Star Trek: Discovery

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Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
4.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1324 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 527 out of 1324
  2. Mixed: 158 out of 1324
  3. Negative: 639 out of 1324
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User Reviews

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  1. triadne
    Mar 15, 2023
    1
    There's a lot of issues with discovery but this was at least watchable and quite enjoyable at times.
  2. RobMarr75
    Dec 31, 2022
    4
    Season 1 is the only one I watched, so it's the only one I can review. It's just not very good. It has the promise of a fresh new Star Trek, which is exciting, but if you read the reviews of later seasons, it's clear it only goes downhill. I don't think "woke" was a huge problem in season 1. However, the characters, the plotting and the dialogue aren't very good, and I decided I wouldSeason 1 is the only one I watched, so it's the only one I can review. It's just not very good. It has the promise of a fresh new Star Trek, which is exciting, but if you read the reviews of later seasons, it's clear it only goes downhill. I don't think "woke" was a huge problem in season 1. However, the characters, the plotting and the dialogue aren't very good, and I decided I would not be watching more.… Expand
  3. slicelook
    Feb 17, 2022
    2
    This season went full hollywood sjw with lqbtqt "i identify as whatever, pay attention to me and my irrelevant useless story that has nothing to do with star trek"
  4. roblrich
    Jan 2, 2022
    0
    Seasons One and Two were decent and entertaining. But since this series has turned into a politically correct, think as we do or you are a pig crap show. There is relatively no entertainment value in this series. None. It seems to be more of a liberal, political statement. This is sad, as it has turned my family against the Star Trek genre. Rest in peace, Star Trek. You had a good run.
  5. Alxh
    Dec 17, 2021
    0
    Star trek is not the same as season 1-3 season 4 is just boring and like other views to political correct if this season doesnt improve i wont be back , I’ve always been a treky but this year is boringly very bad
  6. RedShiftXIII
    Dec 2, 2021
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm a bit of a trekkie and have watched most of the series throughout my life, but while I may be biased, it's in favor of the shows—I kinda liked Star Trek: Enterprise. With that said, I don't think it's unreasonable to conclude that Star Trek: Discovery is a bad show in general.

    Exposition is a massive problem. While they do try to cover it up by inserting it into dialogue, it's as if the core concept of the show is how to fit as much exposition into dialogue as humanly possible. The conversations between characters almost always can be summed up as two robots interacting with each other who both just learned they were programmed with the ability to cry. Furthermore, everything from exposition sloppily hidden in dialogue to stubbing of toes, has to be a massively big deal.

    In the very first episode of this season, it's basically a bunch of fancy special effects and hilariously meaningless conversations: Why are we suppose to care that a captain doesn't want a president on their ship? Why is it a problem enough for a captain to continually openly protest and cause conflict where none needs to be had? Why did a captain ask the f***ing president, if she lied to a dude who was panicking, as if it was important to ask while everything is supposedly on the edge of complete disaster? Why do a bunch of officers ignore their captain when she asked for a status update but they're apparently too busy being dramatically quiet as the hangar burns down? Absolute nuttery.

    It's like they're trying to make a soap opera in space with zero self-awareness. While this may seem like a knock on the actors, the fact that this is consistent with every character, tells me it's a writer/director problem. Maybe I'm wrong, but the end result is the same—it's bad.

    Lack of continuity isn't always a bad thing, but one deeply important concept of the federation is that it's heavily influenced by maritime tradition. There's multiple explicit and implicit reminders of this throughout the IP's history, but Discovery seems to have forgotten that, or doesn't give a crap. It's fine if they want to build on that or even tear it down, but it's fairly obvious the writers didn't make any attempt to learn of Federation or maritime traditions to the point it'd be like a bunch of white guys making a movie about China and never actually researching Chinese culture. This isn't a big deal for ornamental things, but clear insubordination that isn't addressed because nobody knows it's insubordination both misses an opportunity to utilize already built concepts to introduce actual drama and tells us these aren't organized people with rules and regulation—they're just dudes, dudettes and duets, who we are told are smart and happen to be on a ship with some logos on it. Nobody in the show knows the difference between an ensign and the president of the Federation, nobody in the show has even a remote interest in displaying the level of professionalism even the most unprofessional international organization has.

    This isn't Star Trek; it's an exercise in fitting as much exposition into dialogue as possible and drama from nothing . . . with Federation logos. I really wanted this show to be good—that's why I sat through three seasons of it—but I don't think they've learned anything based on the beginning of the fourth season. I hate this show and I hate that i've wasted so much time watching it. I hope I've saved at least one person the trouble.    … Expand
  7. ajewo
    May 25, 2021
    2
    Star Trek: Discovery is primarily about fast-paced action and one big mystery plot for each season rather than episodical mystery, exploration, ethical or social issues. The episodes are not very memorable, unlike other Star Trek series. Discovery is a gritty, non-optimistic version of Star Trek with prequel continuity issues, e.g., the Klingon makeover is just unnecessary, holograms, orStar Trek: Discovery is primarily about fast-paced action and one big mystery plot for each season rather than episodical mystery, exploration, ethical or social issues. The episodes are not very memorable, unlike other Star Trek series. Discovery is a gritty, non-optimistic version of Star Trek with prequel continuity issues, e.g., the Klingon makeover is just unnecessary, holograms, or the "instant everywhere" spore drive. However, some issues will be reverted in the second season.
    If you start to think about the plots for a minute, you will often find many issues that do not add up. Some episodes are so packed with "stuff" and contradictions that I didn't even care to follow the plot in a logical sense anymore. The voice-over pathos inspired by the JJ Abraham movies is just another empty element. And most of the characters are shady (especially in the first season) and unlikable. Some characters become charicatures. Michael Burnham, for example, is supposed to be the hero of the series, but since she's not the captain of the Discovery, she's not in a position to make the big decisions, yet she has all the answers and rebels without consequence (because she's always right in the end).
    As for the production, the series is well done. There are annoyingly overused light glares in the first two seasons, but the costumes, masks, and visuals are very good at movie level. All in all, I wish they had invested the budget in better scripts, stories, and dialogues written by actual science fiction authors.
    I recommend watching the earlier Star Trek series, The Expanse, or The Orville instead.    … Expand
  8. Simon_Says
    Apr 5, 2021
    0
    Malon antimatter waste. Need I say more? The same anti-trek ADHD "nu trek" as the Kelvin crap. AVOID
  9. Mighty_moose416
    Oct 25, 2020
    1
    A chaotic jumbled mess that splurges across the screen with 2 bombastic cgi heavy episodes that are barely coherent and then.... drops that to present you with what is effectively a second pilot. Then they plod along for a while with a war storyline for half a season before picking up a mirror universe storyline. This storyline is better but ends abruptly to take you back to the original storyline
  10. Inferno1102
    Sep 3, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I cant stand this sjw crap, star trek has shown kisses yes, but i dont think it ever really followed a relationship as crazy as they follow the engineer guy and yeah its cause they are gay you want to follow a good example of a relationship to follow withiut making it sjw bs try mimicing paris and belona(sp?) From voyager. Season three possibe spoiler next. Then youre going to have two entire parts about a trans trill man, this crap is to much stop focusing on the stuff you want it in fine, if gender equality is a thing in the future there will be no focus itll just be normal, people wont caee, but nope you have to social justice warrior bulls**** it this is why real trekkies wont watch discovery.… Expand
  11. Wsg1138
    Mar 2, 2020
    7
    An unorthodox take on Star Trek, but not a bad one. Ignore the most aggressively negative reviews, they only make sense if you think Star Trek from 1966-2005 is a religion, and this is an act of blasphemy. Star Trek fans have a strong tendency to judge new entries largely on their intense love for the past, so almost any new series/film will be judged as a bitter disappointment. The showAn unorthodox take on Star Trek, but not a bad one. Ignore the most aggressively negative reviews, they only make sense if you think Star Trek from 1966-2005 is a religion, and this is an act of blasphemy. Star Trek fans have a strong tendency to judge new entries largely on their intense love for the past, so almost any new series/film will be judged as a bitter disappointment. The show is far too well acted, technically polished, and well-paced to warrant a "0" rating. So such a rating only makes sense if you think such things are irrelevant to quality.

    But that's not to excuse this season's flaws. It starts clunky and ends worse. The Klingons are a tad awkward (and more than a tad dull). The plotting occasionally gets convoluted.

    But the cast is uniformly excellent, and the themes of fractured identity and moral duality tend to shine through. As an action spectacle it can also be quite fun. There were several surprising yet well-foreshadowed plot twists. It was a flawed but mostly good start.

    Now don't even get me started on season 2...    … Expand
  12. katkatkat9
    Feb 18, 2020
    8
    I'm a bit late to the party....but having a great time. This is not much like past series - maybe more akin to the newer Battlestar Galactica - but has a lot of entertainment value. Is is flawed? Yes, the way they've done the Klingons is distracting. Yes Burham is a bit wooden. After the first couple episodes, this will make sense and the show really takes off with some fun plotI'm a bit late to the party....but having a great time. This is not much like past series - maybe more akin to the newer Battlestar Galactica - but has a lot of entertainment value. Is is flawed? Yes, the way they've done the Klingons is distracting. Yes Burham is a bit wooden. After the first couple episodes, this will make sense and the show really takes off with some fun plot twists. It may be a bit violent/edgy for some, but I would rank it above Enterprise, DS9 and Voyager (though not better than TOS or TNG). Cool visual effects too. After bingeing season 1 I'm looking forward to season 2.… Expand
  13. Acquire
    Jan 16, 2020
    0
    Just awful. This is not Star Trek. There's no exploration, barely any story, sci fi is just the background. There is nothing thought provoking about what's happening. This show is careless with its treatment of the Star Trek universe. Characters, their interactions, the technology, it's all absurd and makes no sense given how close it is to the original series. Feels like a bad war actionJust awful. This is not Star Trek. There's no exploration, barely any story, sci fi is just the background. There is nothing thought provoking about what's happening. This show is careless with its treatment of the Star Trek universe. Characters, their interactions, the technology, it's all absurd and makes no sense given how close it is to the original series. Feels like a bad war action space show.… Expand
  14. eagleeyeviking
    Dec 22, 2019
    4
    Something about this adaptation feels flat. Yes, the set designs are impressive, there are moments that work, and the visuals are mostly breathtaking. However, the dialogue is expositionary, the script is poorly written, the characters are emotionless, and the pacing is inconsistent.
  15. Muckelchen
    Oct 29, 2019
    4
    It´s a good series, but not a very good Star Trek series. If you not a very big fan of Star Trek, it´s a nice series to watch. But as a Star Trek fan i am disappointed.
  16. mrmonster
    Jul 23, 2019
    7
    It's fine. It's nothing mind blowing or special, but if you have this particular streaming service, it's worth watching, or at least worth giving a shot.
  17. TjC_ocean
    Apr 29, 2019
    9
    I waited until the end of the second season to write a review. I too at times felt like the show was moving in new directions and was quite frankly unsure where it was going. I enjoyed the ride so far. I thought the second season rebounded from the lengthy attempts at character building and storyline development. This is natural for new shows...the star trek audience is probably a littleI waited until the end of the second season to write a review. I too at times felt like the show was moving in new directions and was quite frankly unsure where it was going. I enjoyed the ride so far. I thought the second season rebounded from the lengthy attempts at character building and storyline development. This is natural for new shows...the star trek audience is probably a little less patient with that sort of development given the history of the franchise.

    I am not a fan of the idea that you have to remain loyal to any franchise. If you can't grow and explore then what's the use. If the same old stuff worked for today's audience it would still be on TV and we wouldn't be talking about a new series but rather a continuation of Star Trek TNG, Voyager, DS9, albeit a prequel and not a sequel, given the timeline. I am okay with the show being creative, being bold, and taking the franchise where no fan has gone before (pun intended)!

    I enjoyed every single Star Trek series, each movie, and each special on the topic. Star Trek Discovery is no exception. Roddenberry was master at dealing with the issues, challenges, and complex emotional societal quandaries of his time. Star Trek Discovery should be equally bold. I still do think the franchise has done a poor job in managing the look and consistency of the Klingons over the years and through several series. This new Klingon look caught me off guard at first. They need to explain how we get from here to Worf by way of what we saw in the original Kirk series...genetic manipulation, interbreeding, Eugenics, or something else...just help us tie it all together.

    Overall, the show is excellent...my only issue is all this talk about characters leaving the show...are you kidding me!!! Just when you got to love the dynamics of Pike and his crew, Philippa Georgiou, Spock, Spock's family, Michael, Stamets, Tilly, Klingon L'Rell, and others there is talk that several folks are not returning. That would be a mistake in my view. The Star Trek community needs both Discovery and the Pike evolution in my view. If that is being explored as a separate series then fine but to just stop it altogether is ridiculous.

    Do more time travel, do more cross-over, do more Borg (please), and do less soap opera-like material and explore a world where Star Trek Discovery can be the new science lab for kids learning physics, chemistry, biology, and such. I still recall how the original Spock's analysis of a silicon-based life form (discovered in a cave on some planet) compared to carbon-based life forms, helped me on a chemistry test. You have a whole new generation of kids wanting to learn about computer coding, AI, data science, space travel, aliens on other worlds, etc. Spend time teaching them how you got to "Computer" and the science behind that mastery of integrated technology that Trekkies take for granted as a talking problem solver. Show them how do you create hollow deck technology we saw in TNG, Voyager, and DS9, how you formed the Federation of planets, debate the evidence of the famed The Hatona Council, challenge Sitchen, Erich von Däniken, and others...make Star Trek the experimental imagination on where so many are afraid to go...you can do it...you are off to a great start so far...Don't let biased skeptics stuck in the past slow you down!!!    … Expand
  18. Geekcrux
    Apr 21, 2019
    10
    Another great show being review-bombed. Many of the 0 reviews I have read obviously aren't even watching. They did so much to bring season 2 back in line with cannon and explain how everything recovered from the events that took place on Discovery.

    On top of that, the budget has been increased to create 3 Star Trek shows. Something tells me that Discovery is a big success. Producers are    Another great show being review-bombed. Many of the 0 reviews I have read obviously aren't even watching. They did so much to bring season 2 back in line with cannon and explain how everything recovered from the events that took place on Discovery.

    On top of that, the budget has been increased to create 3 Star Trek shows. Something tells me that Discovery is a big success. Producers are just throwing money at them.

    Picard Series
    Pike Series
    Discovery Series.    … Expand
  19. Vulcan123
    Apr 20, 2019
    1
    Fine actors, terrible writing. The worst of the writing includes nauseous bickering, pseudo-scientific senseless **** and long melodromatic eye-squirting and nose-running attempts at soul-baring speeches when there's 90 seconds until the Apocalypse or some other crisis. The writer/s seem to have one or another agenda that they want to cram down the viewers' throats; what the hell, StarFine actors, terrible writing. The worst of the writing includes nauseous bickering, pseudo-scientific senseless **** and long melodromatic eye-squirting and nose-running attempts at soul-baring speeches when there's 90 seconds until the Apocalypse or some other crisis. The writer/s seem to have one or another agenda that they want to cram down the viewers' throats; what the hell, Star Trek it is emphatically not. Vulcans and Klingons ruined. It's an outrage to do this kind of thing to a much-loved and revered legend-status show. I only registered with Metacritic so that I could add my thumbs down to this ghastly series. I certainly hope it is over at the end of season 2; if it hasn't died yet then I certainly won't be watching any more.… Expand
  20. RADErX4
    Apr 20, 2019
    9
    It's a shame that the anti-CBS crowd decided to vote bomb this show because it's the best first season, consistency-wise in the franchise's history.
  21. pizzapicante27
    Apr 20, 2019
    4
    Its generic sci-fi show #513, they just slapped the Star Trek name on it, Season 1 is, just that, kind of mediocre, I'd give it a pass and say all Star Trek shows have terrible 1st season, but as I write this I've dropped Season 2 half-way through, it isnt fair to judge a season based on its follow up, but unfortunately the series goes from bad to worse to intolerable, dont bother, this isIts generic sci-fi show #513, they just slapped the Star Trek name on it, Season 1 is, just that, kind of mediocre, I'd give it a pass and say all Star Trek shows have terrible 1st season, but as I write this I've dropped Season 2 half-way through, it isnt fair to judge a season based on its follow up, but unfortunately the series goes from bad to worse to intolerable, dont bother, this is a waste of time.… Expand
  22. jstdude
    Apr 20, 2019
    8
    I wish it would have more exploration and encounters with new alien species instead of the ongoing onslaught of action. That said, I am happy that the Star Trek story continues and pulls in some new viewers.
  23. pjnt
    Apr 19, 2019
    4
    I am unable to continue watching this series. I made it 2 episodes into season 2, but this is a weak money grab on the Star Trek name.

    It follows the exploits of a single character. Unlike Starfleet which prides itself on rules that create and maintain peace, the protagonist breaks rules, the bigger the better, the more often the more shock effect to continually come out on top. Where    I am unable to continue watching this series. I made it 2 episodes into season 2, but this is a weak money grab on the Star Trek name.

    It follows the exploits of a single character. Unlike Starfleet which prides itself on rules that create and maintain peace, the protagonist breaks rules, the bigger the better, the more often the more shock effect to continually come out on top. Where TNG stove to show humanity a way forward, Discovery idolizes rouge impulsive behavior as a successful career path.

    It does reveal society today, though. People need a bigger boom to get a reaction. However, from an older viewer, no boom, just dud.    … Expand
  24. sitebender
    Apr 19, 2019
    4
    Season 1 of Discovery was better and even that was a struggle to watch. I hated the storyline of Season 2 and when they do these grand season long story arcs, you're stuck. So if it's a bad story that you're not into, that's 10+ episodes your stuck in.

    The first few episodes of the series, the characters felt easy to hate. I dislike the main character as she's just Wesley Crusher. She    Season 1 of Discovery was better and even that was a struggle to watch. I hated the storyline of Season 2 and when they do these grand season long story arcs, you're stuck. So if it's a bad story that you're not into, that's 10+ episodes your stuck in.

    The first few episodes of the series, the characters felt easy to hate. I dislike the main character as she's just Wesley Crusher. She managed to start a war, she's the unmentioned sister to Spock and just in general, everything truly revolves around her, so the crew is largely forgotten about. There's so many background characters lucky to get a line in and the whole thing just doesn't feel like Star Trek.

    Even with two seasons finished, I know little about each character beyond a back story. The $10 a month to pay to watch something that I didn't enjoy felt like it hurt the experience.

    With all that said, there are glimmers of good or enjoyable stories and episodes among several dull episodes that feel like they're building to a finale.    … Expand
  25. PurpleCrayon4U
    Apr 18, 2019
    4
    While Season 1 tried to get its footing, Season 2 of ST:D felt bold enough to make statements that are reflective of 21st century 2019. As we venture into the future, CBS:All Access will be fragmenting the Star Trek Universe into at least 3 separate directions and time spans. I am not looking forward to being preached to about current status quo, or to try and shoehorn humor into scenariosWhile Season 1 tried to get its footing, Season 2 of ST:D felt bold enough to make statements that are reflective of 21st century 2019. As we venture into the future, CBS:All Access will be fragmenting the Star Trek Universe into at least 3 separate directions and time spans. I am not looking forward to being preached to about current status quo, or to try and shoehorn humor into scenarios that don't require it, or to receive speech after speech after speech of how dubious and thou art.

    What I want for the existing and new paths that the Star Trek Universe shall traverse are tales of science fiction and mystery and suspense and action and drama that have to do with ventures unfathomed with subjects and decisions that have to do with the future and not based upon 21st century 2019. Give me some Ray Bradbury, some Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke-and stay away from the tabloid stories that Star Trek:Discovery was so fond of in Season 2.    … Expand
  26. Bagaloosh
    Apr 15, 2019
    0
    Terrible! Really terrible! The worst Star Trek series ever, for me as a Trekky every episode hurts more. I'm already wondering what I can give my son as justification for this.
  27. pleitch
    Apr 13, 2019
    9
    Totally rewriting and rerating my review after the end of season 1 and season 2.
    In short - the beginning of Season 1 was a misstep that has been more than corrected for. I've gone from a detractor to a fan. Well done for turning this around.
  28. Startrekmickie
    Apr 12, 2019
    3
    We were so happy to see this produced and presented but we can barely watch it for the overwhelming volume of the music during dialogue. Likely done for dramatic effect it has become so distracting we are considering stopping watching it. We have subtitles on but you cannot hear the dialogue at certain time because the volume of the music takes over the entire scene. Please correctWe were so happy to see this produced and presented but we can barely watch it for the overwhelming volume of the music during dialogue. Likely done for dramatic effect it has become so distracting we are considering stopping watching it. We have subtitles on but you cannot hear the dialogue at certain time because the volume of the music takes over the entire scene. Please correct it...we love the show and the new twists and turns but will have to stop watching and subscribing if this issue is not corrected.… Expand
  29. xargon
    Apr 11, 2019
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A Star Trek which is NOT Star Trek. Poor story, poor scripting, poor haircuts (i'm talking to you Kirk). No emotional attachment to the characters, background stories for most of the characters are shallow. Instead of focusing on solid story, creators decided to show "political correctness" (especially in Season 2). Story telling is mixed and chaotic. The show is a major letdown for all Star Trek fans and for all casual and not-so hardcore Star Trek fans. You can skip this one, you won't loose much.… Expand
  30. Daddyoh
    Apr 11, 2019
    10
    I'm half way through the second season and I love this show. It has amazing twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Science Fiction at it's best. Great CGI, great stories and deep complicated characters.

    Is there a problem? Only if you are a gate-keeping die hard ST fan because the look and feel of the series strays from Roddenberry's creation. That said there are enough intertwining    I'm half way through the second season and I love this show. It has amazing twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Science Fiction at it's best. Great CGI, great stories and deep complicated characters.

    Is there a problem? Only if you are a gate-keeping die hard ST fan because the look and feel of the series strays from Roddenberry's creation. That said there are enough intertwining story arcs from the original series (Captain Pike, Talos 4) to keep ST connoisseurs entertained.

    I am a big ST fan - love the original ST, loved TNG - so-so on DS9 - loved Voyager and Enterprise. Although not 100% Star Trek it is a great Sci-fi series. Well done!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best TV Season of 2017
1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2017
9
#9 Most Shared TV Season of 2017

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: James Poniewozik
    Oct 19, 2017
    50
    Discovery feels like it’s adrift between the adventure-of-the-week format of its network-TV predecessors and the kind of complex serial favored by cable and streaming.
    Read full review
  2. The Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kristi Turnquist
    Sep 26, 2017
    60
    Star Trek: Discovery feels like it's just finding its footing. On the promising side, Doug Jones is already a standout as Science Officer Lt. Saru, who's from an alien race called Kelpiens. And James Frain is perfectly cast as Sarek, the Vulcan who veteran "Trek" fans know as the father of Spock. The relationship between Burnham and Sarek is one of the more intriguing aspects of Star Trek: Discovery.
    Read full review
  3. Salon
    Reviewed by: Melanie McFarland
    Sep 26, 2017
    80
    Happily Star Trek: Discovery strikes a balance between what diehard Trekkies love about Roddenberry’s universe and what J.J. Abrams injected into its theatrical resurrection. Ethical dilemmas and a clash between cultures and traditions comprise the fore of the narrative, but the hours don’t skimp on phaser blasts and broadcast-appropriate carnage.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »