Star Trek: The Next Generation wasn’t just a TV show—it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined science fiction on screen.
Premiering in 1987, it boldly went where no series had gone before, blending the intellect of Shakespearean drama with the wonder of interstellar exploration.
With its finale in 1994 drawing over 30 million viewers, TNG cemented itself as the gold standard for sci-fi storytelling. But beyond its gripping plots and unforgettable characters, the series holds secrets and surprises even die-hard fans might not know.
Became Life-Long Friends
For those unfamiliar, Star Trek: The Next Generation followed the adventures of the starship Enterprise-D as its diverse crew explored uncharted worlds, solved intergalactic mysteries, and tackled moral dilemmas. Set 100 years after the original Star Trek, it introduced new characters, advanced technology, and thought-provoking stories.
But did you know that many of the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast members became lifelong friends after the series wrapped? Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard) and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) are known for their hilarious camaraderie, often sharing laughs at conventions. They stay in close touch, frequently meet up for dinners, and their incredible chemistry is always evident whenever they’re together.
When LeVar Burton tied the knot in 1992, Brent Spiner stood by his side as best man, while Sir Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Michael Dorn took on the roles of ushers.
Marina Sirtis Hated Michael Dorn
Among the many friendships that grew from the cast of The Next Generation, one of the most heartwarming is the connection between Michael Dorn, known for his portrayal of the stoic Lt. Worf, and Marina Sirtis, who brought the empathetic Counselor Troi to life.
“I’ve always been attracted to very strong women,” Dorn shared with Buzzfeed.
“I don’t know why. I was just very attracted to our sort of chemistry. We’re just crazy about each other.”
But even though their friendship has endured for over three decades, it didn’t start off smoothly. In fact, as Sirtis openly admits, the two couldn’t stand each other during the show’s first season. Over time, however, their undeniable chemistry brought them closer, sparking rumors that they might secretly be dating.
Despite the speculation, Sirtis and Dorn have always been clear — they weren’t romantically involved then, and they aren’t now.
The Starfleet Uniform Was Very Uncomfortable
The Star Trek cast often gets bombarded with questions about their makeup, costumes, and those iconic masks—it’s clearly what fascinates fans the most.
Did you know that the original Starfleet uniform was so uncomfortable that Sir Patrick Stewart’s agent had to step in? He even threatened to sue Paramount if Stewart ended up with muscle or joint damage from wearing the one-piece spandex suit.
That little scare was enough to prompt a wardrobe upgrade, and by season three, the crew traded the stretchy spandex for a much comfier two-piece polyester design.
The Unlikely Casting of Captain Picard
Believe it or not, Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, wasn’t exactly thrilled about casting Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard. He had his heart set on a younger captain with a full head of hair. But producer Robert H. Justman was so blown away by Stewart’s talent that he campaigned hard to get him the role.
After auditioning plenty of other actors and finding none of them came close, Roddenberry finally gave in.
Here’s where it gets hilarious: for his first meeting with Paramount execs, Stewart wore a hairpiece—on the producers’ suggestion. They were worried the studio might reject him for being bald. The twist? After the meeting, the execs agreed to cast him, but only on one condition: he had to lose the “ridiculous toupee.”
When the cast of the show was first revealed, some media outlets referred to Sir Patrick Stewart as an “unknown British Shakespearean actor.” To have a little fun with it, Brent Spiner created a poster for Stewart’s dressing room that read, “Beware: Unknown British Shakespearean actor!”
Worf’s Forehead Was Stolen
Michael Dorn, who brought the fierce Klingon Worf to life, endured a grueling two-hour makeup process each time he suited up for the role. But things weren’t always smooth sailing for Worf’s iconic look. In Season 2, disaster struck when the original prosthetic forehead was stolen!
This unexpected setback left the crew in a panic, racing against the clock to create a replacement. The result? A subtly different forehead piece that gave Dorn’s character a slightly altered appearance.
Wil Wheaton’s Priceless Response
When the cast decided to push for a salary increase, Wil Wheaton was initially offered a promotion for his character, Wesley Crusher, instead of a pay raise.
The producers suggested that Wesley be made a Lieutenant. Wheaton’s response was priceless: “So what should I tell my landlord when I can’t pay my rent? ‘Don’t worry, I just made Lieutenant’?”
Painful Truth About Geordi’s VISOR
Geordi’s iconic VISOR was actually thrown together on the first day of shooting using a car air filter and a hairband, showcasing some quick improvisation.
While it was key to Geordi’s look, the VISOR wasn’t exactly a walk in the park for actor LeVar Burton. In an interview with the BBC, he revealed that wearing the prop gave him daily headaches and that it had to literally be screwed into the sides of his head. Despite the discomfort, Burton powered through, keeping the iconic device as a core part of Geordi’s identity.
After season two, producers had initially planned to have Geordi undergo an experimental procedure to restore his natural eyesight and eliminate the need for his iconic VISOR eyepiece.
However, realizing how important the VISOR had become as a symbol for the disabled community, they decided to scrap the idea. Geordi La Forge’s VISOR remained an integral part of his character throughout all seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Final Thoughts
Star Trek: The Next Generation was more than just a TV show—it was a groundbreaking series that left an undeniable impact on science fiction and pop culture. With its intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, strong friendships, and iconic moments, it continues to captivate audiences even decades after it first aired.
What’s your favorite Star Trek: The Next Generation moment? Let us know and share this article with fellow Trekkies!
