10 Must-Watch Shows for Fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks

2024/10/29

Fans of the Star Trek universe have a special affection for the quirky cast of Star Trek: Lower Decks, who find themselves embroiled in mischief and adventure throughout each season. It’s noteworthy that this series has captivated audiences without relying heavily on the iconic characters of the broader franchise. Star Trek: Lower Decks revolves around the underappreciated support crew aboard the USS Cerritos, one of Starfleet’s less significant starships.

The highly anticipated fifth season of Star Trek: Lower Decks, which marks the show’s conclusion, premiered on October 24, 2024. The initial two episodes launched simultaneously, with the subsequent episodes set to roll out weekly. The series has garnered global acclaim, thanks in part to its charming characters and sharp humor—a combination that viewers will certainly miss when the final episodes air in December.

For those craving more of the delightful charm found in Star Trek: Lower Decks, check out this list of engaging shows that are equally hilarious and chaotic.

Disclaimer: This compilation draws on various sources.

10 Captivating Series Similar to Star Trek: Lower Decks

1) Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973)

This series will resonate with fans of the Star Trek franchise, just like Star Trek: Lower Decks (Image via Star Trek Official Website)

Star Trek: The Animated Series, consisting of two seasons and 22 episodes, serves as a precursor to Star Trek: Lower Decks, spotlighting the crew of the USS Enterprise and their galactic explorations. As the first animated series within the Star Trek legacy, it brought back beloved figures such as James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley). Its animation evokes a nostalgic flair reminiscent of its time period.

Much like Star Trek: Lower Decks, this animated series features concise 30-minute episodes filled with engaging plots and clever dialogue.

Where to watch: Available on Netflix and Paramount+.

2) Final Space (2016)

This series, akin to Star Trek: Lower Decks, features quirky characters and sharp dialogue (Image via Official Facebook Page)

Fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks are well-acquainted with space odysseys, and Final Space delivers plenty of that excitement. The story follows Gary Goodspeed, a not-so-bright astronaut serving a sentence aboard Galaxy One, a spacecraft jail. His fortune changes when he befriends a powerful alien named Mooncake, and together, they embark on a mission to save the universe.

This animated adventure spans three seasons and 36 episodes, kicking off with a thrilling start and ramping up the excitement. Much like its predecessor, Final Space introduces audiences to uniquely flawed yet lovable characters, with thoughtful character development that deepens viewer engagement throughout the comedic escapades.

Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video.

3) Space Force (2020)

This is a must-watch for fans of workplace comedies (Image via Netflix)

Star Trek: Lower Decks successfully blends elements of science fiction with sharp-witted humor, a feat similarly attained by Space Force, which has two seasons with 17 episodes. Steve Carell stars as General Mark R. Naird, tasked with creating the United States Space Force, the sixth branch of the military. As he faces a barrage of challenges that could jeopardize his career, viewers are treated to a mix of comedy and satire.

While Space Force differs from Star Trek: Lower Decks in its live-action format, it still excels at delivering laugh-out-loud moments and free-spirited characters.

Where to watch: Available on Netflix.

4) Avenue 5 (2020)

Featuring Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad, this series takes viewers on a comedic ride (Image via HBO)

Avenue 5 plays into the unexpected challenges that accompany space exploration, similar to those found in Star Trek: Lower Decks. The story unfolds on the interstellar cruise ship, Avenue 5, which faces a dire situation due to an accident forcing the crew to confront life-threatening circumstances.

Hugh Laurie stars as Ryan Clark, the ship’s captain. When the cruise’s navigation goes awry, the crew must cope with the daunting reality that their trip back to Earth will now take three years instead of the planned eight weeks. This scenario triggers mounting panic and chaos among the passengers.

Like Star Trek: Lower Decks, Avenue 5 masterfully escalates tensions with each episode, offering a glimpse into the characters’ responses to an ever-growing list of complications, all filled with dark humor.

Where to watch: Also available on Prime Video and Max, with two seasons and 17 episodes.

5) Star Trek: Prodigy (2021)

This installment showcases fresh characters that are both captivating and relatable (Image via Star Trek Official Website)

Star Trek: Prodigy, another branch of the Star Trek franchise, features a group of young aliens who discover the abandoned Protostar starship. This series includes two seasons and 40 episodes, following their adventures as they learn to pilot this vessel in their own quest for exploration.

While it appeals primarily to a younger audience, Star Trek: Prodigy is infused with clever storytelling that resonates with older viewers, much like Star Trek: Lower Decks. Although this series maintains a somewhat more reflective tone, it does not skimp on the humor.

Where to watch: Episodes can be watched on Netflix.

6) The Great North (2021)

This animated series focuses on family dynamics and connections (Image via Fox)

Although The Great North is not set in outer space, it shares the whimsical essence of Star Trek: Lower Decks, featuring quirky characters navigating through life’s peculiarities. This animated series spans four seasons and 75 episodes, centered on Beef Tobin (Nick Offerman), a loving father to four kids, each with their unique personalities, as he strives to keep his family united.

While the crew in Star Trek: Lower Decks doesn’t share blood ties, they create bonds that resemble familial connections. On the other hand, The Great North delves into the Tobin family’s journey of understanding and growth through various challenges.

This heartwarming series emphasizes family unity and the impact of supporting one another, ensuring a relatable experience for viewers of all ages.

Where to watch: The animated series is available on Apple TV+ and Disney+.

7) The Legend of Vox Machina (2022)

An exciting adventure for fans of Dungeons & Dragons (Image via Amazon Studios)

The Legend of Vox Machina echoes the spirit of Star Trek: Lower Decks by showcasing unconventional characters who rise to unexpected occasions. Inspired by the popular Dungeons & Dragons web series, Critical Role, the animated show follows Vox Machina, a group of misfit heroes who take bold action against dark forces threatening their realm, Exandria.

This series spans three seasons and 36 episodes, enriched by a talented voice cast including Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, and Ashley Johnson. While The Legend of Vox Machina leans towards darker themes than its predecessor, both focus on well-developed, relatable characters that make the narrative compelling, complemented by expertly-timed humor.

Where to watch: Available for streaming on Prime Video.

8) Captain Fall (2023)

This show keeps viewers guessing with its unexpected plot twists (Image via Netflix)

While many adult animated series fall prey to clichéd storylines, Captain Fall upholds creativity with its unique narrative about Jonathan Fall, voiced by Jason Ritter, a struggling officer who unexpectedly becomes the captain of a luxurious cruise ship while oblivious to the smuggling operation unfolding beneath him.

With a total of 20 episodes, only ten were made available on Netflix due to cancellation after its first season, yet the show retains an unpredictable quality akin to Star Trek: Lower Decks, combined with engaging animation and distinctive humor.

Where to watch: Season one is available on Netflix.

9) Fired on Mars (2023)

This show features quirky characters that are both flawed and relatable (Image via HBO Max)

Fired on Mars delves into the comedic side of science fiction, spotlighting Jeff Cooper, a graphic designer voiced by Luke Wilson, who faces an unforeseen predicament after getting fired from his job on Mars. Stranded and unable to return to Earth, he must navigate the challenges of self-reinvention amidst a hostile environment.

This brief series consists of eight episodes, examining the resilience necessary to thrive in adversity, akin to the character-driven narrative in Star Trek: Lower Decks. The characters’ depth and development shine through, and while the humor is more understated, it has a charm that will resonate with fans of dry comedy.

Where to watch: Streaming on Prime Video and Max.

10) Delicious in Dungeon (2024)

This anime offers a unique twist on dungeon exploration (Image via Netflix)

Delicious in Dungeon brings a fresh take on familiar dungeon exploration themes, akin to the unique approach seen in Star Trek: Lower Decks. Based on Ryoko Kui’s manga, the story introduces a group of adventurers battling against a formidable dragon in a dungeon. After a narrow escape, they must return to save a comrade consumed by the creature, relying on the very monsters they face for sustenance.

The character dynamics in Delicious in Dungeon evolve dramatically through each perilous encounter, much like the crew of Star Trek: Lower Decks. This anime thrives on its whimsical premise, delightful interactions, and clever writing.

Where to watch: Available for streaming on Netflix, featuring 24 episodes.

Fans of Star Trek: Lower Decks will find these titles offer a delightful combination of humor, unforgettable characters, and engaging narratives.

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