Happy Star Trek Day!
Why is today, September 8th, Star Trek Day?
Because on this date in 1966, the first regular episode of Star Trek, "The Man Trap" aired on NBC.
While "The Man Trap" was the first episode of Star Trek that was aired, it was not the first episode of Star Trek made.
The first episode made was "The Cage" which starred Jeffrey Hunter as Capt. Pike. NBC had issues with the pilot and decided to pass.
- A female second in command? Really?
- The plot was "too cerebral" whatever that means.
- And what's the deal with the alien character with "devil ears"?
It was Lucille Ball whose Desilu Productions studio was making the show who convinced NBC to commission a 2nd pilot.
And that became "Where No Man Has Gone Before". With Jeffrey Hunter unwilling to return as Capt. Pike, we know have William Shatner as Capt. Kirk. (Before Shatner was cast, other actors up for the role were Lloyd Bridges and Jack Lord.)
Green lit to go to series, Star Trek went into production making episodes for it's first season. "The Man Trap" was the 6th episode produced but NBC picked it to be the first episode to air.
Star Trek came in first in the ratings for it's time slot on September 8th. Subsequent episodes would not fare as well. For the remainder of it's 3 season run on NBC, Star Trek would struggle in the ratings.
It was only when those 3 seasons were sold into syndication did the show really find success.
And the rest is history.
Which is why today we're celebrating Star Trek Day!
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