"Star Trek," one of the most popular science fiction franchises in the history of entertainment, just turned 50. Its first instalment, "Star Trek: The Original Series," was aired this month in 1966 on NBC. The occasion has given enough reason for fans all over the world to celebrate afresh their beloved franchise in their own ways.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of "Star Trek," Paramount Pictures, which served as the production company of the original series, has released a new trailer, titled "Celebrating 50 years of Star Trek... and Beyond."

The video features several clips from "Star Trek" movies and also showcases the cast from the original series, from "The Next Generation," and from Kelvin Timeline, the alternate reality where the universe of Star Trek exists.

The first episode of "Star Trek," titled "The Man Trap," was aired on Sept. 8, 1966 on NBC. Written by George Clayton Johnson, the premiere episode was directed by Marc Daniels.

The episode was actually the sixth one that was filmed. However, both the network and Desilu Productions ( the other production company besides Paramount Pictures) believed that since the episode consisted of horror elements, which included an alien creature feeding on the salt in a human body and transforming into anyone or anything, it would be attract a wider audience. When the episode was first aired, it received a Nielsen rating of 25.2 percent.

Created by Gene Roddenberry, the original "Star Trek" series ran for three seasons and afterwards, paved way for several other television shows, movies, toys and other merchandise. The latest in the franchise is "Star Trek: Discovery," a television series that is set 10 years before the events of the original "Star Trek" series and explores the adventures of the crew of USS Discovery.

"Star Trek: Discovery" is scheduled to premiere in January 2017.


Star Trek - Official "50th Anniversary" Trailer... by comicbookdotcom