Parents need to know that some of the main characters in this series die, though they're generally resurrected through a variety of advanced technological devices, including time travel. This can make life and death seem somewhat fluid, rather than a permanent condition, which might seem confusing to some young viewers -- though older children will probably understand that these twists are just one of many common plot devices in the sci-fi realm. Overall, as with most of the Star Trek series, there's not too much content to worry about.

Families can talk about humanity's need for companionship. This series follows the lonely travails of a ship that's been transported to the farthest reaches of the universe and is struggling to find a way back to Earth -- which could take about 75 years. How do you think you'd react in that kind of situation? How does the ship's separation from the rest of society make this series different from the other Star Trek shows? What does it have in common with those shows? Which is your favorite?