Near the end of the 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, the seasoned characters Kirk and Spock question if they’re still relevant or have become outdated.
The movie uses the Cold War as a backdrop for a story about Klingons and the Federation trying to make peace. This new situation forces the crew of the Enterprise to question their purpose in a changing galaxy.
This is a poignant scene, marking the end of an era for the original crew. However, the question it raises remains relevant today, not only for Captain Kirk, but for the entire Star Trek franchise.
The new Starfleet Academy series hasn’t performed well in initial ratings, and there aren’t any plans for more episodes right now. This indicates that the franchise, once a huge force in science fiction, is having trouble connecting with audiences. While it’s harder to measure viewership with so many streaming options, it seems the public isn’t as excited about the series as they used to be.
Once a cornerstone of science fiction on TV, Star Trek now feels less relevant. This isn’t just because people are tired of the series, though. It’s possible that the show’s optimistic outlook doesn’t align with how people are feeling politically today. Historically, Star Trek has been most popular when Americans generally feel hopeful about what’s to come.
Star Trek has historically done well when America feels hopeful about the future. It first became popular during the optimistic era of President Kennedy, then again with The Next Generation during the economic recovery of the 1980s and the sense of victory after the Cold War in the 1990s. Essentially, Star Trek resonates with audiences when Americans are confident about what lies ahead.
Compare that to times when the show faced difficulties. During the 1970s, public trust in government and other institutions was low following the Watergate scandal, and Star Trek mainly existed as old episodes until the movies brought it back to life.
When the 2000s arrived and George W. Bush launched the war on terror, Star Trek faced difficulties again with the underwhelming series Enterprise, which was cancelled after just four seasons. It seems the show’s optimistic outlook doesn’t always resonate when society is feeling worried or distrustful.
However, ‘Deep Space Nine,’ a Star Trek spin-off from the 1990s, stands out. Unlike other series, it didn’t just praise Star Trek’s values—it actually challenged them. Later seasons, set during wartime, show Captain Sisko grappling with how far the Federation should compromise its beliefs in order to endure.
Deep Space Nine dealt with complex moral issues, but it could take risks because Star Trek’s generally hopeful tone was still being maintained in other series like The Next Generation and Voyager. DS9 wasn’t the main face of the franchise, so it had room to experiment. Now, there isn’t another series to balance things out and offer that optimistic perspective.
Looking ahead to 2026, Donald Trump’s potentially more assertive role in global affairs presents a challenge. As public opinion becomes more divided and trust in governments decreases, the optimistic ideals of cooperation, fairness, and agreement – principles often seen in shows like Star Trek – seem further removed from how politics actually works today.
It might seem ungracious to mention this during Star Trek’s 60th anniversary, but the newer shows – Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, and Starfleet Academy – haven’t really had a major impact on popular culture. Perhaps this is because the Federation now resembles a kind and powerful empire, spreading its influence throughout the galaxy – a bit like a well-intentioned global power with faster-than-light travel. Given current questions about America’s role in the world, that idea feels a little unsettling.
It’s a bit of a contradiction: Star Trek sometimes seems like it promotes a colonial mindset, yet it also offers a hopeful vision of what humanity could achieve. However, optimism is most effective when it feels realistic. When we’re feeling cynical or doubtful, a flawlessly optimistic future can come across as unrealistic rather than inspiring.
Similar to how the original Enterprise crew knew when it was time to pass the torch in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, maybe it’s time for the franchise itself to take a break.
I truly believe this franchise has weathered tough times before, and it always comes back stronger when people are ready to embrace what it stands for. Honestly, I think the smartest thing Star Trek can do right now is just be patient and let the future rediscover its message. It’s always been about looking forward, and I have faith that time will bring audiences back to it.
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Authors
David Brown is the Deputy Previews Editor at TopMob, where he focuses on crime and fantasy television shows. He’s a frequent media commentator, having appeared on BBC News, Sky News, and Radio 4’s Front Row. His writing has been featured in publications like the Guardian, the Sunday Times, and the i newspaper. Beyond journalism, David has contributed as a writer and editor for the National Television Awards and worked on documentaries about prominent figures such as Lenny Henry, Billy Connolly, and the band Take That.
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2026-03-11 23:05