Key Takeaways:
– The original Star Trek series faced significant problems due to its high production costs driven by Gene Roddenberry’s meticulous attention to detail.
– Despite massive budget constraints and disagreements with NBC, Star Trek became a global phenomenon and continues to captivate audiences.
– Roddenberry believed in the visual accuracy and scientific plausibility of the Starship, which contributed to increased production costs.
– Star Trek’s production costs eventually led to an unfavorable shift in timeslot by NBC, ultimately resulting in its cancellation in 1969.
Gene Roddenberry’s Vision for Star Trek
In the early days of Star Trek, the series encountered major hurdles. Gene Roddenberry, the creative behind this popular franchise, strived for hyper-realism and endured several challenges during the production process. His unwavering dedication to portraying an accurate USS Enterprise almost grounded the project before it could take off. However, his resolve kept him going, leading to a series today recognized worldwide.
Behind the Scenes of Star Trek
Stephen E. Whitfield’s book, The Making of Star Trek, reveals some friction between Roddenberry and NBC due to the continually rising production costs. Roddenberry was particular about every detail, which made the project’s budget skyrocket. The 1960s set design was quite revolutionary, and significant funds were dedicated to battle newsroom pressure against excessive spending on “such stuff.”
The Real Starship Enterprise
Roddenberry aimed to reform the sci-fi genre with an attractive and scientifically plausible set. This vision included transforming the odd-looking set design common in sci-fi productions of the time. Since the entire show centered around the Starship, Roddenberry reportedly engaged with aerospace companies for a visually appealing and accurate design.
The Cost of Accuracy
NBC showed less enthusiasm about Roddenberry’s obsessive quest for perfection due to the climbing costs. According to CBR, the budget for the first season averaged around $190,000 per episode. The monetary pressure built-up gradually with subsequent seasons, each episode eventually costing $175,000 for the third season. Additionally, approximately $600,000 got blown on a pilot episode that didn’t even pass the network’s approval.
Why Was Star Trek: The Original Series Canceled?
Networking politics played an influential role in the lifespan of Star Trek: The Original Series. It began airing in 1966, overcoming many obstacles to grace TV screens nationwide. High production costs and just decent ratings made survival tough for the series. Discrepancies between Roddenberry and NBC resulted in the network eventually cornering the show, giving it an unsuitable timeslot in its third season.
The Road to Cancellation
Complications clouded the Star Trek journey from the start. It only made it to air after Lucille Ball, the Desilu production head, intervened following an initial rejection. Despite these challenges, Star Trek’s high production costs ultimately led NBC to hand over control to Paramount.
Roddenberry’s relationship with NBC turned sour during the show’s run, peaking when he insisted on shifting the show to prime time. This resulted in Roddenberry’s diminished role and reportedly lowered the quality of the series’ third season. A blend of all these contributing elements led to Star Trek: The Original Series’ cancellation in 1969.
Against all odds, the Star Trek franchise successfully launched and continues to fascinate fans today, enduring decades beyond its original run. Star Trek: The Original Series is currently available for streaming on Paramount Plus.
