Star Trek had already ceased production in the 70's.
What about reruns? That's where TOS really found its audience. Plus, there's TAS to consider. So, my point has been made. TOS was never meant to be a fringe thing and to say other wise is just a way for some people to feel super special awesome because they alone, "get," Star Trek.
If you read "Inside Star Trek" you'll find that the only one originally interested in buying the show in syndication was a guy who owned ten low-power UHF stations. Let's also remember that NBC buried it on it's Friday night schedule for the third season. So it definitely came close to falling off the radar numerous times. I also recall that Paramount at one point wanted to sell the show in the 70's to Roddenberry (who didn't have the money).
Doesn't sound like a property anyone thought had long-term viability.
Point being, there were alot of fans who kept the flame lit until the show caught fire. Some of those fans, like Warped9, felt betrayed at the direction the studio eventually took with the property. Whether it's right or wrong is up for debate. YMMV.
Last edited: