Okay, let's talk about something most newer Star Trek fans might overlook – the animated series from the 70s. I stumbled upon it years ago during a deep dive into vintage sci-fi, expecting cheesy animation and forgettable stories. Boy, was I wrong. This gem from the Filmation studios actually carries the spirit of the original series in ways that might surprise you. If you're hunting for The Animated Series Star Trek details, you've hit the jackpot.
Honestly? The first time I watched "Yesteryear" on a scratchy VHS tape, I got choked up. Didn't expect that from a Saturday morning cartoon. The writing punched way above its weight.
What Exactly Was Star Trek: The Animated Series?
After NBC canceled the original live-action Star Trek in 1969, fans went nuts. Seriously, letter-writing campaigns were the social media outrage of the day. Then, out of nowhere in 1973, NBC decided to bring it back... as a cartoon. Yeah, sounds weird, right? But here's the kicker: The Animated Series Star Trek (sometimes called TAS) reunited almost the entire original cast for voice work. We're talking William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley – the whole gang (except Walter Koenig’s Chekov, cut for budget reasons).
Running for two seasons from 1973-1974, it pumped out 22 episodes on Saturday mornings. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Aspect | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Original Run | September 1973 - October 1974 | Served as direct continuation after TOS cancellation |
| Episodes | 22 episodes (~22 minutes each) | Resolved unfinished TOS plots (e.g., Harry Mudd returns!) |
| Animation Studio | Filmation Associates | Used limited animation but creative alien designs |
| Voice Cast | Original actors (Shatner, Nimoy, etc.) | Preserved character authenticity instantly |
| Canon Status | Debated for years, now mostly accepted | Elements like Spock's childhood incorporated in later films |
Where can you actually watch Star Trek: The Animated Series today? Glad you asked:
- Paramount+: Full series included with subscription (HD remastered)
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for purchase ($29.99 season / $49.99 complete series)
- DVD/Blu-ray: Remastered box sets ($35-$50 range) with bonus features
- YouTube/Google Play: Individual episodes for rent ($2.99 each)
Honestly, the animation quality is definitely dated – characters sometimes glide instead of walk – but you forget about it fast when the stories grab you. It’s like rediscovering lost TOS episodes.
Episodes That Prove This Wasn't Just Kid Stuff
Don't let the cartoon format fool you. The Animated Series Star Trek tackled complex sci-fi concepts live-action couldn't afford in the 60s. Want proof? Check these game-changers:
Essential Animated Trek Episodes
| Episode Title | Season/Episode | Why It Rocks | Canon Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yesteryear | S1E02 | Spock's childhood on Vulcan, pet sehlat I-Chaya | Referenced in ST: Discovery and Strange New Worlds |
| The Slaver Weapon | S1E14 | Based on Larry Niven's Known Space universe | Only episode without Enterprise! |
| The Practical Joker | S2E06 | First holodeck-like "rec room" appearance | Direct precursor to TNG holodecks |
| More Tribbles, More Troubles | S2E05 | Direct sequel to TOS "The Trouble With Tribbles" | Brought back Cyrano Jones and Klingons |
Let's be real – "The Magicks of Megas-Tu" (where they meet Satan in space) is bonkers. Fun, but definitely weird. Proof they experimented more freely in animation.
Why Animated Trek Deserves Your Attention
So why care about a 50-year-old cartoon? Simple: The Animated Series Star Trek fixed real limitations of the original show. Budget constraints on TOS meant:
- Alien worlds often looked like dusty quarries
- Creature designs were rubber-suit basic
- Space visuals reused the same shots repeatedly
Animation blew those doors open. Suddenly we got:
- Truly alien landscapes (floating crystals, neon jungles)
- Bizarre lifeforms (giant sentient plants, energy beings)
- Crazy ship maneuvers (barrel rolls! sharp dives!)
Characters got upgrades too. Uhura finally took command of the bridge sometimes. Sulu got more backstory. And yes, the infamous Sarek's soul in Spock's body episode happened here first!
Canon Conundrum: Is Animated Trek "Real" Star Trek?
This debate raged for decades. Initially, Gene Roddenberry considered it non-canon. But guess what? Modern Trek producers changed that. Key canon adoptions:
- Spock's childhood from "Yesteryear" referenced in multiple films
- Robert April (first Enterprise captain) introduced in TAS, now in Strange New Worlds
- Arex and M'Ress (TAS characters) appeared in IDW comics
Bottom line? Most lore from The Animated Series Star Trek gets treated as canon unless contradicted. It's essential viewing for lore hounds.
Where This Animated Series Fits in Trek History
Without this show, Star Trek might've died in the 70s. Think about it:
- Kept the franchise alive during the dark years post-TOS
- Tested concepts later used in movies and TNG (holodecks, better alien races)
- Proved demand existed for more Trek, paving way for films
Fun fact: It won Star Trek's first Emmy Award (Best Children's Series)! Not bad for a "just a cartoon."
Watch Tip: Skip the laughably bad season 2 episode "The Counter-Clock Incident" first. Seriously. Start with "Yesteryear" or "The Slaver Weapon" to appreciate what TAS does well.
Collecting Physical Media: What's Out There?
Want to own this piece of history? Options abound:
| Format | Release Details | Special Features | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| DVD (2006) | 4-disc set, original audio | Text commentaries, storyboard art | $25-$40 (used) |
| Blu-ray (2016) | HD remastered, 2 discs | Interviews with writers, documentary | $35-$50 new |
| Limited Editions | With art books/lithographs | Rare, sold at conventions | $100+ |
Honestly? The Blu-ray remaster is shockingly good. Colors pop, line art is crisp. Fixes those muddy VHS transfers I suffered through years ago.
Animated Series Characters You Might Not Know
Beyond Kirk and Spock, Star Trek: The Animated Series introduced crew members impossible in live-action 60s TV:
- Arex (Voiced by James Doohan): An orange-skinned Edosian with three arms/legs. Navigation officer.
- M'Ress (Voiced by Majel Barrett): Caitian communications officer (think cat-woman).
- Robert April: Revealed as first captain of Enterprise NCC-1701.
Why does this matter? It expanded the universe visually. Arex couldn't exist as a puppet in live-action – but animation freed designers.
M'Ress always reminded me of trying too hard to be "cool." That purring voice... yeah. Still, groundbreaking for alien diversity.
Your Burning Questions Answered (Animated Trek FAQ)
Is Star Trek: The Animated Series appropriate for kids?
Mostly! It aired Saturday mornings, so violence is tame. But themes get surprisingly mature (e.g., "Yesteryear" deals with childhood trauma). Age 8+ should handle it fine.
Why wasn't Walter Koenig (Chekov) in the animated series?
Budget cuts, plain and simple. NBC only funded six main voice actors. Koenig later wrote a TAS novel to compensate!
How does animation quality hold up today?
Honest talk? It's rough. Limited animation means static shots, recycled sequences. But writers overcompensated with killer stories. Focus on scripts, not visuals.
Did any original series writers work on the animated show?
Absolutely! D.C. Fontana wrote classics like "Yesteryear." Even sci-fi legend Larry Niven contributed "The Slaver Weapon."
Where does this fit in my Star Trek watch order?
Watch it after TOS Season 3. It's the true Season 4 in spirit. References TOS events directly, like the tribble incident.
Why Modern Fans Should Give This Cartoon a Shot
Look, I get it. Watching a Filmation cartoon from 1973 sounds like homework. But The Animated Series Star Trek packs more genuine Trek spirit per minute than some modern seasons. It took wild swings:
- Sending Kirk back in time to ancient Rome
- Facing Greek gods revealed as aliens
- Exploring Spock's emotions deeper than ever
And here's the kicker: episodes are just 22 minutes. Perfect commute viewing. Unlike newer Trek shows, no filler.
So grab some popcorn, forgive the wobbly animation, and let this underrated gem surprise you. It kept the flame alive when Trek almost died. That deserves respect.
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