The Evolution of Star Trek: Movies Continue to Thrive, but TV Takes a Backseat in the Federation

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Lower Decks, season 4, episode 6, "Parth Ferengi's Heart Place."

Summary

In Star Trek: Lower Decks, television has become outdated in the United Federation of Planets, as characters gravitate towards holodecks and holo-novels for entertainment. The absence of television in Star Trek's future is ironic given its roots and history of TV content production. It seems peculiar that they would completely abandon television.

Boimler's obsession with Ferengi television in Star Trek: Lower Decks highlights the enduring allure and addictiveness of television, resonating with viewers. Despite movies still retaining their significance in the future, the show suggests that watching television has lost popularity in the United Federation of Planets. During their visit to Ferenginar, Lieutenants Boimler, Mariner, Tendi, and Rutherford face various challenges, but Boimler becomes completely engrossed in watching Ferengi television, emphasizing its addictive nature.

Why Star Trek’s Future Still Has Movies But No TV

Television appears to have become obsolete in the late 24th century of Star Trek: Lower Decks, thanks to the innovation of the holodeck and the advent of holo-novels. In a scene at his hotel room on Ferenginar, Boimler is greeted by a television that automatically turns on, showing a commercial followed by an episode of "Pog & Dar: Cop Landlords". Although Boimler understands the concept of television, he seems unfamiliar and unaccustomed to consuming media through this traditional medium. Although movies continue to exist as a form of entertainment, they too are predominantly enjoyed through holodeck experiences.

At various points throughout other Star Trek series, characters have displayed an inclination towards traditional forms of media such as television and print books. On Star Trek: Enterprise, the crew of the Enterprise NX-01 used to gather for weekly movie nights, a practice also observed by the USS Enterprise crew in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Lt. Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) from Star Trek: Voyager harbored a specific fascination for vintage television shows and movies. Even though every book ever written can be accessed through a ship's computer, numerous characters, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), continue to enjoy reading physical books. Despite the availability of more captivating media consumption methods in the future, individuals occasionally reminisce about outdated forms of technology and entertainment.

The Irony Of Star Trek’s Future Not Having TV

It's ironic that the Star Trek franchise, which originated as a TV show and continues to produce its best content for television, presents a future devoid of television. Star Trek owes its existence to television, and it's likely that most Trek fans spend a significant amount of time watching TV shows. While television was once considered an inferior form of media (and is still seen as such by some), some of the most compelling stories of our time are now told on TV. It is rather peculiar, then, that the future depicted in Star Trek has completely abandoned television. However, when individuals can step into their favorite fictional world using the holodeck, watching it on a small screen just doesn't hold the same appeal.

Boimler's enthusiasm knows no bounds as he quickly becomes captivated by the outlandish TV programs of the Ferengi. His newfound fixation on Ferengi television aligns perfectly with his character and serves as evidence that television remains just as addictive in the future as it is today. Boimler has consistently embodied the role of a fan within Star Trek: Lower Decks, and his binge-watching addiction is yet another nod to avid Trekkies. After all, who hasn't dedicated countless hours to indulging in their favorite show on television? Don't miss out on the streaming of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, available Thursdays on Paramount+.