The Best Of Star Trek 2022

It’s that time of year again! And what a time it is to be a Star Trek fan; 2022 was the biggest year for Trek TV since the 1990s. It brought us 51 new episodes of animated and live-action Trek spread across all five of the current Paramount+ original series, something none of us could have imagined even a mere ten years ago.

Continuing a tradition, TrekMovie’s editors and contributors have taken a look back at the last twelve months and picked out the Star Trek highlights, celebrating the products, episodes, moments, and more that made this past year special. For your perusing pleasure, we present The Best of Star Trek 2022.

Best Season – Strange New Worlds season 1

When looking at seasons as a whole, the debut of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds rises above the rest. The show delivered on its promise to bring back the optimistic tone and episodic style of classic Trek while incorporating complex modern storytelling techniques and character development. Season one of Strange New Worlds honored a core of canon characters and expanded on them to create a rich fascinating ensemble. Even as the show drew on nostalgia it was still willing to take risks with a mix of different styles and even genres.  – Anthony Pascale

Best Live-Action Episode – Picard “The Star Gazer”

The second season of Picard overstayed its time travel welcome in contemporary Los Angeles, so it’s easy to forget just how powerfully the season began. “The Star Gazer” recalibrated the series to deliver on its promise as an exploration of the titular character woven into an intriguing and action-packed story populated by the show’s new ensemble of characters. The season debut got the balance right with callbacks, including John de Lancie as Q along with Whoopi Goldberg as Guinan, both of whom were key to the story. “The Star Gazer” is a rare Picard episode that stands well on its own, but it also dovetails perfectly with the strong alt-universe follow-up “Penance.” Unfortunately, the rest of the season didn’t live up to this promise, but the good news is “The Star Gazer” co-writer Terry Matalas was given a free hand as showrunner for the upcoming third season.  – Anthony Pascale

Best Animated Episode – Prodigy “Time Amok”

Lower Decks and Prodigy both have multiple contenders for this one, making it an agonizing choice. For the sake of picking a standalone(ish) episode vs. one in the serialized thick of things, it’s Prodigy‘s “Time Amok,” which found the Protostar crew divided but united after the ship is fractured in time. With only Hologram Janeway to connect them, each prodigy had to do their part to prevent the ship from exploding AND keep it out of Drednok’s hands at the same time. The heartbreak of Rok’s extended time alone (months? years?) is exceeded only by the joy of the crew’s reunion after she saves the day—and it changes her forever in ways we haven’t even discovered yet. – Laurie Ulster

Best Cameo – George Takei as Sulu (Lower Decks)

There were a lot of them this year, but best of all was in Lower Decks‘ “Crisis Point 2: Paradoxus.” After teasing us with a mailbox emblazoned with the name ‘Kirk,’ the writers had Boimler approach a shadowy figure tending a horse only to find that it was in fact another legendary captain: Sulu. The appearance was George Takei’s first Trek since 1996 (in Voyager’s ‘Flashback’), and it was great seeing him imparting his wisdom on the young ensign, until Boimler spoilt it by fanboying out and getting bitten by Sulu’s horse. – Iain Robertson

Best Use Of Science – Discovery‘s DMA

In its fourth season, Discovery skipped coming up with a traditional “big bad” to focus on a season-long problem that could only be solved by science. While Federation representatives and politicians argued about the best course of action, the Dark Matter Anomaly (coined the “DMA”) continued on its destructive path, impervious, and inspired multiple fan theories. The USS Discovery crew had to put all of their scientific heads together to figure out what the DMA was doing, who built it and where to find them, and how to convince its creators (the fascinating extragalactic Species 10-C) to disable it without a common language. In a season of shaky ground, the crew found stability in one of Star Trek’s most important foundations. – Laurie Ulster

Best Surprise – TNG Cast Reuniting for Picard Season 3

On First Contact Day in April, we were treated to the first teaser for the third and final season of Picard, which revealed that Sir Patrick and Brent Spiner were to be joined by Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, and Marina Sirtis for the show’s swan song. The Next Generation cast hasn’t been together onscreen since 2002’s disappointing Nemesis, and Patrick Stewart has repeatedly asserted that his Next Generation castmates would only appear on Picard if there was a compelling story reason for them to appear, so the revelation that the one-time Enterprise crew would be reuniting for a proper sendoff sent our excitement levels through the roof. – Iain Robertson

Best Convention Moment – Lower Decks Cast Cosplaying at Mission: Chicago

2022 was a big year for live in-person conventions and events across the globe, but one moment stood out: At ReedPop’s Star Trek: Mission convention in Chicago in April, four members of the cast of Star Trek: Lower Decks delighted the crowd by appearing in costume as their own characters. The idea stemmed from a promise (or dare) that started on social media in 2021 with Jack Quaid promising to dress as Brad Boimler—complete with purple hair—at the next official Star Trek convention. Joining him were Tawny Newsome (Mariner), Noël Wells (Tendi), and Jerry O’Connell (Ransom) for a great panel where they shared their own love of the show along with some fun teases for the upcoming third season.  – Anthony Pascale

Best Novel – TOS: Harm’s Way by David Mack

The best Star Trek novel of the year just came out in mid-December, and it’s the Original Series adventure Harm’s Way, by David Mack. All the Trek novels this year have been excellent, but Mack channels just the right mix of excitement, humanity, fun, and philosophy to make this a note-perfect Trek adventure. While Kirk faces off against Kang in an orbital cat-and-mouse game, Spock must ally with Kang’s wife Mara on the planet below to confront one of the deadliest enemies either Starfleet or the Klingon Empire have ever faced. – Dénes House

Best Non-Fiction Book – The Star Trek Cookbook by Chelsea Monroe-Cassel

One of the most fun books to flip through this year, Chelsea Monroe-Cassel’s The Star Trek Cookbook has recipes from across the franchise, starting with The Original Series and touching on every series up to Lower Decks. Packed with gorgeous photos, the book includes recipes for Plomeek Soup. Bunnicorn Sausage and even Spatchcocked Tribble, among others from across the galaxy. While the book was done before the food-rich Strange New Worlds premiered, it’s still chock-full of culinary gems, with visuals to amuse even the Star Trek fans who don’t cook. The author is a huge Star Trek fan, and it shows in every page. – Laurie Ulster

Best Comic Miniseries – Lower Decks

If you can’t wait until the next season of of the animated comedy, look no further than this three-issue Star Trek: Lower Decks mini series from IDW. Packed to the nacelles with Trek easter eggs, callbacks, and holodeck malfunctions, Lower Decks #1-3 was a faithful spin-off/adaptation? of the Paramount+ original animated series. The writing is superb, the art is faithful, and most of all, it’s funny. Like, really funny. Oh, did I mention it also has DRACULA? What’s not to love? – Joe Andosca

Best Individual Comic Issue – Star Trek #1

While we loved Lower Decks as a comic mini-series, there was no better single issue than Star Trek #1 from IDW. The latest ongoing series from the writers of last year’s best comic issue (the Star Trek: Year Five finale) brings Sisko back from the Celestial Temple, teaming him up with a mix of old and new characters from across the Trek universe, Avengers-style. It’s such a massive story that it is set to spawn at least one already announced spinoff. If you ever wondered what it would be like to have Montgomery Scott be Ben Sisko’s chief engineer, look no further than Star Trek #1.  – Joe Andosca

Best Home Video Release – TMP “The Complete Adventure”

Without a doubt, the best home video release this year was “The Complete Adventure” boxed set for Star Trek: The Motion Picture – Director’s Edition. It’s rather amazing that the DE was able to be re-created in 4K at all, so getting this on disc, plus the theatrical edition, plus (a set exclusive) 4K version of the “Special Longer Version” is quite something. Also in the box were some reproductions of swag from 1979 and a booklet about the making of TMP and the DE. In the US, the boxed set size was a bit underwhelming, with everything reproduced smaller than one might expect. The UK boxed set was nicer, with full-sized bumper stickers, and it contained more discs too; it included the theatrical and director’s edition on both 4k and standard Blu-rays. Regardless of swag quibbles, 2022 was for sure the year of The Motion Picture. – Matt Wright

Best High-End Collectible – EXO-6 Mirror Sulu 1/6 Figure

Following their impressive 2021 debut, EXO-6 has only got better as they expanded their line of 1/6 Star Trek figures in 2022, and it’s the Mirror Sulu release that stands out the most. EXO-6’s likenesses have ranged from good to stellar but none so far have so flawlessly captured not just the appearance of an actor or even the essence of a character (both of which Mirror Sulu does magnificently), but also an iconic moment from the original series—you can practically hear the Gerald Fried music cue playing. Mirror Sulu shows how EXO-6 is more than willing to take on some of the less-explored corners of the Trek universe, and no doubt will explore even more strange new worlds in 2023. – Jeff Bond

Best Budget Collectible – Playmates TOS Phaser

2022 was a pretty good year for affordable collectibles, but the return of Playmates Toys to the franchise is a highlight. While it is hard to pick, the Star Trek: The Original Series Phaser Replica stands out because it is just such a fun tactile thing. It’s a toy you can play with it and pretend to warm up rocks or stun your kitten. It’s not a high-end replica meant to stay in a box or be displayed on a shelf. Priced at just $30 (and often available for less at some retailers) the TOS phaser is meant to be played with, to spark your imagination. And for that it is perfect. – Neil Shurley

Best Fun Comic Shop Find – Gorn Plush

While we wait for more merchandise to come out featuring our favorite new Trek adventures, there is no shortage of legacy merch to keep us happy. Sometimes it feels like you’ve seen everything: the same posters, action figures, tees, and decorative plates that can be found at nerd shops and cons the world over. It’s that one cute little surprise that you’ve never seen that can be such a delight. Featuring the likeness of the legacy Gorn (the one that fought Kirk in “Arena”), this 2022 Phunny Plush 8” Gorn from KidRobot caught my eye at my local comic book shop, and I just had to take him home with me. – Kayla Iacovino

Best Apparel – Hero Within: Custom Tactical Heavy Jacket

Outside of the ubiquitous T-shirts and hats, it’s hard to find something to wear that shows off your fandom without veering into cosplay, but that is exactly the kind of thing that lifestyle brand Hero Within does with their motto “We understand geeks.” In 2022, they added a new item to their Star Trek line: the Starfleet Custom Tactical Heavy Jacket. Available in sizes from small to 4XL and priced at $150, this jacket offers fans a way to show off their Trek in a subtle way, including choosing from a number of different Star Trek name patches, shoulder patches, and zipper pulls. There is even a hidden flap for your choice of delta pin. The jacket has been selling out at various conventions over the year but is available to order at their official site. – Anthony Pascale

Best Podcast – Enterprise Incidents

Taking the deepest of dives, Enterprise Incidents co-hosts Scott Mantz and Steve Morris just wrapped up covering every single episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, approaching the show as if it were serialized instead of episodic. In addition to their well-informed, detailed, and amusing commentary, Scott and Steve have had some amazing OG guests like actress Susan Howard (Mara on “Day of the Dove”), co-writer Judy Burns (“The Tholian Web”), and best of all, director Ralph Senensky, who remembers the shows he helmed in incredible detail. (Definitely start with his episodes if you’re new to the podcast.) Next, they’re tackling The Animated Series.  – Laurie Ulster

Best Meme – Verified Rikers

Social media is bursting with memes. This year we laughed at creative Spirit Halloween costume parodies as well as mashups of Star Trek with other popular franchises.  With all the hoopla over Twitter the last few months, we’ve picked this one as our favorite for the year.  – Christine Rideout

Best Fan Social Account –  @gaghyogi49 (Jörg Hillebrand)

If you’ve spotted something in a Star Trek episode—any Star Trek episode of any era—that looks familiar, the guy who can help you out is on Twitter (and Mastodon). Jörg Hillebrand’s tweets are always positive—he never poops on your Trek of choice—and full of detailed information about sets, ships, backgrounds, props, control panels and more, connecting the dots from each show to the others. Star Trek professionals like Mike Okuda and Dave Blass frequently chime in to fill in any details that pique his curiosity. Well worth a follow. – Laurie Ulster

#StarTrekProdigy's "Masquerade" features the Son'a emblem ↖️ and the Suliban emblem ↙️ for the first time in a very long time. The emblems were introduced in "Star Trek: Insurrection"↗️ and #StarTrekENT ("The Expanse"↘️) respectively. pic.twitter.com/BnAAliBzgf

— Jörg Hillebrand (@gaghyogi49) November 30, 2022

Best Fan Content – Voyager: The Animated Series Trailer

One of the delights of Star Trek is seeing the creativity of the fans sharing their love with fan fiction, art, video, mashups, and more. Our favorite from 2022 comes from Justin and Lindsay Lee of Canada’s Gazelle Automations, who took highlights from Star Trek: Voyager’s notorious “Threshold” and animated them in the classic Filmation style of Star Trek: The Animated Series. A follow-up to their previously impressive TNG as TAS video, the more ambitious Voyager: The Animated Series video is a perfectly hilarious homage to both shows. – Anthony Pascale

Best Celebrity Moment – LeVar Burton’s Lifetime Achievement Award

At the inaugural Children and Family Emmy Awards (which included one nomination and one award for Star Trek: Prodigy), the event’s first Lifetime Achievement Award went to LeVar Burton for his contributions to Reading Rainbow as well as his decades of work as a literacy advocate. In his powerful acceptance speech—in which he cited Alex Haley, Gene Roddenberry, and Fred Rogers as his inspirations—Burton pointed out that just a few generations ago, it would have been illegal for him to read at all, making his role as an acknowledged champion of children’s literacy especially meaningful.  – Laurie Ulster

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Best William Shatner Moment – Rob Zombie cover

Star Trek’s William Shatner is in a category of his own and 2022 was a busy year for Bill; at 91, he’s shown no signs of slowing down. With a new book and numerous TV and convention appearances already under his belt, he stopped by The Howard Stern Show to record a cover version of the radio host’s theme song, Rob Zombie’s “The Great American Nightmare.” Not only did Howard and co-host Robin Quivers love Shatner’s version, but Zombie called the cover “the highlight of my very bizarre career.” You can check it out below, but a warning: There are some colorful metaphors used. – Joe Andosca

What’s your best of 2022

Sound off in the comments below to let us and other fans know what you think of our list. Don’t forget to tell us what your favorites were this year, and feel free to suggest categories we didn’t include.