Star Trek: The Next Generation wasn’t just another sci-fi series—it was a groundbreaking cultural event that transformed the genre and captivated audiences around the world.
Debuting in 1987, the show ventured into uncharted storytelling territory, blending intellectual depth with thrilling space exploration. By the time it wrapped up in 1994, its finale had drawn an astounding 30 million viewers, securing its place as one of television’s most iconic sci-fi masterpieces. But beyond the beloved episodes and legendary characters, there are plenty of behind-the-scenes stories even dedicated fans might not know.
Friendships That Stood the Test of Time
Set a century after the original Star Trek, The Next Generation followed the crew of the USS Enterprise-D as they navigated strange new worlds, solved complex dilemmas, and tackled moral questions that often mirrored real-world issues.
What many don’t realize is that the bonds forged on set extended far beyond the cameras. Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard) and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) share an unbreakable friendship, often delighting fans with their humorous banter at conventions. Their camaraderie remains strong to this day, with regular meet-ups and fond memories of their time on the show.
And when LeVar Burton got married in 1992, Brent Spiner served as his best man, while Stewart, Frakes, and Michael Dorn stood by as ushers—proving that their connection was more than just professional.
A Rocky Start for Marina Sirtis and Michael Dorn
Among the many friendships formed on set, one of the most surprising is between Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi) and Michael Dorn (Worf). While today they share a close bond, things weren’t always smooth sailing.
“In the beginning, we really didn’t get along,” Sirtis admitted. Over time, however, their undeniable chemistry on and off-screen brought them closer, leading to ongoing fan speculation about whether they were ever romantically involved. Both actors have repeatedly clarified that their friendship, while strong, has always been strictly platonic.
The Uniform Struggles Were Real
One of the most asked questions by fans revolves around the cast’s wardrobe—particularly the infamous Starfleet uniforms.
Originally, the suits were designed as tight-fitting one-piece spandex outfits that quickly became a nightmare for the actors. The discomfort was so extreme that Patrick Stewart’s agent threatened to take legal action against Paramount if Stewart suffered muscle or joint damage from wearing them. Fortunately, by season three, the design was altered to a two-piece ensemble, offering much-needed relief.
Patrick Stewart’s Unexpected Casting Journey
Gene Roddenberry, the visionary behind Star Trek, was initially hesitant about casting Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard. He envisioned a younger actor with a full head of hair leading the series. But producer Robert H. Justman championed Stewart, convinced that his talent was unmatched.
To ease studio concerns, Stewart even wore a wig for his first Paramount meeting. Ironically, once he landed the role, the executives insisted he ditch the hairpiece, solidifying Picard’s now-iconic bald look.
Worf’s Vanishing Forehead
Michael Dorn endured an extensive two-hour makeup process to transform into the fierce Klingon warrior Worf. However, in season two, disaster struck—the original prosthetic forehead was stolen!
The makeup team had to scramble to create a replacement, leading to a slightly different appearance for Worf. Most fans didn’t notice, but for those with a keen eye, the subtle change remains a fun piece of trivia.
Wil Wheaton’s Classic Response to a Pay Raise Offer
When the cast lobbied for a salary increase, Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) was instead offered a promotion for his character. Producers proposed making Wesley a lieutenant, hoping it would compensate for the lack of financial recognition.
Wheaton’s response? “So what should I tell my landlord when I can’t pay my rent? ‘Don’t worry, I just made lieutenant’?” His witty comeback remains a fan-favorite moment.
Geordi La Forge’s Iconic VISOR Was Pure Improvisation
Geordi’s signature VISOR was a last-minute invention, created from a car air filter and a hairband. While it became an essential part of his character, wearing it was far from easy for LeVar Burton.
The device caused daily headaches and had to be painfully screwed into place. At one point, producers considered giving Geordi an experimental procedure to restore his vision, but they ultimately decided to keep the VISOR, recognizing its importance to the disabled community.
LeVar Burton’s Secret On-Set Naps
During the early seasons, Burton often found himself sitting on the bridge for extended periods with minimal dialogue. The long stretches of waiting led to a sneaky habit—he would sometimes nod off mid-scene! Thanks to the VISOR covering his eyes, no one was the wiser.
Marina Sirtis and the Art of Aging Gracefully
Fans often comment on how little Marina Sirtis has changed since her Next Generation days. Though she appreciates the compliments, she’s quick to joke that those who say she looks the same are “lying through their teeth.”
Interestingly, Sirtis was originally cast as the ship’s security officer, while Denise Crosby was set to play Counselor Troi. At the last minute, the roles were switched—a decision that significantly shaped both actresses’ careers.
The Hidden Wig Secrets of TNG
Both Marina Sirtis and Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher) wore wigs during their time on The Next Generation. McFadden’s real hair was too fine to hold continuity under the studio lights, prompting the use of expensive, real-hair wigs. Meanwhile, Sirtis had to settle for a more affordable nylon alternative—until season four, when she finally got her own high-quality hairpiece.
Jonathan Frakes’ Beard: A Happy Accident
When Jonathan Frakes returned for season two sporting a new beard, he assumed he’d be asked to shave it off. Instead, the producers loved the look and decided to keep it, giving birth to Riker’s now-legendary facial hair. The beard became so iconic that even Star Trek characters joked about it, with Q once quipping, “Riker was more fun before the beard!”
Robin Williams Almost Became Part of TNG
Many high-profile actors were eager to join The Next Generation, including comedy legend Robin Williams. He was considered for a guest role in season five but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts with Hook (1991). The part ultimately went to Matt Frewer, but fans still speculate about what could have been.
Patrick Stewart Never Unpacked His Suitcase
Stewart was so convinced The Next Generation would flop that he didn’t bother unpacking his bags for the first six weeks of filming. But as the show gained traction, it became a massive success—by 1992, Paramount was earning nearly $90 million per year from advertising alone.
With 178 episodes spanning seven seasons, Star Trek: The Next Generation became a television powerhouse, leaving an indelible mark on sci-fi history.
Do you have a favorite TNG memory or a behind-the-scenes story we missed? Share it with fellow Trekkies, and let’s keep the spirit of The Next Generation alive