Watch Star Trek: The Animated Series

Star Trek: The Animated Series is an American science fiction animated television series that aired from 1973 until 1975. It was produced by Filmation and was based on the original Star Trek series created by Gene Roddenberry. The series follows the adventures of the crew of the starship USS Enterprise, led by Captain James T. Kirk, as they explore the galaxy and encounter new civilizations.

The series features the voices of the original cast from the live-action series, including William Shatner as Captain Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy. Other members of the original crew, such as Sulu, Uhura, and Scotty, also appear in the animated series.

The animation style of the show is reminiscent of the Saturday morning cartoons of the 1970s, with bright colors and exaggerated movements. However, despite its cartoonish appearance, the show did not shy away from tackling complex moral and ethical issues, much like its live-action predecessor.

One of the advantages of the animated format was the ability to create more imaginative and otherworldly landscapes than could be accomplished on a live-action show. The USS Enterprise travels to planets with unusual atmospheric conditions, meets creatures that are physically impossible to create with prosthetics, and goes on explorations that would have been impossible on a live-action budget.

Another benefit to the animated series was that it allowed for more creative freedom. The series was not limited by the constraints of special effects and prosthetics, which allowed the writers to dream up more fantastical stories.

One of the most significant aspects of the show was that it was one of the first animated series to feature a racially diverse cast. Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura on the live-action series, was one of the first Black women to have a significant role on a major network TV show. The animated series allowed Uhura to take center stage in some of the episodes, demonstrating her intelligence, resourcefulness, and bravery.

The show tackled a wide range of subjects, from ecology and conservation to the dangers of imperialism and colonialism. The episode "The Infinite Vulcan," for example, explored the idea of eugenics and the dangers of creating a "master race." Other episodes dealt with issues of social justice and equality, as in "The Jihad," where the crew must work with alien races to prevent a fanatical group from unleashing a weapon of mass destruction.

Despite its relatively short run, Star Trek: The Animated Series proved to be a beloved continuation of the original series. It has been described as a "hidden gem" among Star Trek series, with many fans appreciating its imaginative storylines, strong character development, and humor. It has also been praised for its inclusivity and its willingness to engage with complex topics.

In addition to the main cast, the animated series also featured guest appearances by notable voice actors such as Mark Lenard, James Doohan, George Takei, and Majel Barrett. The show also introduced new characters, such as the three-armed Edosian Arex and the feline M'Ress.

The show's legacy is still felt today, with many of its concepts and themes being explored in subsequent Star Trek series. The animated series was the first to introduce the concept of a holodeck, which became a major feature in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It also introduced the concept of the "animated series canon," which distinguished it from the live-action series and allowed for more creative license.

Overall, Star Trek: The Animated Series may have been overlooked in its time, but it has since become a beloved classic among fans of the Star Trek franchise. Its imaginative storytelling, inclusionary cast, and willingness to explore complex themes have left a lasting impression on the sci-fi landscape.

Star Trek: The Animated Series is a series that ran for 2 seasons (23 episodes) between September 8, 1973 and on NBC