Before becoming a sci-fi hit, Star Trek: The Next Generation was rejected by almost every major network

When Star Trek: The Next Generation first aired in 1987, it was one of the best-ever sci-fi television programs. Its lofty philosophical content, rich characters, and record-setting special effects didn’t merely revive the Star Trek franchise but successfully redefined science fiction television programming. But its road to production was no day at the beach.

Although the increased popularity of the original Star Trek show—particularly through syndicated reruns and box office performance of Star Trek movies—did not convince major American networks that they should invest in a new generation of the show, the notion of introducing The Next Generation onto the scene without legendary characters such as Captain Kirk and Spock was too risky for network executives to bet on. The absence of familiar faces raised doubts about whether audiences would embrace an entirely new crew. As a result, the networks ultimately passed on what would become a groundbreaking chapter in sci-fi television.

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Spurned by ABC, CBS, and NBC: A surprise twist

In the mid-1980s, the concept was created by Paramount Television to revive the Star Trek franchise for a new generation of audiences. The new series would be set decades after the original and involve a new crew aboard a new USS Enterprise. Gene Roddenberry, creator of the original series, was recruited to spearhead the new venture.

Paramount shopped Star Trek: The Next Generation to the three largest American broadcast networks of the time—ABC, CBS, and NBC. To everyone’s shock, they all passed. This was no small discouragement; this meant that the major distribution channels that dominated television programming at the time would not underwrite the new franchise.

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Familiar franchise, unfamiliar formula

Part of the reason the networks were apprehensive was that the new show had a completely new cast. Although the original Star Trek had established strong identification with characters such as Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, The Next Generation was programmed to carry on without them. Networks were unsure whether audiences would accept a new captain—Jean-Luc Picard—along with a new crew.

There was also fear that the franchise, though popular in reruns and specialty niches, lacked the wide mainstream popularity required by advertisers and prime-time slots. From a business point of view, the show simply seemed a risk.

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Why the rejection? Key factors behind the networks' decisions

First-run syndication: A risky distribution model

The major reason why the networks scrapped The Next Generation was its distribution method. Instead of airing on one network, the show was structured for first-run syndication—a system whereby the studio sells the program outright to local stations as opposed to a national broadcast network.

This approach was extremely unproven for one-hour, scripted, big-budget drama series in syndication at that time. Syndication was employed mainly by most stations to show reruns, not to launch ambitious new franchises. Networks were hesitant about whether such a format could support a show with the amount and quality of Star Trek financially.

The Original series had mixed ratings

Although Star Trek: The Original Series is today regarded as a science fiction classic, in its initial run between 1966 and 1969, it was not a ratings powerhouse. It struggled to find network support and was eventually canceled after three years on the air. Although it became a huge phenomenon in syndication throughout the 1970s and gave birth to a successful film franchise, its checkered television past continued to place its legitimacy in the minds of network executives in doubt.

To them, Star Trek was a cult hit, not a proven prime-time success. That perception fueled the networks’ conservative approach.

Paramount's gamble: Breaking with network support

Instead of scrapping the show, Paramount Television opted for the first-run syndication route. This approach provided them with more control over the content and chances to market the show to hundreds of local stations nationwide. By avoiding the conventional networks, Paramount guaranteed The Next Generation would still find its way onto a national stage, without having to ask a single gatekeeper network for permission.

It was a risk, but one that would eventually pay off. The series debuted on September 28, 1987, and more than 200 television stations in the United States broadcast the debut episode. The syndication plan succeeded especially well because it permitted stations to broadcast the show in prime-time slots acceptable to their specific markets.

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A slow start, then growing momentum

Although the pilot season was disappointing, the show found its niche over time. As the show finished each successive season, The Next Generation improved in its storytelling, production value, and viewership. By the time it ended in 1994, the series had received critical praise, ratings success, and a few Emmy Awards. It not only revived enthusiasm for the Star Trek franchise but also laid down the groundwork for future shows such as Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise.

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The legacy of a rejected idea

In retrospect, ABC, CBS, and NBC’s failure to pick up Star Trek: The Next Generation seems myopic. The program turned out to be a colossal box-office and critical success. Most critically, it redefined syndication as an acceptable vehicle for original programming in the television universe’s psyche.

If any of the networks had been interested in picking up the show, they could have basked in the glory and popularity that came from its decades-long run. They instead missed the chance to be a part of one of the longest-running television franchises in history.

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A turning point in TV history

The first rejection of The Next Generation is a sign of where innovation begins: with resistance. The success of the show in syndication redefined television’s model for distribution and demonstrated that high-quality, serialized programming didn’t require the blessing of the networks to succeed.

Working outside the box, Star Trek: The Next Generation not only survived initial rejection but also helped create a blueprint for how the business would grow.

Also read: I believe that the upcoming Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is the perfect tribute to the Star Trek icon