Star Trek at 50

For 50 years, the Star Trek franchise has made history with its vision of the future. From miniskirts and memes to real-life tech, we're celebrating the little sci-fi show that became an enduring and influential part of our culture.

Stars spill insider tales of epic ad-libs, favorite captains

A dozen former cast members reveal which Trek tech they most want to see in real life and why they think the world's still captivated by the franchise.

By Ian Sherr

How Gates McFadden kept her son from confusing her with Dr. Crusher

The star who played a single mom on TV also had a child during the show's run. Though she's happy with her real son, her fictional one could have used more work.

By Ian Sherr

Nana Visitor loved playing Nerys, but had an unfulfilled Trek wish

The "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" star calls her time on the show an important part of who she is, but says she also finds it hard to watch reruns.

By Ian Sherr

Can you imagine a Star Trek alien that squawks? John Billingsley did

Actor John Billingsley of "Star Trek: Enterprise" talks about creating a new alien race for the show, and why he doesn't have a Facebook account.

By Ian Sherr

Robert Beltran: The Prime Directive is 'fascist crap'

The "Star Trek: Voyager" star had plenty of misgivings about the futuristic ideals his show portrayed. Still, he had a great time playing Chakotay.

By Ian Sherr

Don't call Tim Russ a Trekkie

One of Trek's most prolific actors took a "just a job" approach to his work. Still, his time on the show made him appreciate the importance of science.

By Ian Sherr

Trek turned Robert Picardo into a science nerd

The "Voyager" cast member describes his audition for The Doctor -- and how his years on the show made him a cheerleader for science.

By Ian Sherr

Poking fun at fans made this Questarian value them more

The star of Trek homage "Galaxy Quest" talks about his deep connection to the franchise's biggest followers.

By Ian Sherr

How the cosmos forced Star Trek's Dominic Keating to watch reruns

The "Enterprise" cast member on how fellow Brit Patrick Stewart was a role model, and why he was forced to watch "The Next Generation" over and over.

By Ian Sherr

Jeri Ryan reaaaaally wants a transporter

How playing a character rediscovering her humanity after being kidnapped by the Borg paved the "Voyager" star's professional path.

By Ian Sherr

How Worf wasn't a wuss thanks to Michael Dorn

The star of "The Next Generation" talks about his first years on the show, how he made Worf lovable and why he adores his Tesla Model S.

By Ian Sherr

We're ahead of schedule to turn Star Trek tech into reality

Some of the technology from the universe of Kirk and Picard could be a reality sooner than you think.

By Eric Mack

Quiz: Test your knowledge of the Trek universe

Find out how well you know your funky space sweaters, starships and captains as Star Trek hits the big 5-0 this year.

By Amanda Kooser

Really, 'Star Trek V: The Final Frontier' isn't the worst Trek film

An intrepid fan boldly faces her past by rewatching "The Final Frontier." Does it deserve its reputation at the bottom of the Star Trek movie pile?

By Amanda Kooser

Wil Wheaton talks growing up on Star Trek, as actor and man

The man who played "The Next Generation" boy genius Wesley Crusher opens up about his favorite behind-the-scenes moments.

By Bonnie Burton

Styley Star Trek stamps will deliver your mail at warp speed

New postage honoring 50 years of obeying the prime directive will soon whisk your letters to any starfleet address...on this planet at least.

By Eric Mack

Trekkie gets starry-eyed at her first convention

These are the voyages of a dedicated Star Trek fan boldly shaking Sulu's hand and seeing Capt. Kirk at her very first Trek confab.

By Amanda Kooser

Building a Borg: Lessons from a Star Trek makeup legend

One of Star Trek's most frightening enemies comes to life in a live makeup demonstration at the 50th anniversary convention.

By Amanda Kooser

10 best Star Trek episodes, according to the fans

Fans sort through the highlights from across the entire television franchise to seek out the single greatest Trek episode ever aired.

By Amanda Kooser

And Star Trek's worst episode ever is...

With so much Star Trek out there, there were bound to be missteps. Fans hash through space hippies, stolen brains and an awful series finale to find the worst.

By Amanda Kooser

Shatner talks Star Wars, Pokemon Go and 'Twilight Zone' monsters

William Shatner regales Star Trek convention fans with his thoughts on reading, seeing the Gorn on a plane and the importance of Star Wars.

By Amanda Kooser

George Takei calls 'Star Trek Beyond' gay Sulu scene 'a whisper'

George Takei has now seen "Star Trek Beyond," and he has both praise and criticism for the reboot movie and its depiction of Sulu as gay.

By Amanda Kooser

Whoopi Goldberg shares 'Next Gen' secrets at her first Star Trek convention

The actress and comedian dishes on Guinan's saucer-shaped hats, her weird on-set nickname and wanting to return to the Star Trek universe.

By Amanda Kooser

Fans pay tribute to Anton Yelchin at anniversary convention

Leaving personal messages on a larger-than-life poster, grieving fans honor the Star Trek actor who died in an accident in June.

By Amanda Kooser

Behind the seams of my Star Trek captain's costume

Delve into the anatomy of a Star Trek costume as CNET's Amanda Kooser preps for a coming convention in full Captain Kirk style.

By Amanda Kooser

Star Trek at 50: Artists celebrate the final frontier

Set phasers to stunning as artists create a range of art you're going to want in your starship quarters.

By Richard Trenholm

Beer us up with Star Trek anniversary golden ale

Shmaltz Brewing Company pours Star Trek Golden Anniversary Ale: The Trouble With Tribbles for the franchise's 50th anniversary.

By Mike Sorrentino

Zoe Saldana: Boldly going where no one has gone before

She's played a blue-skinned alien and a green-faced warrior, and is now making her third appearance as communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek Beyond." Her dream: being able to use a real-life transporter.

By Connie Guglielmo

Star Trek in pictures

50 years of Star Trek uniforms

The uniforms worn by the crew of the Starship Enterprise count as some of the most iconic looks ever. Here's how they've evolved.

By Richard Trenholm

Trek guests who brought their own star power

Joan Collins, Jason Alexander, Stephen Hawking...many stars have glowed in the Trek universe over the years.

By Amanda Kooser

Trek exhibit takes fans on a voyage

Gawk at Capt. Kirk's chair, scream like you've suffered the wrath of Khan, and get beamed up to the Enterprise.

By Anne Dujmovic

Building a Borg: Lessons from a Star Trek makeup legend

One of Star Trek's most frightening enemies comes to life in a live makeup demonstration at the 50th anniversary convention in Las Vegas.

By Amanda Kooser

Out-of-this-world moments

The 50th anniversary convention had plenty of weird and wonderful moments. Engage!

By Amanda Kooser