Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) wasn’t just a sci-fi series—it was a game-changing cultural phenomenon. Premiering in 1987, it expanded on Gene Roddenberry’s original vision and became a powerhouse of storytelling, character development, and futuristic ideas.
Beyond its gripping space adventures and ethical dilemmas, the show is packed with behind-the-scenes secrets and details that even die-hard fans may have missed. So, let’s dive into the fascinating tidbits that make TNG even more remarkable.
Lifelong Friendships Formed Behind the Scenes
For many of the cast members, Star Trek: The Next Generation wasn’t just a job—it was the start of lifelong friendships. Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard) and Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker) developed a hilarious camaraderie that continues to this day.
When LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge) married in 1992, Brent Spiner (Data) stood as his best man, while Stewart, Frakes, and Michael Dorn (Worf) served as ushers. The bonds formed on set went far beyond the show’s seven-season run.
However, not all friendships started smoothly. Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi) initially disliked Michael Dorn. She later admitted that in the early days of filming, she couldn’t stand him. Over time, though, their chemistry led to a deep friendship, and fans even speculated they were romantically involved—though they have always denied it.
The Starfleet Uniform Was a Nightmare to Wear
The iconic Star Trek uniforms may have looked sleek, but they were far from comfortable. The original one-piece spandex design was so tight and restrictive that Patrick Stewart’s agent had to intervene, even threatening to sue Paramount if his client suffered muscle damage.
By the third season, the cast finally got some relief when the costume department introduced a two-piece uniform. The change made it easier for the actors to move—and breathe—during long shooting days.
Captain Picard Was Almost Played by Someone Else
Believe it or not, Gene Roddenberry didn’t originally want Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard. He was looking for a younger actor with a full head of hair. However, producer Robert H. Justman pushed hard for Stewart, convinced that his acting talent far outweighed any concerns about his appearance.
To appease Paramount executives, Stewart even wore a hairpiece during his first meeting with them. Ironically, they ended up casting him—but only if he ditched the wig.
Brent Spiner had a sense of humor about Stewart’s initial reputation in Hollywood, making a sign for his dressing room that read, “Beware: Unknown British Shakespearean Actor!”
Worf’s Forehead Was Stolen
Michael Dorn went through an extensive two-hour makeup process to transform into Worf, but in season two, disaster struck—his original prosthetic forehead was stolen. The crew had to scramble to make a new one, which led to a slightly different look for the Klingon officer.
This wasn’t the only struggle Dorn faced. His heavy prosthetic makeup and wig were so uncomfortable that he often joked about how much of his day was spent sitting in a makeup chair.
Wil Wheaton’s Hilarious Response to a Pay Raise
During salary negotiations, Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) was offered a promotion for his character instead of an actual raise. Producers suggested Wesley be made a Lieutenant, but Wheaton shot back with a memorable response: “So what should I tell my landlord when I can’t pay my rent? ‘Don’t worry, I just made Lieutenant’?”
It’s no surprise that Wheaton eventually left the show to pursue other projects.
Geordi’s VISOR Was a Real Pain—Literally
Geordi La Forge’s VISOR was an essential part of his character, but for actor LeVar Burton, it was a nightmare to wear. The prop, made from a modified car air filter and a headband, gave him frequent headaches and had to be screwed into the sides of his head.
Producers initially planned to give Geordi a surgical procedure to restore his eyesight, eliminating the need for the VISOR. However, realizing how important it had become as a symbol of disability representation, they decided to keep it.
To make things even funnier, Burton sometimes dozed off while filming, especially during long scenes on the bridge. Since his VISOR covered his eyes, no one even noticed.
Marina Sirtis and Gates McFadden’s Wig Secrets
If you thought all the flowing locks in Star Trek: The Next Generation were real, think again. Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi) wore a wig for most of the series, and her natural hair was blended in to create her signature style.
Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher) also had her fair share of hair struggles. Her real hair was too fine and would often get frizzy under the studio lights. By season three, she switched to expensive, real-hair wigs, which made styling much easier.
Sirtis later admitted to feeling envious of McFadden’s high-quality wigs since she had to make do with a cheaper, synthetic one—until season four, when she finally got a wig upgrade.
Jonathan Frakes’ Beard Became Legendary
Jonathan Frakes showed up to season two rehearsals with a beard he had grown during the 1988 writers’ strike, fully expecting to shave it off before filming. However, the producers loved the look and asked him to keep it.
His beard quickly became an iconic part of Commander Riker’s image, even earning its own fan following. When he shaved it for Star Trek: Insurrection in 1998, fans immediately noticed. Even the mischievous Q took a jab at the change, saying, “Riker was more fun before the beard!”
Robin Williams Almost Joined the Cast
Star Trek: The Next Generation had plenty of celebrity fans, and some of them even appeared in the series. Whoopi Goldberg famously played Guinan, a role she personally requested because she was a lifelong Star Trek fan.
Robin Williams was also eager to guest star. He was originally considered for a role in the episode “A Matter of Time” but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts while filming Hook (1991). The part eventually went to Matt Frewer.
Patrick Stewart Didn’t Unpack for Six Weeks
Sir Patrick Stewart was so convinced that Star Trek: The Next Generation would flop that he didn’t even bother unpacking his suitcases for the first six weeks of filming.
He wasn’t alone in his doubts—many assumed that a Star Trek revival wouldn’t work. But by the end of the first season, the show was pulling in millions of viewers. By 1992, each episode was costing nearly $2 million to produce, with Paramount raking in $90 million annually from advertising revenue alone.
With 178 episodes across seven seasons, Star Trek: The Next Generation became one of the most successful and beloved sci-fi series of all time.
A Legacy That Lives On
Even decades after its finale, Star Trek: The Next Generation remains a benchmark for science fiction television. The hidden details, behind-the-scenes friendships, and quirky stories add even more charm to a show that continues to inspire generations of fans.
The next time you watch an episode, keep an eye out for these fascinating details—you might just see Star Trek in a whole new light.
