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Parents' Guide to

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

By Will Wade, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Strong spin-off is more violent than the others.

TV Spike , Syndicated Science Fiction 1993
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 5 parent reviews

tungster
tungster Parent of 5 and 9-year-old
June 17, 2013
age 14+

The most thought-provoking of the "Star Trek" series, with three-dimensional characters

I've been a big fan of the original "Star Trek" series and "Star Trek: The Next Generation," but when "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" first came out, I thought it was just okay. The first season was a bit slow, and while things picked up a bit in season 2, it wasn't until near the end of season 3 that the set-up started to pay dividends. By season 4, the show hit its stride and maintained a consistently high quality to the end, which is bittersweet but perfect. What makes "DS9" so outstanding is that it was the first "Star Trek" series to be free of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's edict that there be no interpersonal conflict among humans in the 22nd/23rd century. The people (humans and otherwise) in "DS9" are much more real than the archetypes who populate the original series and "Next Gen." The kind of themes that "DS9" explores include heroism and cowardice under fire; the use of asymmetric terrorism to turn a society against itself; labor unions versus capitalists (really); the ethics of genocide to win an all-out intergalactic war; justice versus revenge; and others. If this makes the show sound deep, well, it often was. At the same time, "DS9" knows how to have a good time, and there were a number of light-hearted episodes, such as one where one of the characters (Dr. Bashir) ends up stuck in the holodeck in his "James Bond" program. . . . And of course, for the 30th anniversary of the original series' episode "The Trouble With Tribbles," "DS9" came up with an incredibly inventive time travel episode that spliced the DS9 crew into the original episode so that they were at times interacting with Captain Kirk! I showed my little boys "The Trouble With Tribbles" episode when they were 8 and 5, but I wouldn't let them watch "DS9" until they're much older, because of the complex arcs and themes and the grim violence (not gory and never sensationalized, but still a bit much). When they do get to watch it, though, I expect there will be much more to talk about than with other "Star Trek" series.
Discoscience
Discoscience Parent of 7 and 9-year-old
January 21, 2022
age 13+

Deals with Peritent and Serious Topics

I think this is by far the best Star Trek series. It deals with serious topics - slavery, war, fascism, grief, genocide. Sisko is a great positive role model. He makes his choices based on his moral code and not what is easiest or convenient. He is a good father and deeply respected many other characters. The other characters are well written and acted, have their own personal strengths and weakeness and come together as a team to solve crises and respond to difficult situations. I loved the show as entertainment and the social and political subtext.
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Unlike other entries in the Star Trek lineup, STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE 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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (11 ):

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, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about dictatorship and rebellion in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Two of the show's main alien races were involved in a long war before the series began; considerable tension remains between them, and there are frequent references to atrocities committed during the conflict. Is war ever necessary? When is it acceptable to fight back?

  • Does the violence in Deep Space Nine ever feel over the top? Is it exciting or gruesome? Which do you think it's intended to be? Why?

  • How is this Star Trek series different from the other TV series and movies? Which one is your favorite? Why is the franchise so successful?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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