Star Trek’s Sci-Fi Crossover With 120 Years of Lore Is Impossible To Follow-Up

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As a huge sci-fi fan, I often daydream about different universes colliding – like how the powerful Corrino Empire from *Dune* feels a lot like the bad guys in *Star Wars*. I even imagine Paul Atreides and Anakin Skywalker having a fascinating conversation about being ‘the chosen one’! But honestly, actually *making* those crossovers happen is way harder than it looks. Even pairings that seem perfect on paper, like *Alien* and *Predator*, have struggled. I think it’s better when sci-fi worlds just acknowledge their influences and pay homage, instead of forcing a crossover that could end up being a mess.

Both *Star Trek* and *Doctor Who* frequently acknowledge each other, playfully referencing the other show without creating major plot conflicts. But recently, one of the series has been hinting very strongly that the other actually exists within its own universe. While it’s entertaining now, establishing a concrete connection could have significant and irreversible consequences for both franchises.

Star Trek‘s Latest Doctor Who Easter Egg Is in a League Of Its Own

It’s natural for a show like *Doctor Who*, which travels through time, to include references to popular culture. Throughout the series, you’ll find nods to musicians, artists, movies, and other TV shows. *Star Trek* is one show that often appears, and Rose Tyler even compares the Doctor to Spock. Because *Star Trek* is set far in the future, it can’t reference older shows. Instead, it shows respect for *Doctor Who* by mentioning famous planets and characters from that series.

The current season of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* is nearing its end, and a recent episode contained a surprising nod to another sci-fi classic. In Season 3, Episode 6, viewers can briefly spot the Doctor’s iconic TARDIS, suggesting the time-traveling character is present in the *Star Trek* universe. There’s also an upcoming scene where a long-lived *Star Trek* character, Pelia, will talk about meeting a time-traveling doctor. While Captain Pike dismisses her story as something discussed at Starfleet Academy, the existence of the Doctor would actually challenge everything Starfleet believes in.

The Doctor Would Be an Enemy of Starfleet

Starfleet explores the galaxy, seeking new information and understanding. Though Earth currently enjoys a peaceful time, challenges inevitably arise, making it vital to be prepared for anything. Starfleet officers are instructed not to interfere with the affairs of other planets – each world must solve its own problems, and captains aren’t meant to act as saviors. However, they often do, and face consequences for it. The Doctor operates under a similar principle, using their unique Time Lord abilities to help when necessary, but frequently bends or breaks the rules. Their incredible power, combined with this disregard for protocol, can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.

Bringing the Doctor from *Doctor Who* onto the *Enterprise* or any *Star Trek* ship would create a lot of problems. Starfleet wouldn’t accept someone interfering with fate and resolving crises on their own, as seen with their reactions to Q. A short appearance by the Doctor might work, but wouldn’t do justice to either character. Ultimately, it’s best if *Star Trek* and *Doctor Who* remain separate universes, perhaps acknowledging each other from a distance.

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2025-09-24 20:15