Why Star Trek: The Next Generation has remained popular after all these years

Star Trek: The Next Generation debuted in 1987 and ran for seven seasons, ending in 1994 as a series before continuing with four follow-up movies. But that wasn't enough for fans. They were always clamoring to see more of the characters they'd shared an hour of their week with for so many years. Star Trek: Picard's third season gave them that. So it's no surprise that final season was so popular. But what about The Next Generation? Why is it still so popular over twenty years since its last movie?

Some members of the cast of Star Trek: Picard season three gathered together at a SAG Awards screening to watch the series finale. Michelle Hurd, who played Commander Raffi Musiker, was a part of the panel and touched on why the world of Star Trek has lived on for so long. [via Screenrant]

"This right here. This is really what we had the entire time. This humor. This, this love. This shameless, you know, unbridled humor. This is what these guys created, why the world of Star Trek has lived on for so long, it’s because there is true love and support and camaraderie and inclusivity. And the fact that I am just kind of invited in and Terry Matalas created such an amazing arc for me to do in my last season to be so kick-ass and strong and to not be afraid to make a strong woman, I just so appreciated it. To be a part of this, it’s meant a lot and it will mean a lot for the rest of my life. So thank you, thank you, thank you.""

- Michelle Hurd

True love and support speaks volumes as the cast of The Next Generation have remained friends, even family. They are never too far away from one another, be it by phone or in person. What's more, they like working together, and it shows. There was never a hint of animosity between any of the cast members, and many times we've heard how much fun the sets were.

Looking now into what might be the final time we see the cast together, we know that The Next Generation would not have been as popuar had even one member of the cast been different. While the writers produced great material, the cast broiught it to life, and, in turn, they created a unique bond that every Star Trek fan can still see. That makes us love The Next Generation even more.