Star Trek

This special issue celebrates all things Star Trek, the sci-fi phenomenon that changed the galaxy forever—and for better. Find out how creator Gene Roddenberry’s bold 1966 series was a flop upon its initial release, only to find vindication in syndication thanks to devoted “Trekkies” whose fandom-fueled fervor (and cosplaying conventions!) turned a cult classic into a multibillion-dollar franchise that has lived long and prospered for more than five decades. A captain’s log of every TV spinoff (including the five current shows streaming on Paramount+) and all 13 motion pictures (William Shatner passes Kirk’s communicator on to Chris Pine!), this mission-oriented magazine takes readers on a fantastic voyage by reliving memorable moments (like Captain Kirk and Uhura’s culture-shocking kiss!), sharing behind-the-scenes secrets (like how Leonard Nimoy really felt about being synonymous with Spock) and asking the tough questions to scientists (can the metaverse ever catch to the Holodeck?). Star Trek is so influentially embedded in pop culture that it can be easy to forget what made the franchise historic in the first place—but this collectible issue is here to remind us.

TO THE 23RD CENTURY… AND BEYOND • The year 2021 marks several Star Trek milestones: the 55th anniversary of the show's premier episode, the 90th birthdays of stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, and the 100th of creater Gene Roddenberry

GENE RODDENBERRY: A WRITER’S JOURNEY • The man who created Star Trek toiled away for years in the real world before pursuing the show that made him famous.

CREATING THE ENTERPRISE • Roddenberry’s vision was built from many influences—including literature, the movies, television and America in the 1960s

A VISION OF THE FUTURE • Gene Roddenberry’s groundbreaking show might never have been made without the help of scientists, TV executives, and an iconic comedienne

LEONARD NIMOY: FROM BOSTON TO VULCAN • The character of Mr. Spock would appear to be the most difficult crew member to cast, but Gene Roddenberry found the perfect actor for the role with relative ease

MAIDEN VOYAGE • The first pilot for Star Trek was not picked up. But Roddenberry’s vision was compelling enough to earn a second chance to get things right and make it to air

THE CAPTAIN • William Shatner was a successful actor with a long list of credits on stage and screen, but without a show or iconic role to call his own before he became Captain Kirk

STARFLEET’S FINEST • Star Trek’s diversity in casting was groundbreaking. It was also Gene Roddenberry’s attempt to signal to a divided America that, one day, such problems would be solved

THESE ARE THE VOYAGES… • Gene Roddenberry’s show succeeded in making it to series, but would last for only three seasons before running into problems and, eventually, cancellation by NBC

STAR TREK LIVES! • Not long after the show’s cancellation, a growing legion of fans let it be known that they wanted more—and that they would tune in and turn out if there was something new to see

TWILIGHT OF THE GODS • Fans wanted more time with their favorite crew in Starfleet. That wish was granted by a movie franchise that lasted more than 10 years.

THE ONGOING MISSION • In the final act of his life, Gene Roddenberry left his mark on Star Trek by creating a new series, and in so doing he set the franchise on a course that promises to last forever

Star Trek

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