Star Trek has impacted generations of viewers and spawned numerous films and series over the years, with the franchise continuing to this day. So, it's shocking to learn that it wasn’t always a success, and William Shatner shared what really happened when Star Trek: The Original Series went from rags to ratings riches.
Star Trek: The Original Series premiered in 1966 on NBC and ran through 1969, capping at 79 episodes. It wasn’t exactly a ratings success, but it had a dedicated fanbase, and the network stayed with it for a bit. However, Star Trek met an unfortunate end after the third season. It wasn't until years later that it became a hit, as Shatner, who portrayed the iconic Captain James T. Kirk, recalled to People:
The Star Trek I was in lasted three years. It was canceled, mediocre ratings, and it was off the air for six years. By then, I’d done 17 things, and it begat syndication. And when it was syndicated, it became popular. And then they said, ‘Well, we got to do something else. Best to make another series, make movies.’ And they finally decided on making movies, and I made half a dozen movies, one of which I directed.
Star Trek fans already proved themselves during the show’s original run, as they were campaigning for its continuation and even sent letters to NBC to keep the show going, according to CBR. However, it was how people showed up when the show was in syndication that really saved the franchise.
Shatner praised the fans for keeping Star Trek going, noting all of the “beautiful stories” they were able to tell because of them and the sci-fi writers who were contributing. The actor went on to star in seven Star Trek movies between 1979 and 1994, and direct 1989’s Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. While he won't be returning to the Star Trek franchise any time soon, his love for it and the fans will never go away. Even if he still isn't happy about Captain Kirk's death:
When it was over, it was over. And I went on to other and interesting and good things that won awards. I never lacked for work. I never lacked for approbation. I never lacked for making money enough to take care of several households. And so I recognized Star Trek as being the progenitor, and I’m grateful for it. I never lose sight of that. People have made their life decisions based on three years of a television show. I’m thunderstruck by that and in awe of that, and I honor that.
Based on what was said here, it feels like if Star Trek didn’t eventually go into syndication, the franchise wouldn’t exist. Or perhaps it just would’ve taken a lot longer to get back up again. Star Trek fans are dedicated; they even complain about the franchise’s direction, so I have to believe they would have helped bring The Original Series back on everyone’s radar, even if it took a little longer.
I’m still surprised that ratings didn’t hold up when the fans were certainly showing up, but at least syndication proved to be a winner for the Star Trek franchise. Now, those with a Paramount+ subscription can watch practically everything that has come out because of this remarkable ratings rise.
