Why Is Star Trek Popular?

[Aike]

Well, is it because:

A. Star Trek fandom is the main reason why Trek is popular and has survived for 44 years. Without the hard care fans, Trek would have been forgotten ages ago and probably not have survived for more than one or two seasons back in the 60s. The fanbase also brought back Trek on the big screen in 1979. And in 1987, it returned to television thanks to the huge fan base. In other words, Star Trek equals its fans.

Or:

B. Star Trek has plenty of fans because the show was a popular quality show that received two Emmy nominations for best drama show. It may have done poorly financially in its first run and not been a huge ratings hit, but it did go on for three seasons, which meant it wasn´t seen as a flop. It later made money and more attracted viewers in syndication in the 70s when the right demographics were watching it. Later on, more folks went and saw the movies and watched TNG and the other shows. In other words, Trek is popular because of its intrinsic qualities and smart marketing. The fan base exists because tens of millions of people have enjoyed Trek in different incarnations over the years.

 

[C.E. Evans]

C. It had women in very short skirts and sexy boots.

 

[Joel_Kirk]

C. It had women in very short skirts and sexy boots.

Bam!

 

[Mach5]

because yeoman Rand!

 

[thew40]

Star Trek is popular?! News to me!

 

[T'Girl]

It had all things, for all people.

1) Heroes and heroines, villians, action, short skirts
2) Profound social commentary, racial analogies, Utopian future,
3) Tribbles
4) High tech devices.
5) Occasional light humor.

Picard: "Lt. Yar, prepare a full spread!"
Lt. Yar: "Of torpedoes Captain?"
Picard: "Yes. Ummm. Quite, I sure that's what I meant."

.

 

[indolover]

Well, is it because:

A. Star Trek fandom is the main reason why Trek is popular and has survived for 44 years. Without the hard care fans, Trek would have been forgotten ages ago and probably not have survived for more than one or two seasons back in the 60s. The fanbase also brought back Trek on the big screen in 1979. And in 1987, it returned to television thanks to the huge fan base. In other words, Star Trek equals its fans.

Or:

B. Star Trek has plenty of fans because the show was a popular quality show that received two Emmy nominations for best drama show. It may have done poorly financially in its first run and not been a huge ratings hit, but it did go on for three seasons, which meant it wasn´t seen as a flop. It later made money and more attracted viewers in syndication in the 70s when the right demographics were watching it. Later on, more folks went and saw the movies and watched TNG and the other shows. In other words, Trek is popular because of its intrinsic qualities and smart marketing. The fan base exists because tens of millions of people have enjoyed Trek in different incarnations over the years.

- well written stories
- is deep and philosophical, unlike some other sci-fi franchises
- has well-written and iconic characters in it
- has aspects that virtually all can relate to
- is built on an optimistic and idealistic vision

 

[Finn]

It is? Okay. If you say so.

 

[-Brett-]

Just saying the words "Star Trek" out loud is basically a death sentence to your social life. That's not my idea of popularity.

 

[RandyS]

Just saying the words "Star Trek" out loud is basically a death sentence to your social life. That's not my idea of popularity.

Aren't any of your friends fellow fans? Most of mine are, and so is my girlfriend.

I guess I'm lucky in that respect.

Of course, I HAVE had my fair share of mockings.

 

[M'rk son of Mogh]

Just saying the words "Star Trek" out loud is basically a death sentence to your social life. That's not my idea of popularity.

It was nice going to highschool in the 90's when this wasn't true with me, and EVERYONE (jock, nerd, name it) watched The Next Generation on occasion.

Fast forward to now when I'm older and I don't think proclaiming to like or dislike a TV show will alter my "popularity", and in fact, people generally don't care that much.

I guess I grew up at the perfect time?

 

[USS KG5]

B is closest, A is what the hardcore fans like to think, but has an element of truth to it.

 

[maneth]

B is closest, A is what the hardcore fans like to think, but has an element of truth to it.

Hear, hear.

 

[startrekrcks]

My mum doesn't get why I love Star Trek so much she's says it's rubbish and that I am a trekkie so what is it that bad.

 

[SG-17]

Just saying the words "Star Trek" out loud is basically a death sentence to your social life. That's not my idea of popularity.

Maybe two years ago, but after XI it is no longer. Nearly everyone in my Senior class has seen Star Trek and most of them liked it and finally understood why I was a Trek fan.

 

[Challenger71099]

I think it's both. Though Trek has seen some bad times. Like when Enterprise was cancelled not even the fans could get a new season going, and it seemed like it was done. Then the new movie that reinvented the series by someone who was not a Trekkie. The last one to do that was Nick Meyer.

 

[Anji]

Star Trek is so popular because it is about the people we want to become. We want to become a culture that can live in peace inspite of our differences.

 

[Cheapjack]

I think it is because it basically just says that humans are going to here in another 400 years.

We're not going to go the way of the Dodo, Trex, or the Pterodactyl, which is something on this fragile planet.

Those people down the line will be like us, they will have a piece of all of us in them, but they will have evolved. They will be recognisable as humans, they will still have some savage in them, but it will be under control, same as the domestictated dog has some wolf in it. But they will have all our sociability too, as well as the wolf.

They will be human.

 

[USS KG5]

My mum doesn't get why I love Star Trek so much she's says it's rubbish and that I am a trekkie so what is it that bad.

Ironically mu Mum is the opposite - she loves me liking trek and even buys me trek themed pressies at every opportunity!

 

[startrekrcks]

wish my mum was like that maybe she wasn't brought up watching Star Trek ah well at least my stepdad doesn't mind he likes Star Trek as well.