Ranking every Star Trek series from the worst to the greatest

1. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Often called the “black sheep” of the Star Trek universe, the show taking the top spot on our Star Trek ranking is none other than Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Running from 1993 to 1999, the show had the unfortunate predicament of airing between The Next Generation and Voyager‘s runs, which meant it constantly struggled with ratings and network approval. However, while it may not have earned the highest viewing figures at the time, Deep Space Nine presented the most complex, nuanced, and captivating look at the Star Trek universe that the franchise has ever seen.

Taking place not on a ship, but on a space station (the titular Deep Space Nine), the show follows Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks) as he struggles to maintain order among the hundreds of species that come and go on his station, as well as navigate political turmoil and a crippling war with the fearsome foe known as the Dominion, lead by a race of shapeshifters called the Founders. Like The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine takes a couple of seasons to find its footing, but once it gets going, it never lets up.

Although many fans at the time criticized just how dark and gritty the show got — saying that it contradicted Gene Roddenberry’s vision — most fans today acknowledge that Deep Space Nine achieved a level of serialized storytelling that no other show could. Not only was the overall plot gripping, but each character — Captain Sisko, Major Kira, Doctor Bashir, Commander Dax, Chief O’Brien, Quark, Constable Odo — is layered, morally dubious, and constantly struggling to make tough calls in the midst of wartime. With standout supporting characters like Garak, Gul Dukat, and Weyoun, Deep Space Nine sets the bar for what Star Trek can achieve, and earns the title of best Star Trek show of all time.

What do you think of our rankings? Which Star Trek series do you consider the best? Share your thoughts in the comments below!