Star Trek is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, the franchise has unleashed a treasure trove of new content. Among the highlights is the second season of The Center Seat, a documentary series from Nacelle that takes fans on a deep dive into the franchise's big-screen adventures. All five new episodes are now streaming on Nacelle's YouTube channel, offering an unprecedented look at the making of the Star Trek films.
Gates McFadden, who played Dr. Beverly Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation, serves as both narrator and interviewee for the series. In a recent interview, she shared her excitement about the new episodes, which cover everything from the TNG movies to J.J. Abrams' reboot. "It's amazing, no matter how much I think I know about them, every time I do the narration, I'm bowled over by how much more information I find out," she said.
McFadden praised the show's writing, comparing it to the witty, fact-packed style of John Oliver. "There's humor. It gives you the facts, but it is also amusing," she noted. She also highlighted the in-depth interviews with key figures like Rick Berman and Jonathan Frakes, who directed several of the films. "I think people learn a lot about the behind-the-scenes and also how decisions were made," she added.
When asked about her favorite Star Trek movie, McFadden didn't hesitate: Star Trek: First Contact. "I loved First Contact," she said. "There's something that hits me beautifully in terms of the message of it and also just all of the performances and how it was done. There's so much humanity in that film, and I love the philosophical question it poses."
She also expressed admiration for Galaxy Quest, the beloved comedy that lovingly parodied Star Trek and its fandom. "I think Galaxy Quest was just terrific. Maybe it's time for another one," she mused. As for the upcoming Star Trek movie from Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, McFadden offered a simple piece of advice: "Go boldly!"
The new season of The Center Seat is a must-watch for any Trek fan, offering insights that even McFadden, a veteran of the franchise, found surprising. "When you're the actor, you don't know what's going on with the producers or the writers," she explained. "I wasn't aware of all of that at the time. So I learned a lot more."
McFadden also reflected on the impact of her character, noting that many women in STEM have told her they were inspired by Dr. Crusher. "That's fantastic," she said. She also praised the diverse fanbase, from NASA scientists to lawyers, who have been drawn to Star Trek's optimistic vision.
As Star Trek continues to evolve, The Center Seat stands as a testament to the franchise's enduring legacy. For those eager to explore more behind-the-scenes stories, check out our coverage of Josh Gates' new season or the latest on the Street Fighter movie. And for a look at another iconic franchise's anniversary, don't miss the Transformers 40th anniversary event.
