The Complete List of Riker's Appearances in Star Trek Shows & Movies

William T. Riker, one of the original characters in Star Trek: The Next Generation, is widely recognized for his role as First Officer on the USS Enterprise-D under Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). However, his presence extends beyond this particular Star Trek installment. Johnathan Frakes portrays different versions of Riker across six television shows and four movies, establishing himself as one of the most prolific Star Trek actors. Riker initially debuted in the premiere episode of TNG, titled "Encounter at Farpoint," in 1987. Originally conceptualized as the Kirk of the Enterprise-D, he was portrayed as a charming and charismatic counterpart to Captain Picard's more composed command style.

Throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation, Riker's character underwent significant development. His friendship with Captain Picard and his intermittent romantic involvement with Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) provided him with a grounding effect and increased his likability. Following TNG, Riker played a crucial part in the four Next Generation films and eventually assumed the role of Captain of the USS Titan in Star Trek: Nemesis. Additionally, he made fleeting appearances in various Star Trek series before ultimately returning to the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: Picard. The following is a comprehensive list of every Star Trek movie or television show featuring William T. Riker.

7 Star Trek: The Next Generation

6 Star Trek: The Next Generation Movies

Will Riker's initial and arguably most impressive role came about when he took on the position of First Officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D, serving directly under Captain Picard. As the esteemed Number One, Riker skillfully spearheaded various away missions, provided unwavering support to the Captain during moments of crisis, and assumed command of the ship whenever the need arose. Despite receiving numerous offers for promotions throughout the series, Riker steadfastly remained the Enterprise's First Officer for a remarkable span of 15 years. Time and time again, he played a pivotal role in saving the ship (and indeed the entire galaxy), leading Picard to affectionately describe him as "simply the finest officer with whom I have ever served." A true embodiment of a Starfleet officer, Will faithfully devoted himself to serving his Captain and crew, consistently exhibiting a willingness to risk his own life in order to safeguard the lives of others.

Commander Riker continued his service as First Officer on the USS Enterprise alongside Captain Picard throughout the entirety of the Star Trek: The Next Generation film series. Notably, Riker took command of the Enterprise-D during its final battle in Star Trek: Generations, leading to the unfortunate but inevitable destruction of the beloved starship. In Star Trek: First Contact, Riker joined Picard and their crew on a mission to travel back in time, aiming to thwart the Borg and guarantee the success of Zefram Cochrane's groundbreaking warp flight. Additionally, Riker displayed his resourcefulness in Star Trek: Insurrection when he devised the "Riker Maneuver" to aid in saving the day. Finally, in Star Trek: Nemesis, Riker's heroism shone once again as he secured his own command aboard the USS Titan and subsequently married his long-time love, Deanna Troi.

5 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Johnathan Frakes's appearance in one episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine brings an intriguing twist. In "Defiant," a season 3 episode, Commander Riker makes an unexpected arrival on Deep Space Nine during his vacation. While he quickly establishes a bond with Major Kira (Nana Visitor), he shows indifference towards his former crewmate Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) and fails to recall past interactions with other crewmembers. As the episode unfolds, it becomes evident that this Riker is, in fact, not Will at all but a duplicate formed due to a malfunction in the transporter years ago. Introduced as Thomas Riker in the TNG episode "Second Chances," this replica consciously adopted a different identity and subsequently joined the rebellious Maquis resistance group.

4 Star Trek: Voyager

In Star Trek: Voyager's second season episode "Death Wish," Commander Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation makes a brief appearance. This episode also introduces Captain Janeway to Q, a recurring character and Picard's old adversary. Within the Q Continuum, another member named Quinn seeks to end his life rather than being imprisoned again. Janeway acts as a mediator between Quinn and Q during their trial. As part of the proceedings, Q brings Commander Riker to the Delta Quadrant as a witness to demonstrate how Quinn's presence has impacted the galaxy. Since Riker will not retain any memory of this encounter, it does not disrupt the established continuity of the series.

3 Star Trek: Enterprise

In the widely criticized finale of Star Trek: Enterprise, Will Riker and Deanna Troi venture into a holodeck simulation depicting the last mission of Johnathan Archer on the original USS Enterprise NX-01, portrayed by Scott Bakula. Throughout the episode, Riker uses the holodeck program and his conversations with Deanna to address his personal conflicts and uncertainty. Taking on the role of a Chef, he engages with the crew of Archer's Enterprise and engages in multiple extensive discussions with them. While it was satisfying to see Will and Deanna again following their time on TNG, their presence in this episode detracts from the focus on Archer's Enterprise crew. Moreover, since Riker experiences these events as a holodeck program, it remains unclear whether the narrative accurately reflects the actual occurrences.

2 Star Trek: Picard

While Will Riker made a brief appearance in a couple of episodes throughout the first season of Star Trek: Picard, it wasn't until the third season that he truly showcased his brilliance. In the initial encounter between Picard and Will, they had taken a hiatus from Starfleet following the tragic loss of their son. Although Riker briefly returned to active duty in the concluding episode of Picard's first season, his role expanded significantly in the third season. Picard invited Will to join a mission aimed at assisting the former Enterprise Doctor, Beverly Crusher (portrayed by Gates McFadden), and Riker eagerly seized this opportunity. As part of this enthralling adventure, Riker had the chance to assume command of his former vessel, the USS Titan, allowing him to once again serve as First Officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D.

1 Star Trek: Lower Decks

William Riker, portrayed by Jonathan Frakes, makes appearances in three episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks as the Captain of the USS Titan. In the season 1 finale, Captain Riker arrives with the Titan to rescue the USS Cerritos from an attack by Pakled ships. Afterward, Riker spends time in the Cerritos bar reminiscing about past encounters with Captain Freeman and Ensign Beckett Mariner.

Towards the end of the episode, Ensign Boimler receives a promotion and is transferred to the Titan. In the first episode of season 2, Riker is briefly shown commanding the Titan during a crisis, while a frightened Boimler is on board. In the second episode of season 2, the Titan faces another dangerous encounter with the Pakleds, resulting in Boimler getting cloned similar to what happened to Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Riker encourages the original Boimler to return to the Cerritos, reflecting on his own experiences from his time on TNG.