Star Trek – Sixty Years & Collectibles
2026 is the sixtieth anniversary. And the most useful thing before buying a gift: ask which era.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Sixty years – and the anniversary is now
The first series aired on 8 September 1966. It was cancelled after three seasons, with poor ratings.
Sixty years later, Star Trek has dozens of series and films and is among the most durable franchises in existence.
Star Trek Day is celebrated every year on 8 September – the anniversary of that first broadcast.
It did not survive on ratings. It survived because its audience refused to let it die – and that is part of its identity.
Which era – the most important question
Sixty years means four generations of viewers, and each one is attached to their own series.
The 1960s. Kirk, Spock, McCoy. The uniforms in gold, blue and red.
The 1980s–90s. Picard, Data, Worf. For many, the favourite.
The 1990s. Darker, more intricate storytelling.
From 2017. Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds.
For a gift: ask when they started watching. An Enterprise model from the wrong era is a different ship – the design changed with every generation.
What is airing right now
Strange New Worlds – season four
It premiered on 23 July 2026, with weekly episodes. It follows the crew of the Enterprise under Captain Pike, before Kirk's time.
This is the last full season – a shorter fifth and final one will follow.
Earlier this year Starfleet Academy aired, following cadets at the Academy. Its second season has already been filmed and is expected in 2027.
And for very young children, the second season of Star Trek: Scouts begins on 8 September – on Star Trek Day itself.
The symbols and the ships
Star Trek has something very few franchises possess: symbols recognised worldwide without explanation.
The distinctive chest insignia. It works on a t-shirt, pin or keyring entirely on its own.
The gesture with the parted fingers – "live long and prosper".
The ship's silhouette is recognisable even to non-viewers.
A category of its own – the ship models. Very few franchises support this at the same level. Star Trek's ships have names, histories and design generations – and collectors treat them accordingly.
What to choose
- Ship models: the Enterprise across its generations, and other vessels.
- Figures: Spock, Kirk, Picard and the rest.
- Funko POP: characters from every era.
- Apparel & pins: with the delta – it works without a character.
- Gifts: mugs, posters, keyrings and desk items.
See also Star Wars and Back to the Future.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is 2026 a special year?
- It is the sixtieth anniversary. The first series aired on 8 September 1966, and Star Trek Day is celebrated on that date every year.
- What is airing right now?
- Strange New Worlds season four, which premiered on 23 July 2026 with weekly episodes. It is the last full season – a shorter fifth and final one follows.
- What should I buy as a gift?
- Ask which era they love. An Enterprise model from the wrong generation is a different ship. If you do not know, the Starfleet delta is safe – everyone recognises it.
- Is there anything for young children?
- Yes. Star Trek: Scouts is aimed at preschoolers – its second season begins on 8 September 2026.
- Where can I find Star Trek collectibles in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
