Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Spike, Syndicated)

Unlike other entries in the Star Trek lineup, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE 9 takes place in a space station that's permanently parked near the planet Bajor. It centers on Commander Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), who oversees the station's operations. At the series' start, Bajor has just been liberated from five decades of brutal occupation by the Cardassians and with the assistance of the Federation, the freed planet is assuming joint control of the strategic space station. Shortly thereafter, Sisko discovers a "wormhole" in space, a shortcut to the far side of the galaxy. Peace on Bajor and the wormhole's tantalizing secrets quickly transform Deep Space 9 from a galactic backwater to a thriving commercial hub.

The show's complicated setup provides endless opportunities for drama. Not only does the series explore the lingering tension between the Bajorans and the Cardassians (who make it very clear that they want to regain control of the outpost), the constant stream of characters passing through the busy station means endless opportunities for guest stars with new conflicts. And unlike the other Trek series, which almost always resolved their conflicts by the end of each episode and rarely followed story arcs for more than a few episodes, DS9 (which originally aired from 1993 to 1999) really hit its stride by creating a compelling, overarching storyline that follows the complicated political machinations among the Federation and its allies, the Dominion and its invasion plans, and the simmering conflict with the Cardassians (who eventually ally themselves with the Dominon and later come to regret that choice).

DS9 is also notable for its many comedic subplots, which generally focus on Quark (Armin Shimerman), a grumpy Ferengi who owns the station's popular bar (imagine the famous Star Wars cantina, with a bit less attitude and a lot less gunplay). The Ferengi value greed and pure capitalism, and the show often depicts them as childlike nuisances. They also have institutionalized sexism, which is clearly displayed in Quark's attitude toward the bargirls he employs. Not surprisingly, a fair amount of drinking takes place at the bar.