Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)

The critics praise Strange New Worlds as the best Star Trek in decades for recapturing the franchise's core spirit of episodic adventures, hope, and character-driven storytelling while learning from past entries. They single out the strong ensemble chemistry and Anson Mount's Pike as key strengths that make the series feel authentically like Star Trek again.

The series revives the appeal of self-contained, episodic Star Trek storytelling amid a landscape of heavily serialized shows. It is praised for its varied genre experiments, humanism, optimism, and workplace-drama feel that resonates in post-pandemic times.

The series elegantly uses its 23rd-century setting to comment on contemporary issues like political division, while maintaining high production values and strong ethical themes. It singles out Anson Mount's sensitive, soulful performance as Captain Pike as a standout addition to the franchise.

The critic calls it the real thing at last, a modern live-action series that actually feels like classic Star Trek with satisfying, close-ended episodic stories and an optimistic tone. It nails the basics of what made the original great, though a couple of performances are wooden and one character feels underdeveloped.

Season three is a romping return to the interstellar camp and fun of the original series, delivering everything a Trekkie could want with strong homages to classic characters and episodes.

The critic finds it an amiable and entertaining throwback that quickly establishes a likable ensemble and hopeful ethos reminiscent of the original series and its procedural elements. It may aim for something less ambitious than recent Trek shows but is more successful overall.

The critic says the show succeeds by going back to basics with a likable cast, straightforward good guy Pike and fun, episodic sci-fi adventures that avoid over-serialization. It is entertaining and rarely insulting though not groundbreaking, occasionally cloying or ham-fisted in its moral lessons.

The critic praises the nostalgic, colourful and episodic 'Nostalgia Trek' approach with a strong cast and snappy writing that feels comfortably familiar. It is visually stunning and engaging but ultimately content to play the Star Trek hits without quite enough that is strange or new.

The critic finds the series pleasant but unremarkable, with familiar episodic Trek structure and likeable characters, yet lacking the wistful magic or excitement of the original.

The premiere is a thrilling, joyous return to Star Trek's foundational principles of hope and exploration, anchored by Anson Mount's note-perfect performance as Pike. It stands out for its impeccable casting, fun tone, thoughtful character dynamics, and refusal to descend into grimdark territory.

The critic calls the series an absolute blast and the best Star Trek since The Next Generation, praising its compelling characters, episodic format, and deep roots in the original series lore. They single out Captain Pike's integrity and leadership, along with strong performances from the cast including new characters like Hemmer, as highlights.

The critic finds the series a triumphant return to the franchise's familiar episodic roots after divisive serialized storytelling in prior entries. It makes a strong case for the continuing appeal of classic Trek through its structure, cast, and familiar throwback elements.

The second season continues the show's strong start with exhilarating stories, organic character growth, and a light, whimsical touch that makes it approachable and fun. It focuses on individual crew members' dramas while leaning into classic Trek's utopian ideals and episodic structure.