The year is 1968, and the beloved Star Trek series is on the brink of vanishing into the black hole of cancellation. But then, something extraordinary happens. Guided by the indomitable spirit of Bjo and John Trimble, millions of fans band together, launching the “Save Star Trek” letter-writing campaign. Their passion reverberates through the cosmos, turning the tide and launching Star Trek from a nascent pop-culture phenomenon into a global powerhouse. It’s a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of a legacy—a testament to the power of fandom that changes the trajectory of Star Trek forever.
Fast forward over five decades, and that legacy continues to expand, its influence touching lives in countless ways. Star Trek has become more than a television series—it’s a lighthouse, guiding us towards a future filled with discovery, unity, and progress.
Star Trek has consistently broken barriers, envisioning a future enriched by diversity and inclusion.
Star Trek has consistently broken barriers, envisioning a future enriched by diversity and inclusion. It daringly portrayed an interracial kiss during a time of racial tension and introduced a multi-cultural crew navigating the stars together. This was not just ground-breaking for the 1960s—it was revolutionary. It painted a picture of a society where our differences are our strengths and where humanity has finally learned to embrace the diverse tapestry of its existence.
Beyond its social impact, Star Trek has sparked a global thirst for scientific discovery. It’s no coincidence that many of today’s astronauts and scientists were inspired by the series’ depiction of future technologies and space exploration. It brought the cosmos closer to our living rooms, making the concept of the final frontier tangible and exciting. Its influence has driven real-world innovation, with devices seen in Star Trek, like communicators and tricorders, influencing our modern smartphones and portable medical scanners.
The characters of Star Trek, too, have served as role models, their triumphs and trials resonating with fans around the world. Captain Kirk’s leadership, Spock’s logic, Dr. McCoy’s compassion, Uhura’s communication skills—these are not just character traits; they are life lessons imbued with timeless wisdom. Through the lens of these characters, Star Trek explores ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries, guiding its audience toward a better understanding of the human condition.
Star Trek’s legacy doesn’t stop there—it has also fostered a global community of fans, a fellowship that spans generations and geographical boundaries. It’s a community that shares a sense of belonging and camaraderie, bound together by their love for a franchise that has touched their lives in profound ways.
And now, the legacy of Star Trek is coming full circle.
And now, the legacy of Star Trek is coming full circle. As we stand on the precipice of a new era with Terry Matalas’ (Picard Season 3 Showrunner) vision for “Star Trek: Legacy,” the next frontier of exploration in the 25th-century. Star Trek fans have been energized by the possibilities of a new Trek series following the mission of the Enterprise-G under the command of Captain Seven of Nine. Matalas has clearly stated that there is no active development of Star Trek: Legacy at Paramount+, and he has encouraged fans to “be loud” in their call for studio execs to make Legacy so! Just like the fans who rallied to save the Original Series, the shape of the future of Star Trek is once again in our hands. It’s time for us to take up the mantle, to carry the torch that was lit by Bjo and John Trimble all those years ago.
The power of a letter—particularly your letter—cannot be overstated. It’s a tangible, physical symbol of your passion for Star Trek, embodying a sense of earnestness and dedication that surpasses digital forms of communication. Each letter is a personal connection, a piece of you, carrying your voice and feelings in a way that can’t be replicated by online petitions or emails. These digital methods, while convenient, can often seem impersonal and fleeting, lost among a sea of binary code.
But a letter, your letter holds weight. It’s a testament to your dedication, an artifact that echoes the spirit of the original “Save Star Trek” campaign. This act of writing, of putting pen to paper, is an investment of your time, energy, and heart into something you care about deeply. The physicality of a letter makes your passion undeniably real and tangible, not just to you, but to the recipient as well.
When Paramount Global opens your letter, they don’t just see words; they see the effort, the emotion, and the personal commitment of a true Star Trek fan. This visceral form of communication sends a resounding message: that the Star Trek community is not a passive audience, but an active and engaged collective eager to participate in shaping the future of the franchise they love.
Join us in the Letters 4 Legacy campaign. It’s our chance to show Paramount+ and the world how much Star Trek means to us. Send your letters to:
Tom Ryan
President & CEO: Streaming
Paramount Global
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036
With our unmatched fandom, the legacy of Star Trek continues to live long and prosper. Spread the word, share the mission, and together, we can shape the future of Star Trek. Connect with us at facebook.com/groups/letters4legacy and let’s embark on this historic journey together.
After all, we are the Star Trek fandom. We don’t just watch history; we make it!
