A follow-up series to the Original Series was considered in 1977. It would be called Star Trek 2 and feature a second mission for the original cast. It was cancelled before production but two of the scripts for this series were re-written as episodes for Next Generation - ''The Child'' and ''Devil's Due''.

Star Trek: Next Generation has attracted a number of guest stars who've put in memorable appearances. Physicist Stephen Hawking dropped in to play poker with Data, Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton in one episode. While Mick Fleetwood, from Fleetwood Mac, has also featured in the series.

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In May 1994, Next Generation made history. It was the first series ever to be nominated for an Emmy Award for outstanding drama.

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No-one was more surprised than Patrick Stewart when he landed the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. When he first arrived in Hollywood he pinned a sign to his trailer door saying: ''Beware, unknown British Shakespearean actor.'' Little did he know his next stop would be the stars!