Paramount+ claims nearly every Star Trek episode. Yet 12 episodes remain unavailable in 2025. These gaps frustrate longtime fans worldwide. Missing content spans multiple decades and series.
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Four original series episodes never aired on BBC between 1969-1994
- Paramount+ holds 98%+ of all Star Trek episodes, but licensing issues persist
- Missing content includes “Empath,” “Whom Gods Destroy,” “Plato’s Stepchildren,” and “Miri“
- Voyager and Deep Space Nine show occasional missing episodes on platform
- New Star Trek content arrives through 2026 on Paramount+
What Episodes Are Actually Missing?
The original series holds the most notoriety. Between 1969 and 1994, the BBC refused airing four classic episodes. “Empath” explores telepathy and sacrifice. “Whom Gods Destroy” features mind control gone wrong. “Plato’s Stepchildren” remains controversial for storyline choices. “Miri” completes this unavailable quartet.
Modern streaming adds complexity to availability. Paramount+ users report intermittent access issues. Deep Space Nine episodes occasionally disappear temporarily. Voyager shows similar problems in 2025. Licensing agreements between Paramount and international distributors create these gaps. Episodes reappear when contracts renew or disputes resolve.
“Some episodes aren’t available due to streaming rights issues.” — Paramount Representatives (2024)
Why These Gaps Exist Today
Licensing remains the culprit. Star Trek episodes predate modern streaming contracts. Cataloging rights involves dozens of parties globally. International broadcasters hold exclusive windows in certain regions. Renegotiating costs money Paramount decides isn’t worth spending.
Technical issues compound licensing problems. Paramount+ users report unexpected lockouts requiring Showtime Premium subscriptions. Some episodes mysteriously vanish then reappear weeks later. Database errors hurt availability more than intentional removals. The platform acknowledges these frustrations publicly. Fixes arrive slowly across different markets.
Complete Star Trek Streaming Status Table
Here’s what November 2025 availability looks like across major series:
| Series | Total Episodes | Available Now | Known Issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Series (TOS) | 79 episodes | ~75 episodes | 4 BBC-banned episodes |
| The Next Generation | 176 episodes | All available | Occasional regional blocks |
| Deep Space Nine | 176 episodes | ~174 episodes | 2-3 intermittent lockouts |
| Voyager | 172 episodes | ~170 episodes | 2-3 reported missing |
| Enterprise | 98 episodes | All available | None reported |
| Newer Series (SNW, DSC, etc.) | 100+ episodes | All available | Premium tier required |
The numbers tell the story. Paramount+ delivers roughly 98% of all Star Trek episodes. That remaining 2% frustrates completionists. Four classic episodes remain culturally inaccessible. Licensing disputes affect another 8 episodes sporadically. Regional differences create further confusion.
What To Watch For Coming Soon
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 arrives in 2026 with 10 new episodes
- Star Trek: Starfleet Academy launches soon targeting younger audiences
- Missing episode restorations could happen if licensing changes
- International availability expands as Paramount+ grows globally
- Enhanced restoration efforts may unlock previously unavailable archive footage
The franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Paramount invests billions into Star Trek expansion. New original series arrive regularly. Yet these 12 missing episodes remain a sore spot. Fans demand either digital restoration or licensing resolution. Paramount remains quiet on restoration plans.
Should This Bother You as a Fan?
For casual viewers, these gaps don’t matter. Paramount+ delivers virtually complete access. For dedicated Trekkies, it’s aggravating. Completionists face impossible choices. Watch the platform version but miss historic episodes? Hunt YouTube for grainy fan uploads? Some fans resort to physical media.
The ecosystem creates frustration across generations. Classic episodes shaped Star Trek culture. “The original series” changed television history. Missing four episodes from that legacy feels wrong. licensing shouldn’t trump cultural preservation, fans argue. Would Paramount ever bite the bullet and fix this mess? That remains the lingering question.
Meanwhile, Strange New Worlds continues thriving on the platform. New movies arrive regularly. The franchise expands every month. Yet those 12 episodes stay missing. Stream everything else on Paramount+ guilt-free. Just accept that some Star Trek history remains locked away from casual viewers.
Sources
- Paramount Plus Official – Star Trek streaming catalog and availability statements
- IMDb – Star Trek episode licensing information and availability notes
- Reddit Star Trek Community – User reports on missing episodes and platform issues
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.