The Ultimate Guide to Captain Kirk's Irresistible Love Interests in Star Trek

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Captain James T. Kirk of Star Trek is famous for never marrying, but he had numerous love interests in his personal and professional life. While many of Kirk's significant relationships were formed before he took command of the USS Enterprise, two of his former girlfriends played a significant role in his later life. During his five-year mission on the Enterprise, Kirk rarely had time for serious romantic relationships, except for a few exceptions. However, he gained a reputation as a ladies' man in Star Trek: The Original Series.

This reputation also carries over to Chris Pine's portrayal of Kirk in the J.J. Abrams movies. In Star Trek (2009), one of the early scenes shows Kirk trying to avoid Cadet Nyota Uhura after a casual encounter with her Orion roommate. In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, James T. Kirk (played by Paul Wesley) seems to have a different approach, although viewers have only been introduced to two alternate reality versions of Captain Kirk so far. One of these versions has made a lasting impression on Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh, but considering Kirk's extensive romantic history, a romance between La'an and the Prime Universe Kirk might already be destined to fail.

13 Ruth (Star Trek: TOS, "Shore Leave")

12 Dr. Janice Lester (Star Trek: TOS, "Turnabout Intruder")

In the Star Trek: TOS episode titled "Shore Leave", Kirk and his crew found solace and much-needed respite on a planet located in the Omicron Delta region. As expected in the world of Star Trek, the seemingly perfect planet, where one's desires materialized, was nothing more than a mirage. Upon beaming down to the planet's surface, Kirk was pleasantly surprised to encounter Ruth, his former lover from his time at Starfleet Academy. However, it was later revealed that Ruth was actually a cyborg replica of Kirk's ex-partner, as the original script disclosed their separation during his initial venture into the vastness of space. This recurring dilemma between Kirk's romantic endeavors and his commitment to exploring the cosmic unknown would become a prevailing theme.

In an intriguing twist, Sandra Smith took on the role of Captain Kirk when her character, Dr. Janice Lester, exchanged bodies with the Enterprise Captain. Prior to Janice's audacious power grab, she and Kirk were romantically involved for a year during their time at Starfleet Academy. Janice, who believed she was held back in Starfleet due to sexism, grew resentful of Kirk's successful career and this ultimately caused their relationship to deteriorate. Years later, she devised an elaborate plan to ensnare Kirk and seize his body, finally realizing her dream of becoming Captain of the Starfleet flagship.

11 Dr. Carol Marcus (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

Before taking command of the USS Enterprise, James T. Kirk, at a young age, was in a romantic relationship with Dr. Carol Marcus (Bibi Besch). There are hints that Kirk and Carol will be together in season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, offering a chance to delve deeper into their dynamic as a young couple and their eventual breakup. Their careers, with Kirk as a Starfleet officer and Carol as a dedicated scientist, made it difficult for them to sustain a lasting and committed relationship.

It is possible that Marcus is the "blonde lab technician" whom Kirk was introduced to by his old friend Gary Mitchell. It was revealed that Kirk almost married this technician. Kirk and Carol's relationship was similarly serious, resulting in the birth of their child, David Marcus (Merritt Butrick). At the time, Kirk made the decision to not be a part of David's life, a choice he would come to regret later when he was reunited with Carol in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Tragically, David met his demise on the Genesis planet, and the immense grief from that loss made it seemingly impossible for Kirk and Carol to rekindle their romantic connection.

10 Doctor Janet Wallace (Star Trek: TOS, The Deadly Years)

In "The Deadly Years", Kirk encountered Janet, a former lover and fellow scientist. However, their careers once again created tension and ultimately led to their breakup. Now married and residing on Aldebaran III, Dr. Janet Wallace (portrayed by Sarah Marshall) played a crucial role in curing Kirk and the Enterprise crew of a lethal virus that accelerated aging. The situation was compounded by the Romulan threat, but thanks to Janet, the Enterprise managed to survive the encounter.

9 Lt. Areel Shaw (Star Trek: TOS, "Court Martial")

During Kirk's court-martial in Star Trek: TOS, Lieutenant Areel Shaw (played by Joan Marshall) served as the prosecuting attorney. Interestingly, Shaw and Kirk had been in a romantic relationship in the past, adding a unique dynamic to the trial. However, Shaw remained completely professional throughout the proceedings, showcasing her impartiality. Their amicable separation possibly influenced her ability to remain fair during the trial. It is important to note that Kirk was innocent and had been framed by a former colleague, Lieutenant Benjamin Finney (played by Richard Webb). Once Shaw realized this truth, she acknowledged that the charges against Kirk were baseless, leading to her decision to leave the Enterprise. Before departing, Shaw bid Kirk farewell with a tender kiss.

8 Lenore Karidian (Star Trek: TOS, "The Conscience Of The King")

Kirk developed deep affection for Lenore Karidian (Barbara Anderson), the troubled daughter of Shakespearean actor Anton Karidian, who was secretly known as the ruthless executioner Kodos (Arnold Moss). Lenore, refusing to accept the truth about her father's dark past, resorted to murdering anyone who could link Anton to his brutal actions. Knowing that a relationship with a serial-killing actress was unsustainable, Kirk arranged for Lenore's institutionalization to face the consequences of her crimes. However, Kirk's reluctance to acknowledge his emotional connection to Lenore when discussing with Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) hints at a profound bond that went beyond surface appearances.

7 Edith Keeler (Star Trek: TOS, "City On The Edge Of Forever")

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds recently released an updated version of one of the most memorable Star Trek: The Original Series episodes, "City on the Edge of Forever." The remake introduces a character named La'an, who falls in love with a man destined to sacrifice his life to ensure the future's preservation. Interestingly, this man happens to be an alternate reality version of Captain James T. Kirk, who himself faced a similar dilemma years later. In the original "City on the Edge of Forever" episode, Kirk becomes enamored with the forward-thinking Edith Keeler, played by Joan Collins. Keeler symbolizes the very principles upon which the United Federation of Planets was built. Tragically, her progressive ideals of peace, love, and understanding would unwittingly aid the Nazi regime had she been allowed to advocate for them. Among Kirk's various love interests in The Original Series, Edith Keeler holds the most significance due to the heart-wrenching decision he was compelled to make.

6 Miramanmee (Star Trek: TOS, "The Paradise Syndrome")

As Kirk grappled with amnesia, his involvement with Miramanmee (Sabrina Schariff) could be debated as not being part of his list of love interests. Nevertheless, the bond formed between "Kirok" and Miramanmee brought immense tragedy to the Enterprise Captain. Stricken with amnesia, Kirk was revered as a deity by a pre-warp civilization. During this time, he fell deeply in love and married Miramanmee, who later became pregnant with their child. Tragically, the pair met a gruesome fate when they were mercilessly stoned to death as Kirk's godlike abilities failed to prevent an asteroid from devastating the planet. In his heart-wrenching grief, Kirk remained beside his wife as she valiantly fought for her life.

5 Shahna (Star Trek: TOS, "The Gamesters Of Triskellion")

Kirk's relationship with Shahna (Angelique Pettyjohn) in "The Gamesters of Triskellion" is famous for the iconic "human thing we call...love" scene. In this episode, Kirk is abducted by the Providers, who force different humanoid species to fight each other for their amusement. During his captivity, Kirk forms a bond with Shahna, who introduces him to the vastness of the universe and the intricacies of love and romance. When the Enterprise rescues Kirk and his crew, Shahna expresses her desire to join them. However, Kirk decides that it would be more beneficial for her to embrace a new way of life on Triskellion. It seems likely that Kirk never truly loved Shahna, but rather saw her as a means of survival in a harsh environment.

4 Antonia (Star Trek Generations)

When Kirk and Picard encountered each other in the Nexus during Star Trek Generations, it became evident that Kirk had been in a relationship with Antonia for a staggering period of 75 years, although she remained unseen throughout the film. Within Kirk's Nexus reverie, he and Antonia resided on his Uncle's farm in Idaho, surrounded by a lovingly cared-for dog and a number of majestic horses. This picturesque setting represented the ideal retirement that Kirk denied himself when he initially departed Starfleet in 2281 and met the real Antonia. In a moment of vulnerability, Kirk disclosed to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) his profound regret for never having proposed to Antonia in reality. However, by virtue of being in the Nexus, Kirk was now afforded the opportunity to fulfill this deep longing and experience the life he always imagined with Antonia by his side.

3 Kirk's Kelvin Timeline Love Interests

In J.J. Abrams' Star Trek films, Kirk's main romantic interest was Carol Marcus (Alice Eve) from the Kelvin Timeline. Their mutual attraction was evident, but their relationship was hindered by Kirk's death in Star Trek Into Darkness and the tragic demise of her father Admiral Alexander Marcus (Peter Weller), who was involved in criminal activities. Before Carol, Kirk had a romantic involvement with Nurse Christine Chapel, whose heartache led her to practice medicine in distant frontiers. Additionally, Kirk engaged in casual sexual encounters with the Orion Cadet Gaila and the Caitian twins.

2 Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds)

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3, titled "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," Lt. La'an Noonien-Singh is teamed up with an alternate universe Kirk. Their mission involves traveling back in time to prevent a significant alteration to the timeline. During their journey, Kirk and La'an develop a mutual attraction. This unique version of Kirk's lack of knowledge about her heritage allows La'an to truly be herself when she is around him. Tragically, Kirk is killed by the Romulan time agent Sera, leaving unanswered questions about whether La'an could have brought "her" Kirk back to the Prime Universe.

Upon the crew's return to the USS Enterprise, La'an attempts to connect with Kirk, but is unable to disclose any details about her mission involving his alternate reality counterpart. As Kirk is set to intersect with the USS Enterprise in future episodes of Strange New Worlds season 2, it remains intriguing whether La'an will pursue a relationship with the Kirk of the Prime Universe. The season 2 trailer has already provided a glimpse of Number One (Rebecca Romijn) sensing a certain chemistry between the two, implying a potential new love interest for James T. Kirk in the Star Trek universe.

1 Why Kirk Never Married In Star Trek

In Star Trek: The Original Series, aside from Kirok's amnesiac marriage to Miramanmee, Captain Kirk never married or settled down. The explanation for this is revealed in Star Trek Generations when Kirk meets Ensign Demora Sulu aboard the USS Enterprise-B. He wonders how his former helmsman had the time for a family, to which Captain Montgomery Scott sarcastically remarks that if something is important, one can always find the time.

The idea that Kirk was always too busy to start a family is further emphasized when he encounters Jean-Luc Picard in the Nexus. Both iconic Star Trek captains discuss how they have only been able to have families in this fantasy world. Kirk expresses his belief that, although it is appealing, he has always solely focused on making a difference in Starfleet. Essentially, Kirk never got married because his dedication was to the USS Enterprise. With this realization, Kirk leaves his imaginary marriage behind in order to save the galaxy one last time.