A Comprehensive Guide to the Longest Episodes in Star Trek
A Comprehensive Guide to the Longest Episodes in Star Trek
When it comes to viewing the entirety of the Star Trek franchise, knowing the lengths of its episodes can be both intriguing and a bit daunting. This article delves into the longest episodes of Star Trek and calculates the total viewing time for the entire franchise as it was aired. From the original series to the most recent production, we will explore the depth and length of each episode, including the marathon binge-watch time for dedicated fans.
Longest Episode of Star Trek
The longest episode of Star Trek is not a single episode but several, depending on the series and the arrangement. While many Star Trek episodes typically run about 45 minutes, the longest recorded episodes are in multiple parts. The original Star Trek series featured the two-part episode "The Menagerie," which was the only multi-part episode in the original series.
In the Voyager and The Next Generation series, multiple two-part episodes were common, appearing at the end of one season and the beginning of the next. However, the longest overall would be the three-part "Expandium," consisting of two parts at the end of Season Six of Deep Space Nine and one at the beginning of Season Seven.
Total Viewing Time for Star Trek Franchise
A recent analysis estimates that it would take approximately 23 days straight (556 hours) to watch all of the television episodes and movies in the Star Trek franchise as they were aired on television or released in the theaters. This calculation does not include directors cuts, added scenes, remastered episodes, or any other modifications. However, it excludes commercials, which can significantly increase the overall time spent watching.
Below is the detailed breakdown of the total viewing time for each series:
Television Series
Series Total Episodes Duration per Episode (minutes) Total Minutes Total Hours The Original Series 79 50 3950 65.83 The Animated Series 22 23 506 8.43 The Next Generation 178 44 7832 130.53 Deep Space Nine 176 43 7568 126.13 Voyager 172 43 7396 123.27 Enterprise 98 42 4116 68.6 Discovery 11 45 495 8.25Movies
Title Duration (minutes) The Motion Picture 132 Wrath of Khan 112 Search for Spock 105 The Voyage Home 122 The Final Frontier 106 The Undiscovered Country 110 Generations 118 First Contact 111 Insurrection 103 Nemesis 116 Star Trek 2009 127 Into Darkness 133 Beyond 122These impressive numbers highlight the incredible depth of the Star Trek franchise, from the original series to the latest production. For fans, this is more than just a marathon binge-watch; it's a journey through the history and evolution of a beloved science fiction series.
Note: The figures above exclude special episodes, remastered versions, and directors' cuts, but they give a comprehensive overview of the series' original airdates and theatrical releases.
Conclusion
From The Menagerie to the sweeping three-parter "Expandium," the Star Trek franchise has consistently produced long-form episodes that keep fans engaged for hours. Understanding the lengths of these episodes provides not only a sense of scale but also a deeper appreciation for the intricate storytelling and character development that define the series.