70s Trek: Star Trek in the 1970s

70s Trek: Star Trek in the 1970s

Author: Bob Turner & Kelly Casto Language: English Episodes: 131
Dive into the fascinating decade when Star Trek lived on without a single new episode airing on television. Hosts Bob Turner and Kelly Casto guide 70s Trek: Star Trek in the 1970s through a detailed exploration of how a cancelled series refused to fade away. This podcast digs into the people who kept the flame burning-the original cast finding new voices in animation and convention halls, the writers and artists expanding the universe in novels and comics, and the passionate fans who created a blueprint for modern fandom. Each discussion connects the dots between the show's internal creative shifts and the wider cultural currents of the seventies that it both reflected and influenced. You'll hear about the specific efforts, from fan-led letter campaigns to Paramount's strategic decisions, that slowly built the momentum leading to a theatrical rebirth. It's a story of resilience and reinvention, examining not just what happened but how it felt to be part of that enduring phenomenon during those years. For anyone curious about the hidden history between the original series and "The Motion Picture," this podcast offers a rich, conversational deep dive into the community and commerce that made a comeback inevitable. Join Turner and Casto as they unpack the legacy of a show that was technically off the air, yet somehow more alive than ever.
Episodes
Top 5 Scotty Moments from Star Trek - Episode 88 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:09
For many, Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott is their favorite character. He was a mix of old-world charm, a loving father to his engines, and an 18th century sailor - An old-salt. Yet when the ship was in danger, Scotty wa…
Star Trek Influence: Close Encounters of the Third Kind - Ep 87 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:04
Today it's considered a science fiction classic. Steven Spielberg's 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind was unlike any alien encounter film that came before it. It ended on a positive note and did not portray th…
The Star Trek Phase II Scripts, Part 2 - Episode 86 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:51
Even though Star Trek Phase II was officially cancelled by Paramount in August 1977 to make The Motion Picture instead, the production team working on the show didn't know it. Paramount decided to keep its decision a sec…
The Star Trek Phase II Scripts, Part 1 - Episode 85 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:40
Production was moving forward on the first Star Trek TV spin-off, Phase II, in the summer and fall of 1977. Even though Paramount, in August 1977, had already decided that Phase II was dead. To ensure that they had all o…
The Star Trek Phase II Enterprise - Episode 84 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:28
In the summer of 1977, Gene Roddenberry was busy making plans for a new TV show that would be the first Star Trek spin-off. Star Trek Phase II would update the look and feel of the original series so it would fit the 197…
Star Trek Phase II - Episode 83 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:30
On this episode of 70s Trek we talk about the first Star Trek spin off. And it is not The Next Generation. The first, planned, live-action sequel to The Original Series was actually a show called Star Trek Phase II. Phas…
Planet of the Apes - Episode 81 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:48
The Planet of the Apes was a true phenomenon during the decade. The 1968 film inspired four sequels, a television show, a Saturday morning cartoon and millions of dollars in merchandise during the 70s. Co-hosts Bob Turne…
Star Trek Writer David Gerrold - Episode 80 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:23
In the 1970s, writer David Gerrold supported Star Trek with enthusiasm. In fact, you might even say he was a cheerleader for the show. During the decade he wrote scripts for The Animated Series, voiced animated character…
Star Wars - Episode 78 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:28
In 1977, Hollywood was shaken to its core when a little, independent film became a major hit. The movie was Star Wars and it directly impacted not only the future of the Star Trek franchise, but also the future of movie…
William Shatner - Episode 77 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:52
This week co-hosts Bob Turner and Kelly Casto talk about the actor who played the Captain of the Enterprise, William Shatner, on this episode of 70s Trek. His portrayal of the unflappable, heroic captain has become iconi…