Watch The Captains Close-Up

The Captains Close-Up is a television series that aired on EPIX in 2013. It features one-on-one interviews with five actors who played iconic Star Trek captains in the franchise's various series and films. Those actors include Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, Scott Bakula, who played Captain Jonathan Archer in Star Trek: Enterprise, Avery Brooks, who played Captain Benjamin Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series and several subsequent films.

Each episode of The Captains Close-Up runs approximately an hour and features an interview with one of the captains, conducted by William Shatner. The interviews take place in a variety of settings, from the captains' homes to outdoor locations to the sets of Star Trek productions. The show also incorporates clips from the various Star Trek series and films, as well as behind-the-scenes footage and photos.

Throughout the series, viewers get a firsthand look at each captain's approach to their iconic roles. They discuss their experiences working on the Star Trek franchise, their personal lives, and the impact that being a captain had on their careers. They also delve into the themes and messages of Star Trek, sharing their thoughts on the show's positive vision of the future and how it influenced their own lives.

Patrick Stewart's episode of The Captains Close-Up is particularly insightful, as he discusses his initial doubts about taking on the role of Jean-Luc Picard, as well as the ways in which the character evolved over the course of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also talks about how the show tackled issues like gender and race, and how its optimism about the future impacted him personally.

Kate Mulgrew's episode is similarly compelling, as she talks about the challenges of being the first female captain in a Star Trek series. She shares stories about developing the character of Kathryn Janeway, as well as the bonds she formed with her fellow cast members. She also discusses the show's exploration of themes like morality, and how it continues to resonate with audiences today.

Scott Bakula's episode is unique in that it focuses not only on his time as Captain Archer, but also on his experiences as the star of Quantum Leap. He talks about the similarities between the two shows, as well as the challenges of juggling such demanding roles. He also shares his thoughts on the enduring appeal of Star Trek, and how it continues to inspire generations of fans.

Avery Brooks' episode is particularly poignant, as he talks about his experience playing the first black captain in a Star Trek series. He discusses the impact that the character of Benjamin Sisko had on both himself and his fans, and how the show addressed issues like racism and prejudice. He also talks about the importance of representation in media, and how Star Trek played a crucial role in paving the way for more diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

William Shatner's episode, while not focused on a singular captain, is still a must-see for fans of Star Trek. Shatner discusses his own experiences playing Captain Kirk, as well as his thoughts on the franchise's enduring legacy. He also shares stories about his fellow cast members, and gives viewers a glimpse into his personal life.

Overall, The Captains Close-Up is a fascinating look at the people behind some of the most iconic characters in television and film history. Whether you're a diehard Trekkie or just a casual fan, this show offers a unique perspective on the Star Trek franchise and the actors who brought it to life.

The Captains Close-Up is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between May 16, 2013 and on EPIX