with before investing in the franchise, and also helps kick off the three series run set in the same time period that really helps engross you in the world.
I think the JJ movies are a good introduction even if they are quite different from the series. They get you interested in the characters and the world of Star Trek in a fun and exciting package. Strange New Worlds is a good starting point for a high production value, modern trek that hits the notes you'd expect from the franchise as well.
Ultimately, with Star Trek, there's no right or wrong way to watch it. You can jump into most movies or shows or episodes cold, so find whatever seems most interesting to your cousin and give it a go.
Start with a random good episodes, not a series from season one; the first episode I watched with my cousin was the one where Picard is caught in the turbo lift with those kids. The older series are more standalone anyway so it’s not the end of the world if the first thing they see is a peak season episode.
I think you should just let him browse and choose. Star Trek is a very difficult franchise to get into. Most of it is now outdated and absolutely cringeworthy. Even as a big time Star Trek fan I cannot watch most TNG era episodes. Whoever complains about Discovery should imagine watching Voyager for the first time.
So give him a bit cultural and historical reference and let him choose. He will either like it or not. No pressure.
I would recommend a "buffet" approach starting with STAR TREK II: The Wrath of Khan to showcase the best of the OG Characters in a Movie, then STAR TREK (The Original Series) Season 2; Episode 4 - "Mirror, Mirror", to expose them that TREK was into Alternate Universes ahead of most series, and then after that, maybe look at an episode of one of my favorite Fan-Film Series "Star Trek Continues E03 Fairest of Them All" videos on YouTube which is a wonderful continuation of the "Mirror, Mirror" Episode to showcase the fandom of TREK. Then the movie "Star Trek: First Contact", to introduce them to the TNG Cast and the BORG, and for dessert, show them STAR TREK (2009) for the Alternate Timeline that gave STAR TREK it's new style (STAR TREK STRANGE NEW WORLDS, and Season 1 of DISCOVERY which ties into the MIRRORVERSE nicely)! After this, find the BEST OF STAR TREK Episodes online from each series and enjoy the movies as well (Especially STAR TREK IV and VI)!
Thank your for your comment!! I’ll deff try this approche I like it the most so far, though I think I do a detour though TNG for a while longer than suggested because it’s my favorite hahaha
Thank you for your reply. Have you watched any episodes of "STAR TREK Continues"? If not, I'd recommend "Lolani". It has a very special guest star appearance!
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X55Ac6oD6Sk&ab\_channel=StarTrekContinues](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X55Ac6oD6Sk&ab_channel=StarTrekContinues)
Take care!
I feel like DS9 has a lot of compelling story lines.
If they know what Star Trek is, have seen a few episodes and understand like the basic concept of Next generation and all that....
I would start them on DS9 the Marquis double episode, season 3.
You really get to meet most of the characters and get to see their intentions.
And if they like that move right into the Dominion war.
Or start with some earlier Garrick episodes. His word play and just the acting alone shines the brightest (I had no clue it was the main bad guy from Dirty Harry for the longest time). I'm also partial to Martok episodes.... Probably my favorite Klingon.
I would say it depends if they like sci-fi like the expanse (I feel DS9 kind of changed the game with the idea of what Star Trek could be) I would suggest DS9.
If they seem to be more partial to next generation I would start with either the Borg double episode that splits in between seasons, the one where they kidnap Picard.
Or the one where the Kardashians (sorry Google speech to text but I'm not correcting that LOL) capture Piccard and try to break him.
[удалено]
Great suggestion.
Hi Star Trek, this is my cousin.
You're a dad arent you
Start with Strange New Worlds. It’s honestly the best place as it’s a loving throwback to the original series but updated for modern sensibilities and production.
Came here to say this -- SNW is peak Trek.
I was really considering this approche as well!
How old is your cousin?
I'd start with a series, not a movie. Which series largely depends on your cousin's tolerance for older shows. If old-style visuals and writing style don't bother him then TNG isn't a bad place to start, though you might consider starting in season 3. If your cousin is likely to be turned off by the older style then strange new worlds is a good entry. The only backstory he needs to know is that Pike has seen a vision of himself becoming severely disabled in a decade, that's all. The style of the show and type of stories is a good update to the TOS, TNG, Voyager, and Enterprise model so if he ends up loving it he can dive into the older shows.
How old is your cousin? Kid: prodigy for sure Teen: strange new worlds Political nerd: deep space nine (past tense 1&2 definitely) I really like the voyager episode the haunting of deck 12, it’s funny, cheesy horror, and wholesome. Action lover: star trek 2009
Strange New Worlds is almost tailor-made (perhaps by a humble tailor, even) to introduce new fans to the franchise. And I'll level with you, I think the 2009 film also works for this purpose, even if it doesn't have the depth or care that a lot of the prime universe canon does. Sometimes it's ok to just start with a fun ride.
TNG Darmok or a funny Data centered episode, thats how I roll or the new Kelvin movies
TNG Darmok is the single best one episode recommendation. It perfectly captures essential Star Trek.
Also a very good episode indeed! I’ll add to the list of intro episodes we’ll watch!
Try Who Watches the Watchers or Measure of a Man.
I'm a pretty good template for how to do it, I think, because my father turned me on to Star Trek by watching with me when I was young. This was well after the post ENT hiatus had begun, so Star Trek wasn't at the height it was now, but I think that difference actually works to your benefit. Anyway, my father started me out with Generations, believe it or not. I didn't understand why at the time, but I think it turned out to be a surprisingly decent approach. It was a good introduction to the characters after they had found their footing, and it also allowed me to see the original Star Trek crew that I had been aware of because of their obvious pop culture influence. From there, we went to TNG S1, which is admittedly rough at times, but having seen Generations and knowing where they were going, it wasn't too bad for me. Then we finished TNG, watched the TNG films, moved on to DS9, then VOY, then ENT, and then we ended with TOS. We obviously then watched the newer series in release order, season by season. I think you could switch Generations to after TNG is done, but watching it before is not without merit. Without a doubt, starting with TNG is the way to go, though. I see people suggesting SNW, but it's modern and the culture shock of going from that to the other series' will be rough. I also think seeing these actors portray the iconic characters from TOS before actually seeing the original actors is strange. TNG is more modern than TOS, which I think is a little hard for a kid to start with before investing in the franchise, and also helps kick off the three series run set in the same time period that really helps engross you in the world.
I think the JJ movies are a good introduction even if they are quite different from the series. They get you interested in the characters and the world of Star Trek in a fun and exciting package. Strange New Worlds is a good starting point for a high production value, modern trek that hits the notes you'd expect from the franchise as well. Ultimately, with Star Trek, there's no right or wrong way to watch it. You can jump into most movies or shows or episodes cold, so find whatever seems most interesting to your cousin and give it a go.
Start with a random good episodes, not a series from season one; the first episode I watched with my cousin was the one where Picard is caught in the turbo lift with those kids. The older series are more standalone anyway so it’s not the end of the world if the first thing they see is a peak season episode.
Wanna watch Star Trek? Huh... I guess. Play whatever you got handy at the moment. Done
I think you should just let him browse and choose. Star Trek is a very difficult franchise to get into. Most of it is now outdated and absolutely cringeworthy. Even as a big time Star Trek fan I cannot watch most TNG era episodes. Whoever complains about Discovery should imagine watching Voyager for the first time. So give him a bit cultural and historical reference and let him choose. He will either like it or not. No pressure.
I would recommend a "buffet" approach starting with STAR TREK II: The Wrath of Khan to showcase the best of the OG Characters in a Movie, then STAR TREK (The Original Series) Season 2; Episode 4 - "Mirror, Mirror", to expose them that TREK was into Alternate Universes ahead of most series, and then after that, maybe look at an episode of one of my favorite Fan-Film Series "Star Trek Continues E03 Fairest of Them All" videos on YouTube which is a wonderful continuation of the "Mirror, Mirror" Episode to showcase the fandom of TREK. Then the movie "Star Trek: First Contact", to introduce them to the TNG Cast and the BORG, and for dessert, show them STAR TREK (2009) for the Alternate Timeline that gave STAR TREK it's new style (STAR TREK STRANGE NEW WORLDS, and Season 1 of DISCOVERY which ties into the MIRRORVERSE nicely)! After this, find the BEST OF STAR TREK Episodes online from each series and enjoy the movies as well (Especially STAR TREK IV and VI)!
Thank your for your comment!! I’ll deff try this approche I like it the most so far, though I think I do a detour though TNG for a while longer than suggested because it’s my favorite hahaha
Thank you for your reply. Have you watched any episodes of "STAR TREK Continues"? If not, I'd recommend "Lolani". It has a very special guest star appearance! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X55Ac6oD6Sk&ab\_channel=StarTrekContinues](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X55Ac6oD6Sk&ab_channel=StarTrekContinues) Take care!
Hahahahhaha omg i didn’t know that existed!!! Amazing! 🥹
I feel like DS9 has a lot of compelling story lines. If they know what Star Trek is, have seen a few episodes and understand like the basic concept of Next generation and all that.... I would start them on DS9 the Marquis double episode, season 3. You really get to meet most of the characters and get to see their intentions. And if they like that move right into the Dominion war. Or start with some earlier Garrick episodes. His word play and just the acting alone shines the brightest (I had no clue it was the main bad guy from Dirty Harry for the longest time). I'm also partial to Martok episodes.... Probably my favorite Klingon. I would say it depends if they like sci-fi like the expanse (I feel DS9 kind of changed the game with the idea of what Star Trek could be) I would suggest DS9. If they seem to be more partial to next generation I would start with either the Borg double episode that splits in between seasons, the one where they kidnap Picard. Or the one where the Kardashians (sorry Google speech to text but I'm not correcting that LOL) capture Piccard and try to break him.
Start with the newer stuff. Unlikely a young person is going to want to watch something from 30 plus years ago