The Story Behind the Lack of a Sequel to Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation, or TNG as it is commonly known, was a groundbreaking science fiction series that captivated audiences in the 1980s and 1990s. However, one question has lingered in the minds of many Trekkies: why was there no sequel to TNG?

Why There Was No Direct Sequel to TNG

For some viewers, particularly those who are younger than 30, the question of a sequel to TNG seems puzzling. After all, TV shows typically lack direct sequels, as they often spawn spin-offs instead. This is exactly what happened with TNG. TNG was initially a spin-off of the original Star Trek series, also known as Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS). TNG in turn spawned its own spin-off, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9).

TNG and DS9: A Closely Linked Universe

Some argue that DS9 is a direct spin-off of TNG. While this may seem surprising initially, the first episode of DS9 does indeed reference events from TNG. For instance, the episode opens with a scene from the Battle of Wolf 359, where the Borg are featured prominently. Additionally, later episodes feature numerous TNG characters, including Q and Gowron. Furthermore, DS9 also introduced significant recurring characters from the TNG universe, such as Worf, the Cardassians, the Bajorans, the Trill, the Ferengi, and even the Maquis. This connectivity is further demonstrated in that both Picard and Main Character Sisko interacted with each other. Picard even visits DS9 in several episodes, including one where he meets Commander Miles O'Brien, who eventually transfers from the Enterprise to DS9.

Films and Further Expansions

It is also worth noting that the TNG cast appeared in four films, including Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Insurrection (1998), Nemesis (1999), and Generations (1994). Additional Star Trek series, such as Deep Space Nine (DS9), Star Trek Voyager (VOY), and Star Trek Enterprise (ENT), were premiered after TNG, further expanding the TNG universe.

Treasury and Canon in Star Trek

Interestingly, the franchise's timeline is quite complex, with several series and films creating a rich and intertwining narrative. However, it would be incorrect to assume that TNG did not have any successors. After the Enterprise franchise wrapped in 2005, it took the franchise 12 years before the Star Trek film series was revived in 2009, followed by the ongoing Star Trek: Picard series, which features Jean-Luc Picard, a central character from TNG.

The True Sequel: Star Trek: Picard

Currently, Star Trek: Picard provides the true sequel to TNG in which many of the original cast members return, alongside new characters and storylines that seamlessly connect back to TNG. This ongoing series continues to expand on the universe that TNG created, continuously engaging fans and introducing new elements to the beloved franchise.

Therefore, the lack of a direct sequel to TNG is not due to poor ratings or lack of demand, but rather the choice to develop the franchise in a different manner, creating a rich tapestry of interconnecting stories and characters.