Fun Facts About Star Trek Day - September 2024

Key Takeaways

Star Trek Day on September 8th marks the original launch of the iconic show in 1966.
The holiday emphasizes looking towards the future and celebrating diversity and inclusion.
Paramount+ is offering a selection of free Star Trek shows for US residents to enjoy from September 7th-13th.

As a long-time Trekkie who has grown up with the Star Trek universe, I must say that this year’s Star Trek Day celebrations are truly out of this world! The focus on the future, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness resonates deeply with me, reflecting the progressive values that Gene Roddenberry instilled in his vision.

The iconic Star Trek television series debuted in 1966 but ended prematurely after three seasons due to its abrupt cancellation. However, the passion and devotion of fans have kept it from being forgotten, and today, Star Trek stands as a major player in the realm of media and entertainment. Over five decades later, it continues to captivate audiences, offering insightful perspectives on humanity’s destiny.

Fans of Star Trek might want to jot down this weekend in their calendars as they prepare to honor ‘Star Trek Day’, falling on September 8th. It’s no surprise that such an iconic and enduring science fiction series would have its own day, and this year, there’s even more reason to rejoice.

5 Save The Date

On This Day In 1966

Commemorates the original launch of Star Trek: TOS

8th September holds a special significance because it was on this day in 1966 that the first official episode of Star Trek, titled “The Man Trap,” premiered on NBC. Unlike most TV shows, Star Trek had already produced two pilot episodes, “The Cage” and “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” Interestingly, the plot for this initial episode made Dr. McCoy the central character, introducing us to the trio of Spock, Kirk, and Bones as the principal characters. Additionally, it provided some background about the mission of the starship Enterprise, and the writing style incorporated a habit that would become characteristic: including a twist and a moral in each episode’s narrative.

Although many people enjoyed the program, it persistently remained a specialized interest, one of the factors leading to its cancellation in February 1969. However, the show continued through syndication, and its fan base expanded over time, eventually giving rise to numerous spin-offs and sequels, beginning with films in the late 70s and new TV series in the 90s.

4 The Fifth Annual Celebration

Five Years After The First “Official” Star Trek Day

The date has been official since 2019

Many people who appreciate “Star Trek” (even die-hard enthusiasts) might not know about Star Trek Day, but it has existed for some time. The first official Star Trek Day was celebrated by Paramount five years ago, although fans and related companies have occasionally recognized September 8th as a special day in the past.

In 2012, one memorable promotion was the Oreo campaign, where they creatively depicted an Enterprise spaceship with an Oreo cookie as its saucer. This was done to celebrate “the 46th anniversary of Star Trek Day.” Additionally, Google sometimes creates special logo designs, known as Doodles, for such occasions, and passionate fans often organize their own small events.

3 Everyone Has A Mission

A Different Year And A Different Theme

Choose a goal in the Federation’s future

Originally, Star Trek Days were primarily about honoring the initial broadcast of the series. However, nowadays, this holiday invites us to gaze toward the future just as much as it does to reminisce about the past. Interestingly, Star Trek was “progressive” before the term even came into existence, and dedicated fans who are well-versed in its history recognize the pivotal role figures like Nichelle Nichols, Leonard Nimoy, and George Takei played in promoting diversity.

During that period, viewers expressed disapproval over Spock’s distinctive ears, seemingly echoing the racial prejudices that Roddenberry was attempting to counter in the series. Creating a Russian character as helmsman during the Cold War era was an incredibly daring move at the time. There were discussions about introducing a gay character, but NBC consistently resisted this idea. In line with Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a future where humanity had surpassed its prejudices to explore beyond Earth, the show’s promotions often included announcements for outreach and charitable initiatives as well.

2 “Pop Up” Activations

Three Cities Have Been Designated For Special Events

Vancouver, Berlin, and Chicago

Star Trek enthusiasts residing in any of the mentioned cities have a unique opportunity to engage with temporary experiences often referred to as “pop-up activations.” These are mini-events offering popular props, characters, or iconic Star Trek elements that many would readily identify.

2021’s theme, “Take the Chair, Make an Impact,” is symbolically represented by the showcase of the renowned Captain’s chair. In Berlin and Vancouver, eco-friendly chairs have been crafted for this year to acknowledge the pressing environmental issues we face today. Fans are invited to occupy these chairs, snap a picture, and receive a tailored mission related to one of the forward-thinking charities that are participating in the event alongside us.

1 Free Star Trek

Paramount+ Is Giving Away Stuff

A sampling of Star Trek shows are available free of charge for US residents

There’s no more fitting tribute to one of history’s most triumphant media series than by catching some episodes or films. In case you reside in the U.S., Paramount+ is making a selection from their library accessible for free viewing from September 7th through September 13th.

The samples chosen are some of the more famous episodes from every serialized Star Trek TV show, even the animated ones. “The Cage” from TOS, and more recent shows such as Star Trek: Discovery, “The Vulcan Hello,” and the Star Trek: Picard episode, “Remembrance,” are included. It’s also possible to watch a few of these shows on AppleTV, Amazon, Roku, and Paramount’s official YouTube channel.

2024-09-07 08:35