Understanding Star Trek Canon

Canon in Star Trek refers to the official works and storylines recognized as part of the series' continuity. Different levels of canon help categorize the vast array of Star Trek material. Here’s a guide to the main categories:

Description: This is the core of Star Trek canon, consisting of all official TV series.

Includes:

• Star Trek (TOS)
• Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (DS9)
• Star Trek: Voyager (VOY)
• Star Trek: Enterprise (ENT)
• Star Trek: Discovery (DIS)
• Star Trek: Picard (PIC)
• Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW)

Description: This includes all the feature films considered part of the official storyline.

Includes:

• Star Trek: The Motion Picture
• Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
• Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
• Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
• Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
• Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
• Star Trek: Generations
• Star Trek: First Contact
• Star Trek: Insurrection
• Star Trek: Nemesis
• Star Trek (2009)
• Star Trek Into Darkness
• Star Trek Beyond
• Star Trek 4 (Untitled)

Description: This level includes the official animated series.

Includes:

• Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS)
• Star Trek: Lower Decks (LD)
• Star Trek: Prodigy (PRO)

Description: Encompasses supplemental materials like books, comics, and games that fit into the broader continuity.

Includes: Various novels, comics, and games that adhere to established lore. Note that while the stories are considered canon, gameplay mechanics or specific statistics may not be.

Description: Includes older or less strictly integrated materials that were used for reference but are not always consistently aligned with current continuity.

Includes: Older Star Trek comics and other works that may have been retroactively incorporated into continuity.

Description: Covers works that are not considered part of the official storyline, often due to contradictions with established canon or their nature as speculative or alternate scenarios.

Includes: What-if stories, deleted scenes, and canceled projects that do not fit into the established continuity.

Fanon refers to fan-created interpretations and theories that, while not officially canon, can influence how fans perceive the Star Trek universe.

Retroactive Continuity (Retcon) involves officially altering or expanding upon established facts to integrate new story elements or resolve inconsistencies.

The Star Trek franchise has evolved over decades, leading to a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and worlds. The existence of different levels of canon helps organize this vast content, ensuring fans understand what is officially recognized and how various works interrelate. This hierarchy serves several purposes:

• Clarity: Categorizing materials helps fans navigate the complexity and know which works are considered definitive.
• Continuity: Maintaining a cohesive narrative is essential as new stories are introduced. Levels of canon help manage continuity.
• Creative Freedom: Designating certain works as non-canon allows creators to explore ideas without the constraints of established continuity.

Memory Alpha and similar resources aim to present accurate and comprehensive information about Star Trek canon, including how various works fit into the larger narrative. However, they also reflect the complexities and occasional fluidity of canon.