Star Trek Day: Beam Up for Free Episodes, Charity Initiatives, and a Taste of the Final Frontier
Get ready to boldly go where no one has gone before, because Star Trek Day is back, and Paramount is pulling out all the stops for the annual celebration of the iconic franchise. This year, fans can enjoy free streaming of the premiere episodes of every Star Trek series, participate in a unique charity campaign, and even experience the iconic captain’s chair firsthand at interactive pop-up events.
The "Free Episode" Bonanza
From September 7th to 13th, Paramount will make the original "pilot" episodes from all the major Star Trek series (with one notable exception) available for free streaming. Whether you want to revisit the classic adventures of the original USS Enterprise in "The Cage", relive the iconic first encounter of the Next Generation crew in "Encounter at Farpoint", or embark on the first journey of the USS Voyager in "Caretaker", you have the chance to experience it all for free.
This offer includes:
- The Original Series: "The Cage"
- The Next Generation: "Encounter at Farpoint I & II"
- Deep Space Nine: "The Emissary I & II"
- Voyager: "Caretaker I & II"
- Enterprise: "Broken Bow I & II"
- Star Trek: The Animated Series: "Beyond the Farthest Star"
- Strange New Worlds: "Strange New Worlds"
- Lower Decks: "Second Contact"
- Discovery: "The Vulcan Hello"
- Picard: "Remembrance"
Additionally, a selection of Short Treks episodes will also be available for free streaming, including "The Girl Who Made the Stars", "The Trouble with Edward", "Ask Not", "Runaway", and "Ephraim and Dot".
The only series missing from this lineup is Star Trek: Prodigy, which is notably absent from the free streaming event. "Lost and Found I & II", the two-part premiere episode of Prodigy, remains unavailable, further solidifying the animated series’ position as the black sheep of the Star Trek family.
Where to Catch the Free Episodes:
Paramount is making these episodes available on a variety of platforms, ensuring fans can access their favorite Star Trek adventures from wherever they are. You can find these episodes on:
- Amazon
- Apple
- Roku
- Paramount+’s official YouTube page
- Pluto TV
- Paramount+ free content hub (in the U.S. only)
Taking the Chair: The Charity Campaign
Beyond the free episodes, Paramount is launching a unique initiative titled "Take the Chair, Make a Difference", a Star Trek-themed campaign encouraging fans to engage with social issues. Partnering with Code.org, DoSomething.Org, and Outright International, the campaign invites fans to "see themselves in the iconic USS Enterprise captain’s chair" and consider the challenges faced by marginalized communities in a Star Trek-inspired context: "What would I do if I were setting the course to the future?"
This campaign highlights the inclusive nature of Star Trek, emphasizing its message of diversity, social justice, and the pursuit of a better future. "The campaign encourages fans to embrace the optimistic vision of a brighter future and to give back to the inclusive community," emphasizing the positive impact that fans can have in their own communities.
A Tangible Piece of the Final Frontier
For those looking for a more direct experience with Star Trek, Paramount is organizing interactive pop-up events across the United States and internationally. Fans will have the opportunity to "take the chair" – a replica of the iconic captain’s chair from the show – at various locations:
- Taste of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois will feature a replica of the USS Enterprise’s captain’s chair.
- ALEXA Mall in Berlin, Germany will showcase a "modern architectural interpretation of the captain’s chair crafted from sustainable materials".
- Richmond Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia will also host its own “modern architectural interpretation of the captain’s chair".
At all three locations, fans will be able to capture a photo, receive a personalized mission, and obtain a limited edition enamel pin – perfect souvenirs for their Star Trek adventures.
Beyond the Free Episodes
Star Trek is more than just a series of TV shows and movies; it’s a cultural touchstone that inspires people to think critically about the world around them and work towards a brighter future. Star Trek Day is a celebration of that spirit, bringing together fans from all walks of life to enjoy the franchise’s unique blend of science fiction, adventure, and social commentary.
This year’s celebration goes beyond just free episodes; it’s a platform to encourage fans to engage with social issues and inspire them to make a positive impact on their community. Whether you’re a long-time Trekkie or a newcomer to the galaxy, Star Trek Day offers something for everyone. From the nostalgia of free classic episodes to the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, Star Trek Day invites you to boldly go – even if just for a day.
