September 28th, 2007, was the 20th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation. After nearly twenty years of absence from prime-time television, Gene Roddenberry's optimistic vision for humanity's future returned, igniting the imaginations and passions of fans around the world. Here at Showbits, we commemorated that historic premiere with a full week of essays, reflections, and analyses:
- T-Minus One Week and Counting
Happy birthday to Sputnik, and how it inspired Gene Roddenberry. - To Everything, There Is a Season
Seven seasons, 176 episodes — which one is your favorite? - Where, Oh Where, Has My Little Spock Gone?
Peter Watson grew up in Australia with the original Star Trek. He reflects on his expectations for TNG and how it came not to replace, but complement, its predecessor. - The Human Condition
Star Trek has always been about diversity — yet on the bridge of the Enterprise-D, we find the best of humanity in one person. - The Voyage Continues
GeneD. looks back at the state of science fiction twenty years ago, and the challenges The Next Generation faced and overcame. - But Don't Take My Word For It
LeVar Burton takes viewers of Reading Rainbow behind the scenes of his "other" show. - A Good Day to Die
A look at the group for whom TNG heralded the most change with hope for life and prosperity.