Short Treks S1 · E8
The Girl Who Made the Stars
When a lightning storm in space scares a young Michael Burnham, her father aims to ease her fears with a mythical story about a brave little girl who faced her own fears head on.
2Chapter 2 of 14
2230s–2261 · 66 stops



This site is NOT a chronology - it is a viewing guide that will assist you through watching the entire franchise in in-universe story order, all the way from the 21st to the 43rd centuries, while making adjustments as needed to ensure an enjoyable viewing experience. It is not rigid - some episodes are shifted in the order to keep things as clear and fun as possible. The guide is updated regularly to stay current with new episodes.
Short Treks S1 · E8
When a lightning storm in space scares a young Michael Burnham, her father aims to ease her fears with a mythical story about a brave little girl who faced her own fears head on.
There are two main “universes” in the Star Trek franchise: the Kelvin timeline (consisting of three feature films) and the Prime timeline (which is everything else). This year, 2233, is when events occur which split the universe into the Kelvin and Prime timelines. For now, we will stay with the Prime timeline in this viewing order, but keep in mind the Kelvin timeline for later. Note that there is a third universe, the "Mirror" universe, and occasional alternate timelines. However, for simplicity, our visits there will not be separated from the Prime episodes.
Short Treks S1 · E3
Before he was the first Kelpien to join Starfleet, Saru lived a simple life on his home planet of Kaminar with his father and sister. Young Saru, full of ingenuity and a level of curiosity uncommon among his people, yearns to find out what lies beyond his village, leading him on an unexpected path.
After a quick Short Trek in which we meet a young ensign reporting to his new ship, we reach the very first Star Trek episode produced: The Cage, dating from 1964-65. Rejected by NBC for being "too cerebral," studio owner Lucille Ball convinced the network to give the show another chance at a pilot. While much of The Cage’s footage is reused in a later episode, "The Menagerie," we recommend that you don't skip either one. The character of Captain Pike becomes highly significant shortly, and both episodes offer valuable insights into the friendship between him and Spock.
Viewing notes: When referring to the original 1960s "Star Trek," this guide uses the abbreviation TOS (The Original Series). TOS is available in two versions: the classic 1960s version and a CGI- enhanced remastered version made from 2006-08. The remastered versions do not alter the stories in any way making the version you choose a matter of personal preference.
Short Treks S1 · E5
Ensign Spock's first day aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise doesn't go as planned when he and Number One are unexpectedly stuck together in a turbo lift.
Joining the guide
First aired October 15, 1988 (Production - 1964-1965)
The Original Series S1 · E1
When the Enterprise answers a distress call, Capt. Pike encounters manipulative aliens. Original series pilot.
“The Cage” takes place, and is watched, prior to Discovery, with the remainder of the series taking place after Season Two of Disco. TOS is really the only show (with the exception of a bit of Voyager), where the production order differs radically from the aired order, and I would suggest that at least the first season be watched in production order, as it can be quite illuminating to watch them figuring the series out in real time. This adds a lot of inconsistencies in stardates, but on TOS those were pretty inconsistent from week to week no matter what you do, so… shrug.
We now begin Star Trek: Discovery, which is the seventh Star Trek series produced, but only the second series chronologically. It also is the first series to significantly revamp the visual designs, departing from the previous assumption that the 23rd century looked the same as it did in the original 1960s series. Discovery updates the designs, and we are trusted to accept that they have "always" looked this way, affecting uniforms, ships, alien makeup, and more. The Klingons, in particular, received a dramatic redesign, though it was significantly backtracked after the first season. These are not continuity issues and should not be viewed as such, though we could certainly nitpick details if we chose to.
Joining the guide
First aired September 24, 2017
Discovery S1 · E1
While patrolling Federation space, the U.S.S. Shenzhou encounters an object of unknown origin, putting First Officer Michael Burnham to her greatest test yet.
Discovery Seasons One and Two can be run straight through without much issue, though I do think it is important to first explain that the visual differences are merely a visual updating, so that a new viewer isn’t confused into overthinking how the different look “fits in”.
Discovery S1 · E2
Face to face with Klingon vessels, the U.S.S. Shenzhou prepares for the possibility of war if negotiations fail. Amidst the turmoil, Burnham looks back to her Vulcan upbringing for guidance.
Discovery S1 · E3
Burnham finds herself aboard the U.S.S. Discovery where she quickly realizes things are not as they seem, including the mysterious Captain Gabriel Lorca.
Discovery S1 · E4
With tensions and stakes high as Starfleet continues in their efforts to end the war with Klingons, Burnham begins to settle in to her new position aboard the U.S.S. Discovery.
Discovery S1 · E5
While on a mission, Lorca unexpectedly finds himself in the company of prisoner of war, Starfleet Lieutenant Ash Tyler and notorious intergalactic criminal, Harry Mudd.
Discovery S1 · E6
The U.S.S. Discovery crew is intrigued by new addition, Lt. Ash Tyler. Sarek seeks Burnham's help, rekindling memories from her past. Admiral Cornwell questions Lorca's tactics.
Discovery S1 · E7
As the U.S.S. Discovery crew attempts to let loose at a party, an unwelcome visitor comes aboard bringing about a problematic and twisted sequence of events.
Discovery S1 · E8
The U.S.S. Discovery is tasked with a high priority mission to planet Pahvo and learn the science behind the Klingon's cloaking technology.
Discovery S1 · E9
Bypassing Starfleet's orders, Lorca uses the U.S.S. Discovery crew's ultimate asset, the ship itself, in an effort to end the war with the Klingons once and for all.
Discovery S1 · E10
While in unfamiliar territory, the U.S.S. Discovery crew is forced to get creative in their next efforts to survive opposing and unprecedented forces and return home.
I sent some time trying to work around the mention of the USS Defiant from TOS being in the Mirror Universe, as they sort of make too much of a big deal out of it to completely ignore. Ultimately, though, it isn’t important to Discovery’s story so we can sort of get away with just telling the reader to keep it in mind but not to worry about it for now.
Discovery S1 · E11
As the crew continues their guise, Burnham undergoes a merciless mission in hopes of helping the U.S.S. Discovery return home. Tilly works on restoring Stamets' neurofunction.
Discovery S1 · E12
Burnham heads to the ISS Charon with a special "gift" for the Emperor. With the help of an unexpected source, Stamets gains clarity while trapped inside the mycelial network. Saru asks for L'Rell's help.
Discovery S1 · E13
Lorca plans to move forward with a coup against the Emperor, propelling Burnham to make a quick decision to save not only herself, but the U.S.S. Discovery.
Discovery S1 · E14
Back on the U.S.S. Discovery, Burnham and the crew are faced with the harsh reality of the war during their absence. In order to move forward, Starfleet must use unconventional tactics and sources to take their next action against the Klingons.
Discovery S1 · E15
With Georgiou at the helm of the plan to end the Klingon war once and for all, the U.S.S. Discovery crew struggles to fathom and tolerate her hostile tactics. Memories of past hardships are rekindled within Burnham.
Short Treks S1 · E1
Onboard the U.S.S. Discovery, Ensign Tilly encounters an unexpected visitor in need of help. However, this unlikely pair may have more in common than meets the eye.
Short Treks S1 · E4
Harry Mudd, back to his old tricks of stealing and double-dealing, finds himself in a precarious position aboard a hostile ship - just in time to try out his latest con.
Discovery S2 · E1
The U.S.S. Discovery welcomes aboard Capt. Pike and begins a mission to investigate the red signals.
Discovery S2 · E2
A signal leads the Discovery to a planet inhabited by descendants of survivors of a war on Earth.
Discovery S2 · E3
A surprise visitor brings shocking news about Spock and dredges up past regrets for Burnham.
Discovery S2 · E4
A mysterious sphere threatens the U.S.S. Discovery; Pike receives new intel on Spock.
Discovery S2 · E5
The Discovery crew attempts to rescue Tilly from the mycelial network.
Discovery S2 · E6
Burnham, Saru and the crew embark on a perilous mission that puts Saru in danger.
Discovery S2 · E7
Burnham goes to Vulcan in search of Spock, where she unearths surprising family secrets.
Discovery S2 · E8
Spock and Burnham head to Talos IV, where they are forced to confront their troubled past.
Discovery S2 · E9
Suspicions arise that the crew may have a traitor in their midst; Burnham tries to help Spock.
Discovery S2 · E10
Burnham is stunned when she learns her ties to Section 31 run deeper than she ever fathomed.
Discovery S2 · E11
Burnham receives the reunion she's been longing for, but it doesn't go quite as she imagined.
Discovery S2 · E12
A fourth signal leads the Discovery to a world where Pike is forced to make a life-changing choice.
Discovery S2 · E13
When Discovery's crucial mission does not go according to plan, Burnham realizes what must be done.
Discovery S2 · E14
The crew of the USS Discovery explores new worlds and civilizations.
Season Two ends with them disappearing into a wormhole to travel forward to the future, and, in one of the more fun things here, I actually do recommend the viewer consider Discovery as ended at this point and move on to TOS, only to pick up Disco again at the very end of the viewing order with Season Three, which begins in 3188 and runs smoothly from that point on.
Short Treks S1 · E6
Newly minted Captain Lynne Lucero is excited to take command of the U.S.S. Cabot, until she meets Edward Larkin, an ornery scientist who believes he has found a revolutionary new use for tribbles.
Short Treks S1 · E7
When an attack on Starbase 28 leaves a surprise prisoner under Cadet Thira Sidhu's watch, she is faced with making a decision that may threaten her standing in Starfleet.
We now move away from the Discovery crew to follow Capt. Pike, back in command of the Enterprise, for an absolutely delightful series that deliberately throws back to 1960s Trek in many ways, including the first (chronological) appearances of many characters we will continue to follow for many years to come.
Joining the guide
First aired May 4, 2022
Strange New Worlds S1 · E1
When one of Pike's officers goes missing while on a secret mission for Starfleet, Pike has to come out of self imposed exile. He must navigate how to rescue his officer, while struggling with what to do with the vision of the future he's been given.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E2
While on a survey mission, the U.S.S. Enterprise discovers a comet is going to strike an inhabited planet. They try to re-route the comet, only to find that an ancient alien relic buried on the comet's icy surface is somehow stopping them.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E3
The U.S.S. Enterprise encounters a contagion that ravages the ship. One by one, the entire crew is incapacitated except for Number One, Una Chin-Riley, who must now confront a secret she's been hiding as she races to find a cure.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E4
While on a routine supply mission to a colony planet, the U.S.S. Enterprise comes under an attack from an unknown malevolent force. Pike brings all his heart and experience to bear in facing the crisis, but the security officer warns him that the enemy cannot be dealt with by conventional Starfleet means.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E5
It's a comedy of manners when Spock has a personal visit in the middle of Spock and Captain Pike's crucial negotiations with an unusual alien species.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E6
A threat to an idyllic planet reunites Captain Pike with the lost love of his life. To protect her and a scientific holy child from a conspiracy, Pike offers his help and is forced to face unresolved feelings of his past.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E7
While on a dangerous humanitarian mission, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise stumbles into a harrowing game of leverage with the quadrant's deadliest space pirate.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E8
The U.S.S. Enterprise becomes stuck in a nebula that is home to an alien consciousness that traps the crew in a fairy tale.
Strange New Worlds S1 · E9
The U.S.S. Enterprise crew comes face-to-face with their demons - and scary monsters too - when their landing party is stranded on a barren planet with a ravenous enemy
Strange New Worlds S1 · E10
In the season one finale, just as Captain Pike thinks he's figured out how to escape his fate, he's visited by his future self, who shows him the consequences of his actions.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E1
A distress call from Lt. Noonien-Singh compels Spock to disobey orders and take the U.S.S. Enterprise and its crew into disputed space, risking renewed hostilities with the Klingons in a bid to aid their shipmate.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E2
Commander Una faces court-martial along with possible imprisonment and dishonorable dismissal from Starfleet, and her defense is in the hands of a lawyer who’s also a childhood friend with whom she had a terrible falling out.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E3
La’An travels back in time to twenty-first-century Earth to prevent an attack which will alter humanity’s future history—and bring her face to face with her own contentious legacy.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E4
Returning to a planet that dredges up tragic memories, Captain Pike and his landing party find themselves forgetting everything, including their own identities as he confronts a ghost from his past.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E5
A shuttle accident leads to Spock’s Vulcan DNA being removed by aliens, making him fully human and completely unprepared to face T’Pring’s family during an important ceremonial dinner.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E6
Uhura seems to be the only one who can hear a strange sound. When the noise triggers terrifying hallucinations, she enlists an unlikely assistant to help her track down the source.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E8
Captain Pike and his crew welcome a Klingon defector aboard the Enterprise, but his presence triggers the revelation of some shocking secrets.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E9
An accident with an experimental quantum probability field causes everyone on the U.S.S. Enterprise to break uncontrollably into song, but the real danger is that the field is expanding and beginning to impact other ships—allies and enemies alike.
Strange New Worlds S2 · E10
When the U.S.S. Enterprise investigates an attack on a colony at the edge of Federation space, Captain Pike and his crew face the return of a formidable enemy.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E1
Pike leads a risky rescue behind enemy lines as the landing party flees a deadly enemy.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E2
At a Federation celebration, an uninvited guest disrupts Spock and the crew's reflections.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E3
Pike and M'Benga enter Klingon space for Batel's cure as M'Benga's past returns on a deadly world.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E4
La'An tests a prototype holodeck with a fictional case only she can solve.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E5
Chapel and Korby's quest leads the Enterprise to ancient ruins hiding a dark secret.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E6
Kirk's first day as captain turns disastrous when a Scavenger Ship seizes the Enterprise.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E7
While aiding a war-torn planet, Pike and crew face scrutiny from a probing journalist.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E8
After a mission turns crew members into Vulcans, trouble arises when they try to revert to human.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E9
Stranded on a toxic moon, Ortegas must defy her deepest beliefs to survive.
Strange New Worlds S3 · E10
When an ancient evil resurfaces, Pike faces a life-altering choice to stop it.