10 Star Trek Alternatives To Help Fans Get Their Fix

In recent years, newer entries under Alex Kurtzman have expanded the universe, but reactions have been mixed. Some viewers miss the tone and philosophical depth of earlier series. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of alternatives that capture the same spirit—whether through exploration, moral dilemmas, or richly imagined worlds.

Here are ten excellent Star Trek alternatives to help you get your sci-fi fix.

10. Star Trek Continues

Sometimes the best alternative is more of what you already love—done with care. This fan-made series acts as an unofficial continuation of the original 1960s show, wrapping up the Enterprise’s five-year mission.

What makes it stand out is its dedication to authenticity. From the set design and costumes to the lighting and music, everything is crafted to mirror the classic aesthetic. Even the performances aim to echo the originals, especially the portrayal of Captain Kirk inspired by William Shatner.

More importantly, the series captures the philosophical storytelling that defined early Star Trek, tackling moral dilemmas and cultural encounters with sincerity.

9. Star Trek: Resurgence

If you want to step into the captain’s chair yourself, this narrative-driven game delivers. Set after Star Trek: The Next Generation, it follows two officers aboard the USS Resolute as they navigate a complex diplomatic crisis.

The gameplay focuses on decision-making rather than action. Players must weigh ethical choices, respond under pressure, and deal with competing ideologies—hallmarks of classic Trek storytelling.

It’s essentially an interactive episode where your decisions shape the outcome, making it a perfect fit for fans who love the franchise’s moral depth.

8. The Orville

Created by Seth MacFarlane, The Orville begins as a comedic homage but gradually evolves into something more substantial.

Set aboard a mid-level exploratory vessel, the show follows a diverse crew navigating strange new worlds and ethical dilemmas. While humor is part of its DNA, later seasons lean heavily into the kind of thoughtful storytelling that defined earlier Star Trek series.

Its blend of optimism, character-driven plots, and moral questions makes it one of the closest modern equivalents to classic Trek.

7. Mass Effect

Few games capture the feeling of leading a starship crew as effectively as Mass Effect. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, tasked with uniting a divided galaxy against an existential threat.

The game emphasizes relationships, diplomacy, and cultural understanding. Your crew includes members of different species, each with their own perspectives and histories.

While it includes action, the heart of the experience lies in its branching decisions and ethical dilemmas—very much in line with Star Trek’s core themes.

6. Star Ocean

This long-running RPG series blends space exploration with anime-style storytelling. Set in a universe where humanity is part of a galactic federation, it often follows characters stranded on unfamiliar planets.

A key theme is the ethical challenge of interacting with less advanced civilizations—an idea reminiscent of Star Trek’s Prime Directive. Characters must decide when to intervene and when to step back.

Though more fantastical in tone, Star Ocean explores many of the same questions about responsibility and cultural exchange.

5. Babylon 5

Rather than focusing on exploration, Babylon 5 centers on diplomacy. Set aboard a massive space station, it serves as neutral ground for various alien species following a devastating war.

The series dives deep into politics, alliances, and cultural conflict. Over time, it builds a complex narrative about maintaining peace in a fractured galaxy.

Often compared to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, it offers a more serialized and sometimes darker take on similar themes.

4. Andromeda

Based on an idea by Gene Roddenberry, Andromeda carries forward many of the same ideals.

The story begins after the fall of a once-great interstellar alliance. Captain Dylan Hunt emerges centuries later and sets out to rebuild it, traveling from world to world in search of allies.

While the setting is more chaotic than Star Trek, the mission—restoring unity and cooperation—feels very familiar.

3. Doctor Who

This iconic series offers a different approach to exploration. Instead of a starship crew, it follows the Doctor, a time-traveling alien who journeys across space and history.

Played in recent years by actors like David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker, the Doctor relies on intelligence and empathy rather than force.

The show emphasizes curiosity, compassion, and moral responsibility—values that align closely with Star Trek, even if the format is more whimsical and unpredictable.

2. For All Mankind

This alternate-history drama imagines a world where the space race never ended. Instead, it intensified after the Soviet Union reached the Moon first.

Created by Ronald D. Moore (who also worked on Star Trek), the series explores how competition in space drives technological and social progress.

While grounded in realism, it shares Star Trek’s optimism about humanity’s potential and the unifying power of exploration.

1. Star Control

If you’re looking for a more open-ended experience, Star Control offers a galaxy to explore at your own pace.

Players command a customizable ship, interact with alien species, and shape the outcome of an interstellar conflict. The game emphasizes diplomacy, discovery, and decision-making.

Its sandbox approach captures the essence of Star Trek: charting your own course, meeting new civilizations, and deciding how to engage with them.

Conclusion

While Star Trek remains a cornerstone of science fiction, it’s far from the only place to find its spirit. These alternatives—across television and gaming—explore many of the same ideas: curiosity, cooperation, and the challenge of doing the right thing in a complex universe.

Whether you prefer commanding a starship, negotiating peace between alien species, or traveling through time itself, there’s no shortage of stories ready to take you where no one has gone before.

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