Star Trek Viewing Guide

2Chapter 2 of 14

Toward the Five-Year Mission

2230s–2261 · 66 stops

Short TreksThe Original SeriesDiscoveryStrange New Worlds

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.

Early 2230s

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.

First aired December 12, 2019

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2233 - A sidenote about universes/timelines:

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.

2233 [Prime]

The USS Kelvin flies through space, exploring strange new worlds.

In the Prime universe, nothing happens and all is well. This is the universe we will be staying in for now.

2239

Short Treks S1 · E3

The Brightest Star

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.

First aired December 6, 2018

Episode page

2254

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

Q&A

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.

First aired October 5, 2019

Episode page

Joining the guide

First aired October 15, 1988 (Production - 1964-1965)

The Original Series S1 · E1

The Cage

When the Enterprise answers a distress call, Capt. Pike encounters manipulative aliens. Original series pilot.

First aired October 15, 1988 (Production - 1964-1965)

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Why is this here?

“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.

2256

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

The Vulcan Hello

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.

First aired September 24, 2017

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Why is this here?

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

Battle at the Binary Stars

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.

First aired September 24, 2017

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Discovery S1 · E3

Context is for Kings

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.

First aired October 1, 2017

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Discovery S1 · E5

Choose Your Pain

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.

First aired October 15, 2017

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Discovery S1 · E6

Lethe

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.

First aired October 22, 2017

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Discovery S1 · E7

Magic to Make the Sanest Man go Mad

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.

First aired October 29, 2017

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2257

Discovery S1 · E8

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum

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.

First aired November 5, 2017

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Discovery S1 · E9

Into the Forest I Go

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.

First aired November 12, 2017

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Discovery S1 · E10

Despite Yourself

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.

First aired January 7, 2018

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Why is this here?

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

The Wolf Inside

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.

First aired January 14, 2018

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Discovery S1 · E12

Vaulting Ambition

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.

First aired January 21, 2018

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Discovery S1 · E13

What’s Past is Prologue

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.

First aired January 28, 2018

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Discovery S1 · E14

The War Without, The War Within

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.

First aired February 4, 2018

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Discovery S1 · E15

Will You Take My Hand?

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.

First aired February 11, 2018

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Short Treks S1 · E1

Runaway

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.

First aired October 4, 2018

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Short Treks S1 · E4

Escape Artist

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.

First aired January 3, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E1

Brother

The U.S.S. Discovery welcomes aboard Capt. Pike and begins a mission to investigate the red signals.

First aired January 17, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E2

New Eden

A signal leads the Discovery to a planet inhabited by descendants of survivors of a war on Earth.

First aired January 24, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E3

Point of Light

A surprise visitor brings shocking news about Spock and dredges up past regrets for Burnham.

First aired January 31, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E4

An Obol For Charon

A mysterious sphere threatens the U.S.S. Discovery; Pike receives new intel on Spock.

First aired February 7, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E6

The Sound of Thunder

Burnham, Saru and the crew embark on a perilous mission that puts Saru in danger.

First aired February 21, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E7

Light and Shadows

Burnham goes to Vulcan in search of Spock, where she unearths surprising family secrets.

First aired February 28, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E8

If Memory Serves

Spock and Burnham head to Talos IV, where they are forced to confront their troubled past.

First aired March 7, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E9

Project Daedalus

Suspicions arise that the crew may have a traitor in their midst; Burnham tries to help Spock.

First aired March 14, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E10

The Red Angel

Burnham is stunned when she learns her ties to Section 31 run deeper than she ever fathomed.

First aired March 21, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E11

Perpetual Infinity

Burnham receives the reunion she's been longing for, but it doesn't go quite as she imagined.

First aired March 28, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E13

Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 1

When Discovery's crucial mission does not go according to plan, Burnham realizes what must be done.

First aired April 11, 2019

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Discovery S2 · E14

Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2

The crew of the USS Discovery explores new worlds and civilizations.

First aired April 18, 2019

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Why is this here?

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.

2258

Short Treks S1 · E6

The Trouble with Edward

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.

First aired October 9, 2019

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Short Treks S1 · E7

Ask Not

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.

First aired November 13, 2019

Episode page

2259

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

Strange New Worlds

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.

First aired May 4, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E2

Children of the Comet

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.

First aired May 11, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E3

Ghosts of Illyria

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.

First aired May 18, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E4

Momento Mori

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.

First aired May 25, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E5

Spock Amok

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.

First aired June 1, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E6

Lift Us Where Suffering Cannot Reach

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.

First aired June 8, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E7

The Serene Squall

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.

First aired June 15, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E8

The Elysian Kingdom

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.

First aired June 22, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E9

All Those Who Wander

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

First aired June 29, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S1 · E10

A Quality of Mercy

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.

First aired July 6, 2022

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E1

The Broken Circle

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.

First aired June 15, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E2

Ad Astra per Aspera

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.

First aired June 22, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E3

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow

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.

First aired June 29, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E4

Among the Lotus Eaters

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.

First aired July 6, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E5

Charades

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.

First aired July 13, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E6

Lost in Translation

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.

First aired July 20, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E8

Under the Cloak of War

Captain Pike and his crew welcome a Klingon defector aboard the Enterprise, but his presence triggers the revelation of some shocking secrets.

First aired July 27, 2023

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2260

Strange New Worlds S2 · E9

Subspace Rhapsody

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.

First aired August 3, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S2 · E10

Hegemony

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.

First aired August 10, 2023

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Strange New Worlds S3 · E1

Hegemony, Part II

Pike leads a risky rescue behind enemy lines as the landing party flees a deadly enemy.

First aired July 17, 2025

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2261

Strange New Worlds S3 · E2

Wedding Bell Blues

At a Federation celebration, an uninvited guest disrupts Spock and the crew's reflections.

First aired July 17, 2025

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Strange New Worlds S3 · E3

Shuttle to Kenfori

Pike and M'Benga enter Klingon space for Batel's cure as M'Benga's past returns on a deadly world.

First aired July 24, 2025

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Strange New Worlds S3 · E7

What Is Starfleet?

While aiding a war-torn planet, Pike and crew face scrutiny from a probing journalist.

First aired August 21, 2025

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Strange New Worlds S3 · E8

Four-and-a-Half Vulcans

After a mission turns crew members into Vulcans, trouble arises when they try to revert to human.

First aired August 28, 2025

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Strange New Worlds S3 · E9

Terrarium

Stranded on a toxic moon, Ortegas must defy her deepest beliefs to survive.

First aired September 4, 2025

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