Facts and trivia about the Original Star Trek Show

The Original Star Trek show has had an incredible impact on popular culture and science fiction since its debut over 50 years ago. Despite being canceled after only three seasons, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless spin-offs, movies, books, and merchandise. The show's appeal is undeniable, and it continues to be watched and enjoyed by fans of all ages, even 60 years later.

One reason for the show's enduring appeal is its groundbreaking themes and progressive message. Creator Gene Roddenberry sought to create a future in which humanity had overcome its differences and was united in its quest for exploration and discovery. 

The show's diverse cast, which included a black woman, an Asian man, and a half-Vulcan, half-human science officer, was revolutionary for its time and set a precedent for future science fiction and fantasy shows.

Another reason for the show's appeal is its engaging storytelling and memorable characters. From Captain Kirk's swashbuckling bravado to Mr. Spock's logical and stoic demeanor, the characters of the Enterprise have become cultural icons. 

The show's blend of action, adventure, and thought-provoking science fiction has captured the imaginations of audiences for generations, and its influence can be seen in countless science fiction films and TV shows that have followed in its wake.

Facts and trivia about the Original Show

• "Star Trek" first premiered on September 8, 1966, on NBC.
• The series was created by Gene Roddenberry, who also served as the show's executive producer.
• The original "Star Trek" series ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969 and consisted of 79 episodes.
• "Star Trek" was produced by Desilu Productions, which was owned by Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz.
• The iconic "Star Trek" theme song was composed by Alexander Courage.
• The show was originally pitched as a "Wagon Train" to the stars, but it evolved into a more complex exploration of space and humanity.
• The USS Enterprise, the ship featured in the show, was designed by Matt Jefferies.
• Gene Roddenberry's vision for "Star Trek" was inspired by his experiences as a commercial pilot and his interest in humanist philosophy. Roddenberry's vision for the future depicted a society where people of different races and nationalities lived and worked together in harmony.
• "Star Trek" introduced many iconic concepts and catchphrases, including "Live long and prosper."
• The original "Star Trek" series was nominated for several Emmy Awards, winning one for Outstanding Dramatic Series in 1967.
• "Star Trek" has been translated into multiple languages and has a global fanbase.
• "Star Trek" has been parodied and referenced in many movies and television shows, including "The Simpsons," "South Park," and "Family Guy."
• The first pilot episode, titled "The Cage," was rejected by the network for being too cerebral and not action-packed enough. Footage from the episode was later incorporated into a two-part episode called "The Menagerie." "Star Trek" first premiered on September 8, 1966, on NBC.
• The series was created by Gene Roddenberry, who also served as the show's executive producer.
• The original "Star Trek" series ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969 and consisted of 79 episodes.
• "Star Trek" was produced by Desilu Productions, which was owned by Lucille Ball and The iconic "Star Trek" theme song was composed by Alexander Courage.
• The show was originally pitched as a "Wagon Train" to the stars, but it evolved into a more complex exploration of space and humanity.
• The USS Enterprise, the ship featured in the show, was designed by Matt Jefferies.
• Gene Roddenberry's vision for "Star Trek" was inspired by his experiences as a commercial pilot and his interest in humanist philosophy. Roddenberry's vision for the future depicted a society where people of different races and nationalities lived and worked together in harmony.
• "Star Trek" introduced many iconic concepts and catchphrases, including "Live long and prosper."
• The original "Star Trek" series was nominated for several Emmy Awards, winning one Nichelle Nichols, who played Uhura, was considering leaving the show after the first season but was convinced to stay by Martin Luther King Jr., who told her that she was an important role model for black children.
• The show's use of "technobabble," a term used to describe the technical jargon used by characters to explain the science behind the technology, has become a hallmark of the franchise.
• The show's theme song, composed by Alexander Courage, is one of the most recognizable pieces of music in popular culture.
• The show's opening monologue, delivered by William Shatner, has become iconic: "Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before."
• The Pilot Episode was called the Cage - it was refashioned into The Menagerie. Strange New Worlds would reconnect with The Cage over 50 years later. 
• The show's merchandise, including the famous "Star Trek" phaser and communicator toys, were some of the best-selling toys of the 1960s.
• The show's popularity was a surprise to many, as it struggled in the ratings during its initial run but gained a dedicated fanbase through syndication.
• The show's famous "redshirt" trope, in which unnamed characters wearing red uniforms are often killed off in dangerous situations, has become a popular meme and pop culture reference.
• The show's use of the term "Prime Directive," which prohibits the Federation from interfering with the development of other civilizations, has become a key element of the franchise's mythology.
• The show's enduring popularity has led to numerous parodies and references in popular culture, including a famous sketch on "Saturday Night Live" featuring William Shatner telling fans at a convention to "get a life."

Kirk fighting the Gorn

One of the main reasons for the continued appeal of the Original Star Trek show is the enduring love that fans have for its characters. Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner, is the quintessential hero, combining a brash confidence with a deep sense of duty and a willingness to risk everything for the safety of his crew. 

Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, is the epitome of logic and reason, but also struggles with his human emotions and his loyalty to his friends. These and other beloved characters like Dr. McCoy, Scotty, Sulu, and Uhura, each brought their own unique personalities and quirks to the Enterprise, making them all memorable and endearing to audiences.

The relationships between the characters on the show are another reason for its continued appeal. The friendship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, known as the "Holy Trinity," is one of the most iconic relationships in science fiction history. Their banter and camaraderie, as well as their ability to work together in the face of danger, have endeared them to audiences for decades. 

The show also featured groundbreaking relationships, such as the interracial kiss between Kirk and Uhura, which was a bold statement in the 1960s, and the relationship between Spock and his human mother, which explored themes of identity and acceptance. 

These relationships have helped to make the characters of the Original Star Trek show some of the most beloved in all of science fiction, and a major reason why the show continues to be watched and enjoyed by fans around the world.

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