You know how they say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, the same could be said about Star Trek: Voyager. Once criticized and considered the black sheep of the Star Trek family, this series has made a shocking comeback that has even the harshest critics raising an eyebrow. We’re sure when the show first launched, no one could’ve predicted that years down the line, Voyager would rival The Next Generation in the streaming world.
But here we are—looking at this once-dismissed piece of sci-fi history in a whole new light. It’s like taking a second glance at a movie you hated at first and suddenly realizing it’s a hidden gem. And trust us, that’s exactly what’s happened with Voyager.
Back in the day, Voyager was a tough sell to hardcore fans. It had the first female captain, a darker tone, and a vibe that left many Trek purists shaking their heads.
Star Trek: Voyager’s unexpected streaming success
Let’s talk numbers. We mean, who doesn’t love a good stat to back up the hype? In 2017, Netflix dug into its treasure trove of data and discovered something jaw-dropping: Star Trek: Voyager episodes were popping up everywhere (via Business Insider). And not just any episodes—six Voyager episodes landed in Netflix’s top ten most-watched list, alongside The Next Generation.
This wasn’t just a one-off, either. We’re talking about episodes that have had fans hooked and coming back for more, year after year. Why? Well, let’s give credit where it’s due—Voyager brought in some of the most memorable characters and storylines in Star Trek history, like the indomitable Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) and the sinister Borg. These two elements alone have solidified Voyager’s place in the hearts of Trekkies old and new.
Episodes like Endgame, the heart-wrenching two-parter Scorpion, and The Gift are a testament to the lasting appeal of this series. So while some fans might have turned their noses up at it, Voyager has quietly become the show you never knew you needed to binge-watch again.
A controversial beginning: The pilot episode no one wanted
It’s no secret that Voyager started with a bit of controversy, and we’re not just talking about the Star Trek purists who couldn’t handle the show’s bold direction. The pilot episode had a rather unexpected and controversial link to a right-wing politician, which co-showrunner Jeri Taylor later distanced herself from.
The pilot was supposed to be the launchpad for this bold new chapter in the Star Trek saga, but the political connections left some fans with a bad taste in their mouths. Regardless, what was meant to be a misstep didn’t stop Voyager from finding its footing—and eventually, its place in the hearts of a new generation of fans.
Star Trek: Voyager teaches us an important lesson. Sometimes, the road less traveled—filled with controversy, bold choices, and unexpected turns—is the one that leads to greatness.
Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: The Next Generation are streaming on Paramount+.
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