**Star Trek: Prodigy May Have the Last Best Shot at Reaching Iconic Milestone**
The Star Trek franchise has faced significant challenges since transitioning to streaming platforms. While the quality of the shows remains a matter of personal opinion, the reduction in the number of episodes per season is a tangible issue. Historically, Star Trek series like “The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” and “Voyager” thrived with 20+ episodes per season, creating a rich and immersive experience for fans. However, modern series are now fortunate to get just 10 episodes every two years, making it harder for viewers to engage deeply with the storylines.
“The Next Generation” holds the record for the most episodes in the Star Trek franchise with 178, followed closely by “Deep Space Nine” with 176, and “Voyager” with 172. These series are not only the longest-running but also among the most beloved by fans. In stark contrast, no other modern Star Trek series has reached the 100-episode mark. “Enterprise” comes closest with 98 episodes, while “Discovery” has only 65 episodes to its name. At the current rate, “Strange New Worlds” would need to be on air for nine more seasons to hit 100 episodes, a feat that could take nearly 20 years given the increasing delays between seasons.
Amidst this landscape, “Star Trek: Prodigy” emerges as a dark horse with the potential to reach the iconic 100-episode milestone. The animated series, which initially premiered on Nickelodeon before moving to Paramount+, is set to release its second season on Netflix. If “Prodigy” performs well on its new platform, it could be renewed for additional seasons. The first two seasons of “Prodigy” each received 20 episodes, a rarity in the current era of Star Trek. Should this trend continue, the series could amass 60 episodes by the end of a potential fourth season, putting it on a promising trajectory toward the 100-episode mark.
“Prodigy” stands out as the only new-era Star Trek series to launch with 20 episodes. While “Discovery” started with 15 episodes, rising production costs led to significant budget cuts. “Prodigy” was initially intended for a television premiere on Nickelodeon, which may have influenced its more generous episode count. As Paramount+ began consolidating its content to survive in the competitive streaming market, “Prodigy” found itself in a unique position.
The upcoming second season of “Star Trek: Prodigy” has generated considerable excitement, with new photos and trailers hinting at intriguing developments. The series creators have expressed openness to continuing the story even if a third season isn’t immediately greenlit. This flexibility could be crucial in ensuring the series’ longevity and its quest to reach 100 episodes.
The success of “Prodigy” on Netflix could serve as a litmus test for the viability of longer-running Star Trek series in the streaming age. If the show manages to capture a substantial audience, it could encourage streaming platforms to invest in more episodes per season for other Star Trek series. This, in turn, could help recapture the immersive experience that made the franchise a cultural phenomenon in the first place.
The potential for “Star Trek: Prodigy” to reach 100 episodes is not just about numbers; it’s about preserving the legacy of a franchise that has inspired generations. The longer episode counts of past series allowed for deeper character development, more intricate story arcs, and a stronger connection with the audience. Achieving this milestone would be a testament to the enduring appeal of Star Trek and its ability to adapt to changing media landscapes while staying true to its roots.
In conclusion, “Star Trek: Prodigy” may indeed have the last best shot at reaching the iconic 100-episode milestone in the modern era of the franchise. Its unique position, combined with the potential success on Netflix, could pave the way for a resurgence of longer-running Star Trek series. As fans eagerly await the second season, the future of “Prodigy” holds the promise of not only continuing the adventures of its young crew but also revitalizing the Star Trek legacy for new and old fans alike.
Source: Various Star Trek news articles
