What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedStar Trek: Strange New Worlds
Jenny Lumet · Series · 2022
If you loved Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, start with Star Trek Beyond (Justin Lin, 2016) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds across media.
What hooked you in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was the way high-stakes interstellar diplomacy balances against deep, personal character exploration.
Books on the same thread
The Star Trek Encyclopedia
Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda, Debbie Mirek · Book · 1994
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Space Exploration.
Just as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds expands the history of the Enterprise, this encyclopedia provides the essential context needed to appreciate the vast lore behind the Federation.
The Three-Body Problem
Cixin Liu · Book
Explores: Existential threat, Technological singularity, Societal collapse.
This narrative mirrors the tension in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds when facing existential threats, forcing you to consider the complex moral consequences of first contact with aliens.
The Red Rover: Contingence
C. E. Whitaker, 3rd · Book · 2021
Shares 2 threads with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Space Opera, Exploration Sci-Fi.
If you enjoyed the mission-based episodic structure of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, you will appreciate this focus on exploration and the collaborative planning required for survival missions.
Sea of Tranquility
Emily St · Book
Explores: temporal paradox, simulation theory, existential dread.
Much like the philosophical episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, this story forces you to grapple with how individual choices ripple through time and affect the wider universe.
Films on the same thread
Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Robert Wise · Film · 1979
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Space Opera.
This film shares the sense of wonder found in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, centering on the crew's intellectual approach to encountering mysterious, advanced entities within the deep cosmos.
Star Trek Beyond
Justin Lin · Film · 2016
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Space Opera.
The focus on found family and testing Federation ideals in this film echoes the core emotional journey of the crew members aboard the ship in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Nicholas Meyer · Film · 1982
Shares a thread with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Space Opera.
Fans of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds will recognize the high-stakes tactical decision-making and the weight of command that defined the legendary history of the original Enterprise crew.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
Film · 1991
Shares 2 threads with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Diplomacy, Space Opera.
Mirroring the diplomatic intrigue of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, this story explores the complexities of overcoming deep-seated prejudice to maintain peace between long-standing interstellar rivals.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
This audio drama captures the spirit of survival and emotional connection found in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, placing characters in harsh environments that test their humanity and resilience.
The Preamble
Sharon McMahon · Podcast · 2026
Explores: Critical thinking, Media literacy, Civic engagement.
Much like the diplomatic debates in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, this podcast dissects the complex issues shaping our future, encouraging the critical thinking necessary for effective leadership.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Star Trek: Strange New Worlds set before the original series?
Yes, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds follows Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One during the years that took place before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise to explore new worlds around the galaxy.
Who are the main characters in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?
The main characters featured in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One. The series chronicles their missions as they explore the galaxy on the U.S.S. Enterprise.
What is the primary focus of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds focuses on the voyages of the U.S.S. Enterprise crew as they explore new worlds around the galaxy. The narrative centers on Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One during their time serving together before Captain Kirk takes command.
Does Star Trek: Strange New Worlds feature Captain Kirk?
No, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is set in the years before Captain Kirk boarded the U.S.S. Enterprise. The show instead focuses on the command and crew of Captain Christopher Pike, Science Officer Spock, and Number One as they explore the galaxy.