Star Trek: The Next Generation was more than just a TV show – it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined science fiction on screen. Premiering in 1987, it boldly went where no series had gone before, blending intellect with interstellar exploration. The show’s finale in 1994 drew over 30 million viewers, cementing its place as a gold standard for sci-fi storytelling. But beyond its gripping plots and unforgettable characters, the series holds secrets and surprises even die-hard fans might not know.
The cast members became lifelong friends, with Patrick Stewart and Jonathan Frakes sharing a hilarious camaraderie. They often meet up for dinners, and their chemistry is always evident. In fact, when LeVar Burton got married in 1992, Brent Spiner stood by his side as best man. However, not all friendships started smoothly – Marina Sirtis and Michael Dorn, who played Counselor Troi and Lieutenant Worf, couldn’t stand each other during the show’s first season. Over time, their undeniable chemistry brought them closer, but they never dated.
The Starfleet uniform was another challenge. The original design was so uncomfortable that Sir Patrick Stewart’s agent threatened to sue Paramount if he ended up with muscle or joint damage from wearing the one-piece spandex suit. The wardrobe was eventually upgraded to a more comfortable two-piece design. Interestingly, Gene Roddenberry wasn’t thrilled about casting Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard, but producer Robert H. Justman campaigned hard to get him the role.
View this post on Instagram
(@deepspacenineties)Other behind-the-scenes stories include Michael Dorn’s grueling two-hour makeup process for his role as Worf, and the time the original prosthetic forehead was stolen. LeVar Burton’s iconic VISOR was also a challenge, causing daily headaches and having to be screwed into the sides of his head. Despite the discomfort, Burton powered through, keeping the device as a core part of Geordi’s identity. The show also had some notable guest stars, including Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams almost joined the cast but had to pass due to other commitments.
The show’s impact went beyond the screen, with each episode’s budget skyrocketing to nearly $2 million and the studio pulling in a staggering $90 million annually from advertising alone. With 178 episodes spread across seven seasons, Star Trek: The Next Generation left its mark on television history.
