Premiering in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ran for seven seasons until 1999. The spin-off of Star Trek: The Next Generation went on air even while its parent series was still ongoing, resulting in several crossover episodes between the two. What separates the Deep Space Nine series from the rest was that it took place on a space station rather than a starship, in order to not have two series with starships at the same time.
Known for its well-developed characters and its complex plots, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine dwelt on darker themes and less physical exploration of space, in addition to an emphasis on the many aspects of war. It performed well in the ratings, though not as successful as the syndicated Star Trek: The Next Generation. For DS9, it had a very successful debut season, but its ratings gradually decreased in latter seasons.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was centered on the formerly Cardassian space station, Terok Nor. Right after the Bajorans liberated themselves from the long and brutal Cardassian Occupation, the United Federation of Planets was invited by the Bajoran Provisional Government to take joint control of the station, which originally orbits Bajor. The station is renamed Deep Space Nine.
In an interview with co-creator Rick Berman, he and Michael Piller originally considered setting the new series on a colony planet, but they felt a space station would both appeal more to viewers and save money that would be required for on-location shooting for a "land-based" show. Another starship-set series, however, was out of the question, and it was ridiculous, said Berman, "to have two shows - two cast of characters - that were off going where no man has gone before."
By 2001, all programming for syndication for
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine has disappeared.
- Glenn Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: UPN
(Image courtesy of UPN)