10 Episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation That Will Have Viewers Hooked

Introduction

Star Trek: The Next Generation, a worthy successor to the original series, produced some of the best science fiction television of all time. Following the adventures of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D, TNG introduced a whole new cast of beloved characters. In this article, we will explore 10 episodes of TNG that are bound to captivate viewers and leave them hooked on the series.

Star Trek TNG Where No One Has Gone Before Enterprise

Where No One Has Gone Before (TNG Season 1, Episode 6)

One of the earliest episodes of TNG, 'Where No One Has Gone Before,' hints at the great sci-fi show TNG would become and tackles some very Star Trek ideas. When a Starfleet propulsion expert and his assistant visit the Enterprise, they inadvertently catapult the ship to the very edge of the universe. Not only does this episode literally take the crew where no one has gone before, but it also discusses complex metaphysical ideas and includes some truly stunning visuals. "Where No One Has Gone Before" also introduces the Traveler, a fascinating character who will become important to the future of the young Wesley Crusher.

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The Enemy (TNG Season 3, Episode 7)

In 'The Enemy,' Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge finds himself stuck in a cave with a Romulan, forcing them to work together to survive. Captain Picard works to prevent an escalation of hostilities with a Romulan Commander, showcasing the quintessentially Star Trek message of understanding beyond conflict. This episode contains solid performances and includes a classic sci-fi plot with a timeless message.

Star Trek TNG Enemy Geordi La Forge Romulan

Elementary, Dear Data (TNG Season 2, Episode 3)

In one of the best holodeck episodes, Geordi invites Data to solve a Sherlock Holmes mystery. However, when the Enterprise computer creates an adversary capable of defeating Data, it leads to unexpected consequences. 'Elementary, Dear Data' is not only incredibly fun but also plays with interesting sci-fi concepts about what it means to be human.

Star Trek TNG Q Who John de Lancie Picard Guinan

Q Who (TNG Season 2, Episode 16)

In this episode, the omnipotent being known as Q returns to visit the Enterprise, throwing them across the galaxy and introducing them to the infamous Borg. 'Q Who' is an incredibly important development for both TNG and the Star Trek franchise, making for a tense and entertaining hour of television.

Star Trek TNG Q Who John de Lancie bridge

Darmok (TNG Season 5, Episode 2)

In 'Darmok,' Captain Picard finds himself stranded on a planet with an alien he cannot understand. The episode celebrates the very Star Trek values of patience and finding common ground, making it an exemplary Star Trek episode with a powerful message.

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Disaster (TNG Season 5, Episode 5)

The sudden loss of power finds Captain Picard trapped in a turbolift with three children, leaving Counselor Troi in command. 'Disaster' breaks away from the standard formula of TNG, showcasing a great ensemble of characters separated and spread throughout the ship.

Star Trek TNG Disaster Picard Children Turbolift

Who Watches the Watchers (TNG Season 3, Episode 4)

On the planet Mintaka III, the Enterprise visits a Federation outpost, leading to a situation where a local villager believes Picard to be a god. 'Who Watches the Watchers' is a brilliantly acted hour of television with a classic Star Trek moral.

Star Trek TNG Who Watches the Watchers

The Best of Both Worlds (TNG Season 3, Episode 26 & Season 4, Episode 1)

This two-part episode has become a classic for a reason, as the Enterprise comes face to face with the Borg, leading to a captivating television cliffhanger. 'The Best of Both Worlds' had a huge impact on the Star Trek franchise and influenced the entire television landscape of the time.

Star Trek TNG Locutus of Borg Best of Both Worlds

Cause and Effect (TNG Season 5, Episode 18)

In 'Cause and Effect,' the Enterprise collides with another ship and explodes before events lead to a time loop. A spin on the classic time loop trope, this episode is incredibly fun with wonderful direction, making it one of the best cold opens in Star Trek.

Star Trek TNG Cause and Effect Enterprise Explodes