Watch Chaos on the Bridge

Chaos on the Bridge is a documentary film that was released in 2014, which is directed and hosted by the iconic Star Trek actor, William Shatner. The film explores the tumultuous early years of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the popular sci-fi TV series that premiered in the late 1980s, and how it was shaped by its unique production history. Chaos on the Bridge features in-depth interviews with several key players who were involved behind the scenes, including writers, producers, and cast members.

The film delves into the various challenges that came with launching a new TV series in the Star Trek universe, particularly since it had been over a decade since the original series went off the air. One of the main challenges was creating a new cast of characters that could live up to the iconic characters from the original series, such as Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy. The film explores how showrunner Gene Roddenberry struggled to balance the expectations of fans with the need to create new and exciting storylines.

Another major theme of the film is the complex relationships between the various writers and producers of the show, which were often strained due to creative differences and conflicting visions for the series. Chaos on the Bridge offers a candid look at the behind-the-scenes politics and infighting that occurred during the early years of The Next Generation, with many of the interviewees offering frank assessments of their colleagues' strengths and weaknesses. D.C. Fontana (one of the original writers from the original Star Trek series) and David Gerrold (who penned the fan-favorite episode "The Trouble with Tribbles") are among the interviewees who share their insights on this topic.

The film also examines the technical challenges of creating a modern sci-fi series on a modest television budget. From creating elaborate alien makeup to designing futuristic sets and props, the production team faced numerous hurdles as they tried to bring Roddenberry's vision to life. The film offers a detailed look at the various elements that went into the show's production, including interviews with the show's original makeup artist, art director, and visual effects supervisor.

Overall, Chaos on the Bridge provides a fascinating look at the early years of one of the most beloved sci-fi TV series of all time. The film offers a mix of behind-the-scenes insights and candid interviews that offer a glimpse into the creative process behind the show. Whether you're a diehard fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation or simply a fan of sci-fi television in general, Chaos on the Bridge is a must-see documentary that sheds light on the complex and chaotic world of television production.

Chaos on the Bridge is a 2014 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.