Star Trek: Lower Decks

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Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
3.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 91 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 91
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 91
  3. Negative: 53 out of 91
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User Reviews

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  1. jltskfl
    Aug 17, 2020
    0
    This is a preposterously generic throwaway animated show that has had Star Trek elements crowbarred into it. Even with an animated show, the Star Trek universe has so much opportunity for a quality production, and yet fans are presented with the laziest creation that could possibly have been conceived. What an insult.
  2. Simon_Says
    Aug 23, 2020
    0
    The latest "dark matter" to come from CBS's bowel movements. For Trekkies, watch at your own risks. If on the other hand you're a Trekker and love the STD infection and Poocard, you'll probably feel right at home. As for me... *Pushes button on toilet and merrily watches as it goes down the drain along with the rest of CBS's crap.* Cheers!
  3. daniel_
    Jan 27, 2021
    0
    I watched the trailer, enough for me. Why did you allow that? What have we done to deserve that?
  4. DoomerChaos
    Sep 7, 2020
    0
    I love startrek, and i will never find this show very enjoyable. From the artwork to its failure at satiracal writing i just despise it.
  5. Mankind_divided
    Oct 22, 2021
    1
    Wtf is this crap!? Humourless pile of crap that looks and feels like it was written by a 6 year old. Absolutely craps on the star trek legacy.
  6. gonzalo94
    Aug 21, 2020
    1
    Nothing "Star Trek" about this show except the costumes.I dont even know what I should write about this ridiculous stuff anymore, is a mess.
  7. lemony
    Aug 28, 2020
    0
    This is the epitome of everything wrong with Nu-Star Trek. This is worse than Picard and Discovery and both of those were shows were terrible.
  8. umaumai
    Aug 6, 2020
    3
    Welcome to Star Trek: “We’ve Destroyed The Brand So Much That We Are Now Just Trying To Get The Attention Of The Demographic That Buys Things And Watches Adult Swim, Rick and Morty, And Final Space.” We really want you to like us so don’t expect to find anything “Star Trek” here other then the identifiable surface settings.

    Seriously, this show doesn’t have any of the heart that the    Welcome to Star Trek: “We’ve Destroyed The Brand So Much That We Are Now Just Trying To Get The Attention Of The Demographic That Buys Things And Watches Adult Swim, Rick and Morty, And Final Space.” We really want you to like us so don’t expect to find anything “Star Trek” here other then the identifiable surface settings.

    Seriously, this show doesn’t have any of the heart that the source material has. That includes the Kelvin timeline. The idea for this is one of those things that sounds fine on paper, but the writing - and I’m using that term loosely - is boring as balls. It’s just not well executed in its pacing and the introduction of characters. With all of the Star Trek universe at you’re disposal you come up with the same characters you find in the same situations from all the above mentioned shows that it “steals” from. And Star Trek had better be careful here because right now having another show accused of borrowing from other writers isn’t something that they need right now.

    I don’t think that the voice acting is bad, but the characters are very one dimensional. I don’t even like the visuals as they too “borrow” too much from other current sci-fi comedy cartoons.

    All that said if you liked this show that’s fine. Just know that there are much better ones out there for comedy. Even “Be Cool Scooby-Doo” had better writing and wit than this. "Solar Opposites" is another one that brings the sci-fi and interesting characters. I didn't care too much for the second season of "Final Space," but the first one was solid and offered a great story that had me excited to watch the next episode. Man, who would have thought that Seth Macfarlane would have the best current “Star Trek” show.    … Expand
  9. laeknir45
    Aug 7, 2020
    0
    Utter garbage. Insulting to fans of Trek, it's difficult to tell who this was created for, and why they spent the money.
  10. KTS0228
    Aug 12, 2020
    1
    What happens when you let people who don't understand what Gene was trying to do when he created Star Trek make Star Trek shows? This horrific cartoon is the answer to that question. It saddens me that a once great franchise has been brought to this.
  11. Mikeuk81
    Aug 7, 2020
    2
    Sigh, once again modern trek utterly misses the target - time to cut the deadwood from the top.
  12. DaveAus
    Aug 6, 2020
    2
    Yes this show is bad something we all suspected. Relies very heavily on quirky over the top reactions, no set ups or punch lines. Devoid of any interesting moral or scientific problems Star Trek would usually have.
  13. Starbuck2020
    Aug 7, 2020
    0
    More agenda pushing woke Star Trek. Sigh. I really miss old Star Trek. So sick of this trash.
  14. Cornrunner
    Aug 9, 2020
    0
    Gross, lowest common denominator, frat nonsense. Antithetical to Star Trek itself. A real low point in the franchise history.
  15. Drael
    Aug 6, 2020
    4
    Really hard to imagine who the audience is. The comedy isn't particularly edgy, there's a lot of romance vibes, the comedy is really flat, the plot is uninteresting. It's not for gen x, but it seems to be for teenagers. Perhaps it's written for teenagers, but not by someone that remotely understands teenagers. Either way, it's dross.
  16. TwiTu
    Aug 11, 2020
    0
    I dont even know what I should write about this ridiculous stuff anymore.
    By now I am just sure that the producers of modern "Star Trek" hated Gene Roddenberry with a passion and want to destroy and pervert his creation because they are simply filled with massive hate, for whatever reason.
    There can be no other reason why "Star Trek" is so complete and utter trash nowadays. Nobody can be    I dont even know what I should write about this ridiculous stuff anymore.
    By now I am just sure that the producers of modern "Star Trek" hated Gene Roddenberry with a passion and want to destroy and pervert his creation because they are simply filled with massive hate, for whatever reason.
    There can be no other reason why "Star Trek" is so complete and utter trash nowadays. Nobody can be that stupid to produce **** like this and be serious about it.    … Expand
  17. KushPuffington
    Aug 11, 2020
    2
    Nothing "Star Trek" about this show except the costumes. Characters say rude and off-putting things to each other. Without the optimistic view of humanity Star Trek is nothing.
  18. N-fan
    Aug 6, 2020
    1
    Lower Decks, a subpar rip-off of The Orville, which ironically is closer to Star Trek than anything officially produced by Alex Kurtzman, is a new comedy webseries without any humour.

    It stars an obnoxious, loud character who doesn't understand the concept of personal space and enjoys telling everyone they're wrong because she's always right according to her. It's like the animated    Lower Decks, a subpar rip-off of The Orville, which ironically is closer to Star Trek than anything officially produced by Alex Kurtzman, is a new comedy webseries without any humour.

    It stars an obnoxious, loud character who doesn't understand the concept of personal space and enjoys telling everyone they're wrong because she's always right according to her.

    It's like the animated adventures of STD's Michael Burnham, with grating personality to match.

    The show's producers claim Lower Decks is canon but none of the characters behave like they're Starfleet officers or even mature adults.

    Avoid this latest disaster from CBS at all cost and watch The Orville and Final Space instead.    … Expand
  19. Gribbledul
    Aug 6, 2020
    8
    Tightly written, though perhaps too fast paced, it needs to give more space for the character beats they’re hitting to truly land.

    But the characterization is sharp and clear. The pilot is a little overstuffed and while it succeeds in letting us know who we’re watching and what motivates them, the story around them is pretty rote. If the show can follow the character drives and let the    Tightly written, though perhaps too fast paced, it needs to give more space for the character beats they’re hitting to truly land.

    But the characterization is sharp and clear. The pilot is a little overstuffed and while it succeeds in letting us know who we’re watching and what motivates them, the story around them is pretty rote.

    If the show can follow the character drives and let the action grow from that while developing more sophisticated plots, it will surely grow a following.    … Expand
  20. viroodiem
    Aug 15, 2020
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. EDIT: As bad as the first episode was the second was its infinitely better, polar opposite.
    It took the good from the first episode and paired it well with a mostly solid story and MUCH better comedy.

    Biggest problem right now is still trying to focus too much on dating, and Mariner embodies everything wrong with female depictions in modern television.

    As the crew is getting more fleshed out the show is becoming much better. Just have to keep watching to see how the season pans out.
    EP 1:
    Absolutely horrendous.

    A show that misses everything that it is supposed to be. From not understanding the universe with gaffes like "Romulan Whiskey" and having an enlisted officer who sides as a smuggler and what appears to be a Trill named Barnes, Shakx being not remotely a Bajoran name, to visual mistakes like having two people wearing Geordi's visor despite it being set well after TNG era.

    The show is also rife with belligerent SJW rhetoric and tropes where all the males are idiots and buffoons and all the women are perfect. It is summed up by who amounts to the shows lead character "Ensign Beckett Mariner" when she says to her equal in rank "Im better than you in every single way" in response to Ensign Brad Boimler trying to tell her that he saved her career. Its far from this one pair either. The Captain has to fix everything that her overly Zap Brannigan first officer mucks up, The cybernetic engineer totally ignores his Trill date over an unexplained malfunction, and basically every male/female relationship is skewed to show how stupid men are.

    Then there is the writing. The plot was boring. The comedy was practically non existent. What comedy was there it was hard to justify a laugh from the tired and lame jokes. About the "funniest" thing to happen was a slapstick bit with a batleth.

    Clearly this show was trying to be what the Orville wasnt. Comedic trek. While it definitely fails at being comedic trek, its still infinitely better than The Orville has ever been with its 90s workplace romcom set in space bit. Thankfully, even as bad as LD is its still so much better than TO has ever been. One huge detriment though is it is definitely doing the same thing as TO and setting itself up to be dating centric for some reason.

    I would almost say that this show should be aimed at children. Outside of using language like b. itch its about as inoffensive as inoffensive gets. It also has the same key failing that has cancelled or nearly cancelled almost every form of Trek up till modern Trek. Pandering to "Gene's vision" of a "hopeful future" when Trek has NEVER been good with that hokey western in space ideology and it plays even worse now.

    People whine on endlessly about how "bad" STD & STP are clearly do NOT understand Trek or what makes for good television at all. Yet even they cant get on board with this. Given its higher production costs being animated look for CBS to drop this like a lead rock ASAP.

    There are also comparisons to Rick and Morty due to the staff. This is not R&M in Trek, this does not even make it up to the low low bar of Final Space. (which LD seems to be mimicking more than anything)

    If Trek is a filet Mignon of nuanced tastes and textures, LD is an unpalatable bowl of week old oatmeal. Its my hope that upcoming episodes improve because if this is what we get out of LD its not only going to be bad and likely cancelled, its going to be by far the worst Trek of this generation and only serve as an albatross around the franchises neck.

    It "might" get some traction if CBS decides to air it on something like Nickelodeon or CW but for adult trek audiences its a joke and nobody but Les Moonves is laughing.    … Expand
  21. kirkender
    Aug 7, 2020
    7
    Only one episode has aired, but its kinda fun. People are way too hard on Star Trek. It's not trying to be a perfect thing for a specific (re: reddit fanboy incel) crowd. It's doing what Star Trek has been doing lately; an entertaining show with some heart and thoughtfulness. The characters are clearly defined and formulaic and the animation is clever and dynamic. The story is typicalOnly one episode has aired, but its kinda fun. People are way too hard on Star Trek. It's not trying to be a perfect thing for a specific (re: reddit fanboy incel) crowd. It's doing what Star Trek has been doing lately; an entertaining show with some heart and thoughtfulness. The characters are clearly defined and formulaic and the animation is clever and dynamic. The story is typical adventure of the week, and it's pretty entertaining overall. It definitely relies on tired sitcom tropes and isn't saying anything. It's trying to be as inoffensive as possible and is missing out on actually engaging with the source material and the meaning behind what we love when we think 'Star Trek.'… Expand
  22. Veylandemar
    Aug 6, 2020
    8
    An enjoyable poke at the usual seriousness of the Star Trek universe. Not every joke lands, but it is a fun, quirky romp through familiar stomping grounds.
    While only one episode has aired so far, I was pleased with the quality and quirkiness it offered.
    There's been a lot of people who have been chomping at the bit to say that it 'Isn't Star Trek!' or that it's existence somehow    An enjoyable poke at the usual seriousness of the Star Trek universe. Not every joke lands, but it is a fun, quirky romp through familiar stomping grounds.
    While only one episode has aired so far, I was pleased with the quality and quirkiness it offered.
    There's been a lot of people who have been chomping at the bit to say that it 'Isn't Star Trek!' or that it's existence somehow cheapens their fandom - Grow up and take it for what it is, folks. A fun, less serious look at the setting which may just bring in new fans to enjoy the things you love and revere.

    A good gateway drug for new Trekkies, a decent laugh for old ones.
    8/10 and looking forward to more.    … Expand
  23. Jonjonez00
    Aug 20, 2020
    10
    I would say it starts off slow but picks up as the season progresses. I wouldn’t say this show is cerebral but it does have a very grounded trek feel. I enjoy watching it and my kids are getting into it as well. Maybe after this I can get them to watch TNG and DS9.
  24. genesis2k
    Aug 9, 2020
    10
    It's not like "original" star trek, it's not the production quality of the "new" movies. But! it's funny - i seriously enjoy this kind of low level humor - ofc og star trek fans might be BH, but give it a chance!
  25. UncleWillard
    Aug 11, 2020
    7
    I dug it. It was fun in a Ricky and Morty/Final Space way. I look forward to the rest of the season.
  26. shoulderoforion
    Aug 7, 2020
    8
    All you pantywaists "but it's not good". Discovery is hot garbage, Picard is good, and Lower Decks is fun, the lead is a bit shrill, but it's cartoon Star Trek, for crying out loud, it'll be a great 1/2 hr every week for a few months
  27. hawaiigeek
    Aug 30, 2020
    7
    Watched all four so-far-released episodes "Star Trek: Lower Decks." (Not hard at a half hour each.) It's fun. An easter-egg filled "workplace comedy" in the world of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," from the head writer of "Rick & Morty."

    It might simply be because this extension of the "Trek" universe is not as dark as its CBS All Access predecessors ("Star Trek: Discovery" and    Watched all four so-far-released episodes "Star Trek: Lower Decks." (Not hard at a half hour each.) It's fun. An easter-egg filled "workplace comedy" in the world of "Star Trek: The Next Generation," from the head writer of "Rick & Morty."

    It might simply be because this extension of the "Trek" universe is not as dark as its CBS All Access predecessors ("Star Trek: Discovery" and "Picard"), or just the current dumpster fire of a world we're living in, but I was in the mood for something light and earnest. Though I'm finding the secondary characters more interesting than the leads, I'm thinking that's also kind of the point.

    With a show so self-aware and self-referential, it's hard to tell what's meta commentary on a trope, or just a trope.

    Inspired in part by an actual TNG episode titled "Lower Decks," I can definitely get on board with spending time with the nameless people who scurry about in the background of a flagship command team. And I'm glad that the show is not just "redshirts versus captains," and that the ship and command itself suffers from a bit of Enterprise envy.

    It's also interesting to compare this with "The Orville," Seth McFarland's surprisingly affectionate comedic homage to "Star Trek" on Fox. "The Orville" would definitely be a more interesting show if it could paint with the same intellectual property palette that a sanctioned "Trek" show can, though I think it's found its footing and feeling less like an "outside looking in" experiment.

    CBS is not stupid, and packing its subscription service with "Trek" spinoffs is definitely more a business decision than an expression of love for a beloved franchise. But if one wasn't enough to get you to subscribe, three might just do it.    … Expand
  28. kalina
    Oct 30, 2020
    9
    Takes a couple of episodes to really get started but gets better and better as the season progresses.
  29. ComandanteCobra
    Apr 29, 2022
    9
    Funny Star Trek humorous series, that tells the story of low-ranking officers on a small Starfleet ship.
    It is simple but effective in his job: Make fun (without diserespect) of Star Trek franchise and have some laugh with star trek clichés.
    Lots of weel written references of TOS, TNG, TAS and so on. It seems like a series of humoristic adventures in an humorous Star Trek pen and    Funny Star Trek humorous series, that tells the story of low-ranking officers on a small Starfleet ship.
    It is simple but effective in his job: Make fun (without diserespect) of Star Trek franchise and have some laugh with star trek clichés.
    Lots of weel written references of TOS, TNG, TAS and so on.
    It seems like a series of humoristic adventures in an humorous Star Trek pen and paper rpg.
    I agree with some other comments that said: "Relax and enjoy a simple show".
    If you aren't familiar with Star Trek Tv Series lower my score a little...this series is dedicated and targeted toward Trekkies

    ---Ita----
    Complimenti al doppiaggio in italiano, adattato ottimamente. Bravi    … Expand
  30. Method__Man
    Oct 20, 2020
    8
    Ignore the haters. With any Trek show, there will be a band of roving “purists” who crap on anything that isnt 1990 TNG. If you are a normal trek fan, or even a big one, this show is what you need. I mean, if you see a rating of 0 or 1, its just a throwaway review. Be mindful of review bombing on metacritic

    Overall quite good. The jokes are funny enough (nothing ground breaking), the    Ignore the haters. With any Trek show, there will be a band of roving “purists” who crap on anything that isnt 1990 TNG. If you are a normal trek fan, or even a big one, this show is what you need. I mean, if you see a rating of 0 or 1, its just a throwaway review. Be mindful of review bombing on metacritic

    Overall quite good. The jokes are funny enough (nothing ground breaking), the voice acting truly superb, and the plot interesting and varied. Lots of nods to other series, which helps situate the series. A bit of a fan service there but its not that bad. Its a nice goofy vibe but also handles some nice life lessons that old school TNG used to in its day.

    As a long term trek fan, the show is exactly what i want. To those who arent trek fans (yet) the show is easily digestible. Truly its more approachable than really any other trek show (except maybe Picard).

    In general, give it a go! Way above average for a adult cartoon, and at least as good as half the non-cartoon trek products.    … Expand
  31. TheralSadurns
    Sep 5, 2020
    7
    To me Star Trek died after Nemesis. When JJ Abrams and Bad Robot took over the franchise (which Kurtzman very much is a part of!) they ruined what was once known as Star Trek. Trying to re-invent the wheel. Jumping on every current social topic just for its own sake, but putting flashy action before good story-telling. Characters of Nu-Trek are often completely forgettable, save for a fewTo me Star Trek died after Nemesis. When JJ Abrams and Bad Robot took over the franchise (which Kurtzman very much is a part of!) they ruined what was once known as Star Trek. Trying to re-invent the wheel. Jumping on every current social topic just for its own sake, but putting flashy action before good story-telling. Characters of Nu-Trek are often completely forgettable, save for a few exceptions. The new movies as well as Star Trek: Discovery look nothing like they should according to the timeline. Even Star Trek: Picard seems off, it just doesn't feel right.

    Star Trek: Lower Decks works on the same premise (in a way) as The Orville, when it was announced, be a comedy version of Star Trek. What we get is an animated Star Trek series that is full of humor that works along similar lines as does, for example, Rick & Morty. This may not be everybody's cup of tea. Granted. And YMMV, significantly so.

    BUT: Lower Decks looks the way Star Trek of the time should look like (late TNG/Nemesis era). The stories are varied and generally interesting and would mostly work with TOS, TNG, and to a lesser degree the other series of the franchise. The intro feels like a genuine Star Trek intro (with some comedy twists) in contrast to the other Nu-Trek series. The characters are interesting and memorable. Ensign Mariner, for example, while an annoying character (to her colleagues) is a solid and interesting character, in contrast to Discovery's Michael Burnham who is completely detestable. The cast is varied and comprises lots of different characters with different backgrounds without (and this is the important thing) being "in-your-face" about it. When Discovery and it's marketing where all about "Look look we have female POC as the main character!!! We are so modern and inclusive!!!", Lower Decks goes back to Star Trek's roots and is completely no-fuzz about its cast. Which really is a good thing.

    I mean... I get it. This series is unlike any other Star Trek we have gotten until now. You really have to like this type of humor. But if you do... and keep an open mind this series is actually pretty solid. Of all the Nu-Trek series it is by FAR the best, with Picard coming in as a distant second, and Discovery... ha...being an utter joke. I'd even go as far and say that this is the only actual new Star Trek series, and not rebooted Nu-Trek.

    Me personally I'd still give it a higher grade, but being more objective about it... this is not perfect for everyone... I can still recommend it though and if you consider yourself a fan of (REAL) Star Trek (aka not Nu-Trek) and are open to a comic twist... give it a shot. You may not be disappointed.    … Expand
  32. Drejoe
    Apr 17, 2022
    10
    If you love TNG and Voyager and love animated shows like Final Space, this might just scratch that itch for more. Be aware that this is comedy though.
  33. Thesiberian87
    Jan 24, 2021
    10
    brilliant show!
    you have to understand that for many people star trek is a sort of religion, they have a serious lack of social interaction and so they take this franchise very seriously.
    i would pay for watching their reaction to a simple ensign giving a yo yo vulcanian greeting to his commander. take it easy guys! star trek itself is very funny and autoironic, look at the new    brilliant show!
    you have to understand that for many people star trek is a sort of religion, they have a serious lack of social interaction and so they take this franchise very seriously.

    i would pay for watching their reaction to a simple ensign giving a yo yo vulcanian greeting to his commander. take it easy guys! star trek itself is very funny and autoironic, look at the new trilogy, it knows that it lacks any real science and it just doesn't care    … Expand
  34. ACNH
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    I don’t understand the hate this got. It was a fantastic Star Trek show! And I don’t need to add anything to that but I do need to fill a minimum word count so that is why I’m writing this much.
  35. Zuulgrog
    Aug 17, 2020
    9
    By far the best Star Trek series of all time. They manage to accomplish more in one episode than they typically do in an entire season. It's a Sci-Fi comedy minus the Shakespeare and high school level drama that typically plagues the series.
  36. bjmetacritic
    Jul 1, 2022
    6
    It's a little misleading to call this Star Trek. It is more of a parody of Star Trek. Once I accepted this, I actually enjoyed the show.
  37. WhyMoreZombies2
    Feb 5, 2023
    1
    This is like if Rick and Morty took the Star Trek IP, engaged in illegal activities resulting in a conviction, and then recorded the whole thing as an animated comedy series for everyone in the jury to watch, most against their will. Star Trek is so much more than this, and has too much to offer humanity and people in general of all ages than whatever this Rick&Morty spinoff is trying to be.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed TV Season of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Playlist
    Reviewed by: Brian Tallerico
    Oct 5, 2020
    42
    “Lower Decks” loves the tropes a bit too much, lacking any edge or commentary that might cut into the familiarity of this project overall.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Aug 14, 2020
    80
    Lively, mirthful and colorful. [17 - 30 Aug 2020, p.10]
  3. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Christian Blauvelt
    Aug 7, 2020
    91
    This may not be the best “Trek” series ever, but based on the first four episodes it might be the most “Trek” series ever. It isn’t a riff on Starfleet shenanigans, it’s the real deal, raw and undiluted.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »