Behind the Scenes of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) wasn’t just a TV show—it became a cultural phenomenon that redefined science fiction television. Premiering in 1987, it boldly carried on the legacy of Star Trek, blending Shakespearean gravitas with thrilling interstellar adventures. The series’ gripping plots, moral dilemmas, and unforgettable characters made it a gold standard for sci-fi storytelling. When the show wrapped in 1994, its finale attracted over 30 million viewers—a testament to its enduring legacy.
Yet even the most devoted Trekkies may not know some of the fascinating and surprising behind-the-scenes stories that made TNG legendary.
Lifelong Friendships
The cast of TNG formed bonds that extended well beyond the series’ seven-season run. Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard) and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) became close friends, often sharing laughs at conventions and staying in touch over the years. When LeVar Burton married in 1992, Brent Spiner stood by his side as best man, and Stewart, Frakes, and Michael Dorn served as ushers.
A Rocky Start for Marina Sirtis and Michael Dorn
Though Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi) and Michael Dorn (Lt. Worf) are now close friends, their relationship got off to a rough start. Sirtis admitted she didn’t get along with Dorn during the first season. However, their chemistry on and off screen eventually grew into a deep friendship, sparking persistent rumors that they were secretly dating—rumors both actors have always denied.
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The Infamous Starfleet Uniform
The original Starfleet uniforms may have looked sleek, but they were anything but comfortable. Made from a one-piece spandex material, they caused so much physical discomfort that Patrick Stewart’s agent threatened to sue Paramount if Stewart suffered lasting muscle or joint damage. By the third season, the crew thankfully transitioned to more comfortable two-piece polyester uniforms.
Casting Captain Picard
Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, was initially reluctant to cast Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard. Roddenberry envisioned a younger actor with a full head of hair. Producer Robert H. Justman, however, was adamant that Stewart was perfect for the role.
To help sway the studio, Stewart even wore a toupee to his first meeting with executives. Ironically, the studio agreed to cast him but on one condition—he had to ditch the wig.
Worf’s Forehead Fiasco
Michael Dorn endured a grueling two-hour makeup process to transform into Worf. But in Season 2, disaster struck when Worf’s original prosthetic forehead was stolen. The crew had to scramble to create a replacement, resulting in a slightly different look for the Klingon warrior.
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Wil Wheaton’s Priceless Comeback
When the cast pushed for salary increases, producers instead offered Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) a character promotion to Lieutenant. Wheaton’s response? “So what should I tell my landlord when I can’t pay my rent? ‘Don’t worry, I just made Lieutenant’?”
Geordi La Forge’s VISOR Struggles
Geordi’s iconic VISOR was cobbled together from a car air filter and a hairband on the first day of shooting. While visually iconic, it caused daily headaches for actor LeVar Burton, as it had to be screwed into the sides of his head. Despite the discomfort, Burton embraced the VISOR, which became a symbol for the disabled community.
Producers initially planned to restore Geordi’s eyesight by Season 3, but they scrapped the idea to preserve the VISOR’s cultural significance.
LeVar Burton’s Secret Bridge Naps
During the first season, Burton often had little dialogue during bridge scenes. With the long filming hours and limited action, he sometimes dozed off. Luckily, his VISOR conveniently hid any telltale signs of napping.
Marina Sirtis: “They’re Lying Through Their Teeth”
Marina Sirtis, who played Counselor Troi, often receives compliments from fans who claim she hasn’t aged a day since her TNG days. Her humorous response? “They’re lying through their teeth. But I think we all still look pretty good, so it’s not too disheartening to watch myself in the early episodes.”
Fun fact: Sirtis was originally cast as Lieutenant Macha Hernandez, the security chief, while Denise Crosby was set to play Counselor Troi. The roles were swapped just before filming the pilot, a decision fans are eternally grateful for.
Hair Drama on the Set
Both Marina Sirtis and Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher) wore wigs during the series. McFadden’s natural hair struggled under the studio lights, prompting a switch to expensive real-hair wigs by Season 3. Sirtis, meanwhile, initially made do with cheaper nylon falls before upgrading to a real-hair fall by Season 4.
Riker’s Legendary Beard
Jonathan Frakes showed up to Season 2 rehearsals with a beard grown during the 1988 writers’ strike. Producers loved the look and asked him to keep it. Riker’s beard became iconic, even earning a playful jab from Q, who quipped, “Riker was more fun before the beard!”
Robin Williams: The Guest Star That Never Was
TNG attracted numerous celebrity fans, including Whoopi Goldberg, who landed a recurring role as Guinan after persistently asking to join the cast. Unfortunately, Robin Williams, a huge Star Trek fan, had to decline a guest role in Season 5 due to scheduling conflicts while filming Hook.
Next time you revisit Star Trek: The Next Generation, keep an eye out for these behind-the-scenes stories. They add a whole new dimension to an already legendary series.