Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994), TV-PG, 130 hr 32 min

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)

Years Aired: 1987–1994

Episodes: 178 episodes across 7 seasons

Franchise: Star Trek

Franchise #: 3rd TV series in Star Trek franchise

MPAA Rating / TV Parental Guidelines

TV Parental Guidelines: TV-PG

Total Runtime: 130 hours and 32 minutes

Tagline

“The adventure continues.”

Main Cast

Patrick Stewart – Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Jonathan Frakes – Commander William Riker

Brent Spiner – Lieutenant Commander Data

LeVar Burton – Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

Michael Dorn – Lieutenant Worf

Marina Sirtis – Counselor Deanna Troi

Gates McFadden – Dr. Beverly Crusher

Wil Wheaton – Wesley Crusher

Reviews

Overview

TNG is where Star Trek truly blossomed into a major cultural force. Set nearly a century after TOS, it offers a more polished, thoughtful, and hopeful vision of the 24th century. Captain Picard leads a diverse crew on the USS Enterprise-D, exploring new worlds, ethical puzzles, and political intrigue. The show balances action and character drama with deep philosophical questions about humanity, technology, and morality. It expanded Star Trek’s reach and legacy with memorable episodes like “The Best of Both Worlds,” “The Measure of a Man,” and “Darmok.”

Family Friendliness

TNG is generally family-friendly, with occasional violence and mature themes that require parental guidance for younger kids. It emphasizes diplomacy, respect, and the value of every life, making it great for family viewing with thoughtful discussions afterward. Some episodes touch on heavy topics like death and prejudice, but always with care.

Christian Perspective

TNG explores themes of redemption, free will, and the nature of the soul—especially through characters like Data (who struggles with what it means to be human) and Captain Picard’s moral leadership. The show echoes biblical teachings on love, sacrifice (John 15:13), stewardship (Genesis 2:15), and justice (Micah 6:8). Episodes challenge viewers to consider forgiveness, humility, and the dignity of all beings, reflecting a worldview that aligns with core Christian ethics.

Critics Ratings

IMDb: 8.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes: 89% Audience Score

Metacritic: Not available for full series; individual episodes rated highly

Dove Foundation: Generally approved for family viewing with some episodes needing parental discretion

My Rating: 9.0/10 – A landmark series that raised sci-fi storytelling to new heights with rich characters and deep ideas.

Notable Episodes 

“The Best of Both Worlds” (S3E26 & S4E1): Picard is kidnapped and turned into Locutus of Borg—a tense cliffhanger defining the series.

“The Measure of a Man” (S2E9): A courtroom battle over Data’s rights and personhood.

“Darmok” (S5E2): Picard learns to communicate through metaphor with an alien captain—a beautiful episode about understanding and cooperation.

“Yesterday’s Enterprise” (S3E15): A time travel episode altering reality and testing loyalty.

“The Inner Light” (S5E25): Picard lives an entire lifetime in minutes—a moving meditation on memory and legacy.

“Chain of Command” (S6E10 & 11): Picard faces brutal torture, exploring courage and faith.

“Who Watches the Watchers” (S3E4): A story on faith and the impact of cultural contamination.

“All Good Things...” (S7E25 & 26): The series finale wraps up Picard’s story with time-shifting adventures.

“Encounter at Farpoint” (S1E1): The pilot introducing the crew and Starfleet’s new mission.

“The Drumhead” (S4E21): An exploration of paranoia and injustice during a witch hunt.