Star Trek: Picard

Twenty years after the last time we saw him on active duty, Jean-Luc Picard is trying to live a quieter life when new events pull him back into wider conflicts. The series follows the retired admiral as he responds to a cryptic summons linked to past decisions and to emerging questions about synthetic life. Instead of big fleet battles, much of the action is intimate and character-driven, with Picard assembling a small, sometimes uneasy group of allies, including a former Borg and old acquaintances, to confront political threats, moral dilemmas, and the ghosts of his own history. The show balances nostalgia for earlier Star Trek with fresh personal stakes.

Created by Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, and Michael Chabon, Star Trek: Picard premiered in 2020 as a continuation of the Next Generation era, with Patrick Stewart returning as Jean-Luc Picard and notable cast additions like Jeri Ryan, Michelle Hurd, and Ed Speleers.

The series reignited conversations among fans about what Star Trek means for a new era, prompting debates over canon, character choices, and how to honor legacy while moving forward. Returning characters and callbacks made it a cultural talking point, especially for viewers who grew up with The Next Generation.

Critics gave Picard a generally positive response, reflected in a 7.27/10 user vote average, with many reviewers praising Stewart’s presence and the show's willingness to tackle themes of aging, accountability, identity, and the rights of synthetic beings. Some viewers found the pacing uneven and the plotting messy at times, but the emotional core and moral questions kept many engaged across seasons.

The series drew awards attention for its behind-the-scenes work, earning nominations and recognition at television award events for technical achievements such as makeup, visual effects, and production design, highlighting the show's production values even when opinions about story and structure were mixed.