Star Trek Should Revive Voyager with a Comeback Similar to Picard’s for The Next Generation

After a triumphant resurgence spotlighting The Next Generation this year, it’s now time for Star Trek: Voyager to shine once more. While Star Trek: Picard initially crafted a narrative less focused on nostalgia, its third season beautifully culminated in a heartwarming reunion of the beloved TNG cast aboard the revamped Enterprise-D. This homage to a cherished past was executed with flair, successfully rekindling fond memories of classic Star Trek, thereby accomplishing its nostalgic mission.

As Star Trek: Voyager approaches its 30th anniversary in 2025, it has not enjoyed the same widespread acclaim as its predecessor, TNG. Nevertheless, the show and its ensemble cast hold a unique and cherished place within the hearts of devoted fans. Recent Star Trek productions often honor the legacy of The Original Series and The Next Generation, but the time has come for Voyager to be celebrated with its own defining moment in the limelight.

A 30-Year Legacy: Star Trek: Voyager’s Enduring Impact

Enduring Affection for Star Trek: Voyager

Neelix and Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager

Kate Mulgrew and Jeri Ryan in Star Trek: Voyager

Though Star Trek: Voyager may not have matched the critical heights of its predecessors, it still holds a significant place in the franchise’s narrative tapestry. The accolades of Deep Space Nine, which was purposefully designed to offer an alternative perspective within Star Trek, stand in contrast to Voyager‘s status as a direct successor. While its early seasons faced challenges, Voyager is now appreciated for the strengths it brought to the table, allowing characters like Captain Janeway to be viewed in a favorable light against the franchise backdrop.

The show’s legacy continues to resonate, as evidenced by the joy expressed during recent character returns. The excitement surrounding Kate Mulgrew and Robert Beltran’s engagements with Star Trek: Prodigy, along with the outcry for a spinoff featuring Seven of Nine as captain of the Enterprise-G, underscores the enduring love for the Voyager crew. Additionally, Robert Picardo’s contribution to the upcoming Starfleet Academy series adds another layer of anticipation to the franchise’s future.

The Call for a Voyager Comeback Parallels Picard’s USS Enterprise-D Revival

Envisioning “The Last Voyage-r”

The Next Generation's crew reunited on the Enterprise-D in Star Trek: Picard.

A fitting tribute to Star Trek: Voyager would be a heartfelt reunion akin to the poignant moments featured in Star Trek: Picard‘s finale, “The Last Generation.”Here, the cast of Voyager could reunite for an adventure aboard their ship, allowing for a nostalgic experience cherished by fans. While this reunion concept isn’t entirely new, it represents an untapped opportunity for Voyager, which stands as the last viable candidate among classic Star Trek crews to pull off such an emotional and nostalgic celebration.

Unlike the context of Deep Space Nine and its character dynamics, which do not lend themselves readily to this type of celebration, Voyager carries a legacy that can truly embrace the fan service.

Live-Action Star Trek Show	Tomatometer Score
Star Trek	80%
Star Trek: The Next Generation	92%
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine	91%
Star Trek: Voyager	76%
Star Trek: Enterprise	56%
Star Trek: Discovery	84%
Star Trek: Picard	89%
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds	98%

The Possibility of a Voyager Reunion

Challenges in the Star Trek Timeline

Seven of Nine sits in the captain's chair of the USS Titan in Star Trek: Picard season 3.

Bringing the cast of Star Trek: Voyager back together appears plausible on the surface. Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Robert Picardo, and Jeri Ryan have made recent cameos, while Tim Russ appeared in Star Trek: Picard. Furthermore, both Star Trek: Lower Decks and Very Short Treks featured the franchise’s beloved characters, showing their enduring presence within the Star Trek universe.

Moreover, the USS Voyager remains a more feasible option for return compared to the Enterprise-D, as it has been established as a museum yet still has operational capabilities, making its return to action a strong possibility.

However, challenges in the Star Trek release schedule pose a barrier to envisioning such a reunion. With projects like Star Trek: Prodigy currently in limbo and plans for the Starfleet Academy series directed towards different themes, the timing of Voyager‘s reunion is uncertain. The most promising scenario might hinge on the rumored but unconfirmed Star Trek: Legacy, potentially uniting Seven’s crew from the USS Titan with Janeway’s once more.

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