Several spin-offs and a still successful movie franchise later, it's hard to believe the series that explored space, the final frontier was ever in danger of cancellation – let alone canceled. But the original show was almost taken off the air after its second season, and though a letter-writing movement saved it for a third season, NBC still canceled the show after the third season of the original show ended. However, once the series entered syndication, its fan base grew, and an animated series aired from 1973 to 1974 and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' starring Patrick Stewart began in 1987. The show is still a strong presence in pop culture due in part to the 2009 film version, a sequel to which is due in 2013.
