SCIENCE to Broadcast Star Trek Tribute

SILVER SPRING: SCIENCE is celebrating the 45th anniversary of Star Trek with the November 30 world premiere of Trek Nation, a two-hour tribute following creator Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, as he explores the franchise’s enduring appeal.

Trek Nation, produced for SCIENCE by Roddenberry Entertainment and New Animal Productions, features interviews with fans, including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane and series stars. It chronicles Rod’s journey as he explores his father’s work and will premiere on SCIENCE, drawing on hours of exclusive footage, including never-before-seen home movies from the Roddenberry family collection and the first-ever Star Trek convention.

"Gene Roddenberry is the original thought-provocateur; the rebel-genius who was not afraid to push the boundaries of what science can accomplish," said Debbie Myers, the general manager and executive VP of SCIENCE. "Star Trek used science fiction to hold a mirror to society, leveraging its storylines as a platform for social commentary touching on topics such as racism, sexism, the economy, war, peace and religion. Working with Rod, and showing footage never shared on television is what makes Trek Nation truly inspiring."

"I am so glad Trek Nation found its home at SCIENCE," added Rod Roddenberry, the executive producer. "They understood that, as personal as the film was for me, Trek Nation is really a universal story of a son coming to understand his father. The experience allowed me to learn more about the man behind this incredible science fiction phenomenon as well as the man I knew as ‘Dad.’ I think it’s something that Star Trek fans and those less familiar with the franchise will enjoy.”