If you loved
Star Trek: Lower Decks
Mike McMahan · Series · 2020
What hooked you in Star Trek: Lower Decks was the irreverent, ensemble-driven perspective on the absurdity that hides behind professional duty and institutional bureaucracy.
Start with the source
The source
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Gene Roddenberry · Series · 1987
Adaptation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Rick Berman · Series · 1993
Adaptation
Star Trek: Voyager
Jeri Taylor · Series · 1995
Books on the same thread
Redshirts
John Scalzi · Book · 2012
Shares 2 threads with Star Trek: Lower Decks: Bureaucracy, Satire.
If the bureaucratic absurdity of Star Trek: Lower Decks resonated with you, this metafictional exploration of expendable ensigns questioning their reality offers a similarly sharp, satirical look at ship life.
Films on the same thread
Galaxy Quest
Dean Parisot · Film · 1999
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Lower Decks: Space Opera Parody.
Much like Star Trek: Lower Decks, this film deconstructs beloved science fiction tropes with a comedic lens, highlighting the chaotic, human side of those who navigate the vastness of space.
Star Trek Beyond
Justin Lin · Film · 2016
Explores: Enemies to allies, Survival against overwhelming odds, Federation ideals tested.
While more serious in tone, the focus on the deep-rooted bonds of a found family navigating high-stakes survival mirrors the central heart of the ensigns in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Don't Look Up
Adam McKay · Film · 2021
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Lower Decks: Satire.
The biting satire of institutional ineptitude in this film will appeal to anyone who enjoyed watching the crew of Star Trek: Lower Decks contend with the failures of Starfleet leadership.
Steven Universe: The Movie
Film · 2019
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Lower Decks: Friendship.
Fans of the character-focused growth found in Star Trek: Lower Decks will appreciate this story, which balances galaxy-spanning stakes with the intimate, personal development of a close-knit group of friends.
Podcasts on the same thread
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Explores: parasocial relationships, professional intimacy, self-deprecating humor.
The self-deprecating humor and focus on professional dynamics seen in Star Trek: Lower Decks are mirrored here, as the host explores the awkward, intimate reality of his own workplace relationships.
The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Dan Le Batard, Stugotz · Podcast · 2026
Explores: sports media satire, local sports culture, irreverent commentary.
If you enjoyed the irreverent, meta-commentary style of Star Trek: Lower Decks, you will appreciate how this show uses humor to deconstruct its own industry and the culture surrounding it.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Star Trek: Lower Decks set during the same era as Star Trek: The Next Generation?
Yes, Star Trek: Lower Decks takes place in the year 2380. This timeline follows the events depicted in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager, focusing on the support crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos rather than the bridge officers.
Do I need to watch Star Trek: The Next Generation before starting Star Trek: Lower Decks?
While Star Trek: Lower Decks functions as a standalone show about the support crew of the U.S.S. Cerritos, it contains many references to Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager that are more rewarding if you are familiar with those series.
How does Star Trek: Lower Decks differ from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?
Star Trek: Lower Decks centers on the comedic lives of support crew members serving on the U.S.S. Cerritos in 2380. In contrast, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine focuses on the complex political and social dynamics of a space station, offering a different tone than the episodic anomalies of the Cerritos.
Does Star Trek: Lower Decks feature the same ships as Star Trek: Voyager?
No, Star Trek: Lower Decks is set on the U.S.S. Cerritos, a ship described as one of Starfleet's least important vessels. Star Trek: Voyager features a different ship and crew, though both series exist within the same overarching science fiction universe established by the franchise.