Today marks fifty-five years since the birth of a science fiction franchise that has captured the imaginations of millions around the globe. Tonight (Sept. 8), we're celebrating "Star Trek" with a panel discussion and other online activities.
The original episode of Star Trek: The Original Series debuted on September 8, 1966. It introduced the world to Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Spock, and their crew as they explored the galaxy aboard the USS Enterprise. The show, which was cancelled after three seasons of production, was revived by Gene Roddenberry. There are now 13 films and at most 10 series.
The two-hour Star Trek Day celebration will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PDT/0030 GMT). It will be held at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California. There are several ways to watch the event live: You can stream it at StarTrek.com/Day as well as on Paramount+'s streaming service and Paramount+’s Twitch channel. The night will be capped off by a live orchestra, led by Jeff Russo (composer of the themes for Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard).
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Star Trek Day 2021 will be celebrated by Paramount+ to celebrate 55 years of Star Trek and the 100th anniversary of Gene Roddenberry, creator of the franchise. Image credit: Parmount+
Trek representatives released a statement saying that they would like to invite you to join Mica Burton and Wil Wheaton for more than two hours of live streaming panels and programming. This will allow you to reunite the creative minds and iconic cast members from all 10 Star Trek series as they reunite in person in celebration of 55 years of Star Trek. The programming will include legacy moments featuring iconic cast members digging into Star Trek stories from decades past. A special Roddenberry Legacy panel will also be held in celebration of Gene Roddenberry's 100th birthday.
StarTrek.com has a description of tonight's panels.
"Star Trek: Prodigy", Voice Cast Panel to Include Dee Bradley Baker, Brett Gray, Kevin Hageman, Dan Hageman, Executive Producers, and Ben Hibon, Co-executive Producer/Director.
Dee Bradley Baker, Brett Gray, Dee Bradley Baker and Dan Hageman will be part of the voice cast panel. Ben Hibon is co-executive director/producer. "Star Trek: Discovery": Cast panel with stars Wilson Cruz, Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander and co-showrunner/executive producer Michelle Paradise.
Cast panel with stars Wilson Cruz, Blu del Barrio, Ian Alexander and co-showrunner/executive producer Michelle Paradise. "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds": Cast panel with stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck and co-showrunners/executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Meyers.
Cast panel with stars Anson Mount, Rebecca Romijn, Ethan Peck and co-showrunners/executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Meyers. "Star Trek: Lower Decks: Cast panel featuring stars Nol Wells and Eugene Cordero, as well as Mike McMahan, series creator.
Cast panel with Nol Wells, Eugene Cordero, and Mike McMahan, series creator. "Star Trek: Picard": Series panel with stars Patrick Stewart, Jeri Ryan, co-showrunner/executive producer Akiva Goldsman and a live performance from Isa Briones singing "Blue Skies" from the "Picard" season one finale.
Series panel with stars Patrick Stewart, Jeri Ryan, co-showrunner/executive producer Akiva Goldsman and a live performance from Isa Briones singing "Blue Skies" from the "Picard" season one finale. Roddenberry Legacy Panel: Gene Roddenberry’s son Rod Roddenberry will be discussing his father's legacy with Gates McFadden, Levar Burton, and George Takei from "Star Trek: The Original Series".
Gene Roddenberry's son Rod Roddenberry will be discussing his father's legacy with Gates McFadden, Levar Burton and George Takei from "Star Trek: The Next Generation". Legacy Moments: Tonight's livestream will include moments from Trek's history, including Cirroc Lofton (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine); Anthony Montgomery (Star Trek: Enterprise); Garrett Wang (Star Trek: Voyager); George Takei (Star Trek: The Original Series); and Levar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation).
Paramount+ and the Roddenberry Foundation are also working together to raise funds for organizations that support equality, justice, and the arts and innovations through its #StarTrekUnitedGives campaign. The streaming service and foundation will donate $1 for each person who tweets using the #StarTrekUnitedGives hashtag Sept. 8.
Representatives wrote that Paramount+ and Roddenberry Foundation have also joined forces to launch a global campaign to get fans involved in honoring Gene Roddenberry's legacy.
Don't worry if you can't make it to tonight's Star Trek Day celebration. Paramount+ will have replays available on YouTube and Paramount+ afterward.
Tariq Malik can be reached at tmalik@space.com, or on Twitter @tariqjmalik. Follow us @Spacedotcom on Facebook and Instagram.
