The first episode of Star Trek aired on NBC on September 8th, 1966 – and who could have guessed at the time that the show would spawn a franchise that would in turn go on to be one of the world’s most popular science fiction universes!
I can still remember watching episodes of Star Trek and The Next Generation with my family when I was growing up. There were many nights when I was younger that we’d sit and watch an episode together after dinner. Honestly, there are so many things I love about Star Trek – the portrayal of what could be our own future society (I wish), the characters, the exploration, the endless possibilities that space travel could bring about – I could go on and on about my views of Star Trek from an anthropological perspective, too! Of all the Star Trek creations out there, First Contact and The Wrath of Khan are two of my all time favorite films (and the newest movie is right up there, too! It’s brilliant!).
https://youtu.be/Z8rOUVc2sCc
I honestly wish I had gotten to experience The Wrath of Khan in theaters like I did with First Contact!
https://youtu.be/MJZbCNexctc
In celebration of this occasion, the Science Channel is working with Gene Roddenberry’s only son, Rod Roddenberry, to produce the documentary, Trek Nation, set to air on Wednesday, November 30:
“The film shadows Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, as he explores his family legacy and the crusade his father’s passion and curiosity for exploration. Through interviews with his most devoted fans, including George Lucas and J.J. Abrams, Trek Nation follows a son searching for the wisdom of his father. Trek Nation demonstrates that Roddenberry’s work has not only inspired legions of fans across the globe, but also generated a movement which has influenced entertainment, politics, space travel, social morality and much more. Trek Nation profiles how the Star Trek franchise helped foster a timeless understanding of the human condition and captured man’s constant search for a better world.”
For more information about the documentary, you can visit the Science Channel’s Facebook page or Twitter: @ScienceChannel and @Iamtreknation
What’s your favorite part of the Star Trek universe?