The Making of Star Trek The Original Series!

[@alfredmasullo]

As a Star Trek super fan, I've seen many videos on the internet about the show. I did not think another video would have anything new to say, but I was wrong. This video was a lovely presentation of the history of TOS and its cast members.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words! Welcome to my channel! 😀

[@RandomTChance]

Yes, I agree, I learned a few things myself.

[@Reality9002]

@@peanut1001xand pray tell what? 0 props for trolling without any references or evidence.

[@One.Zero.One101]

I was expecting to skim through this video because I already know a lot about TOS but I was hooked with all the background info.

[@conniewojahn6445]

Most people do not know the role of Lucille Ball and Desilu Studios in the production of Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry's imaginative creation would never have gotten anywhere without her.

[@alfredmasullo]

God bless Lucille Ball for her vision of the revolutionary Star Trek TV series. She is the "mother" of Star Trek.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

She really is. Without Lucille Ball, there would not be a Star Trek!

[@kerry-j4m]

$ 600,000 was a small fortune back in the early 60s,thank Lucille Ball for her contributions to get/keep Star Trek on the air.And i'm a big fan of hers too.RIP:Ms Ball. Live Long and Prosper

[@kevinswonke2583]

This is absolutely the best documentary about the origins of Star Trek I’ve seen!!! I would have actually paid money for it.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much. And this is one of the best compliments Ive received. 🙂 As long as people like you appreciate my videos, I will keep making them! 😀

[@kevinswonke2583]

You have a gift and true talent. Thank you so much this.

[@pobinr]

Great vid with loads of info & no annoying background music. Well done

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much. I hope you stick around for more of my videos. Im also finishing up Goldfinger, and afterwards will make a video on Star Trek: The Animated Series. Enjoy!

[@direnova6284]

I had no idea of the level of involvement of Lucille Ball, God bless her, without her belief in it we would never have had all that joy.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Yes. She was instrumental in the creation of Star Trek. 🙂 It's so amazing. Thank you for your post.

[@keithyakouboff8755]

Agreed. Only in Hollywood... that crazy redheaded American icon helped give us another American icon.

[@paullefevre8684]

As a child I loved the original series, but the move to Friday nights at 10pm killed it for me, since my mom wouldn't let me stay up that late! I knew much of the history, but this video filled in a lot of gaps for me. Thank you for doing it, very well done!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for thr kind words. I have so many more videos planned. I hope you enjoy them!

[@conniewojahn6445]

Although a friend had told me about an exciting new show he really liked, I never saw Star Trek when it was first aired because my parent's ratty old television didn't pick up the channel. It was all snowed and garbled audio which my mother couldn't stand and made me turn it off. After we moved from a rural to a suburban area and got another television set, I could pick it up. But, the 10pm time slot competed with my father's Portland wrestling show and I was out again. Drat! Finally saw it years later when the time slot changed.

[@Gelinnawen]

Yes, wonderful work, thank you for creating this video! I’ve recently moved and don’t have enough for a smart TV/ cable. Bought a $10 tv from a thrift shop and hooked up a digital antenna. There’s a channel called Heroes and Icons that plays Star Trek TOS, Star Trek TNG, and I think Deep Space Nine every weeknight. Watching TOS and TNG are as comfy as having a nice bowl of macaroni and cheese after a long day’s work 😊

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I love Deep Space 9. It's my favorite Star Trek. I'm thinking of making a video on Deep Space 9. Enjoy!

[@keithyakouboff8755]

Been recording all 4 through a PVR device from that channel here in AZ.

[@keithyakouboff8755]

Fascinating...

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

🖖 Thank you. Live long and prosper, my friend.

[@keithyakouboff8755]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast 😀

[@JohnSmith-el6lk]

I've seen most of the documentaries about all things Star Trek. This one brought a lot of new information. Well done !

[@jeepliving1]

The sad loss of Jeri Taylor occurred 3 days ago on 10/24/2024. She was pivotal in helping to make TNG the success it was.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

RIP. 😥

[@kasession]

Very well done. Thanks for the history lesson. I really loved the profiles of the individual actors. I learned a lot that I didn't know. I was a huge fan of the original series. As a young teenager, I saw it from the beginning. 👍🏿

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for thr kind words. 🖖 I hope you keep enjoying my content.

[@houseoftone8939]

"The City on the Edge of Forever" Best episode! Shame on NBC, for withholding Nichelle Nicols's fan mail!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Isn't that terrible of NBC? I can see why she wanted to quit. And I agree with you about "City on the Edge of Forever." 🙂

[@TheEmpressPalpatine]

This was a great video about the history of Star Trek. Loved it. I watched the reruns as a teenager. I probably saw each episode about ten times.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words. I also loved the original series. I ended ip rewatching a whole bunch of old episodes in preparation for this video, and I was shocked how well those episodes held up. Such a great show!

[@maryblaufuss7533]

I was starting to get discouraged beecause of the tsunami on YT of low quality treatments of subject matter that means a lot to me. You've renewed my faith in documentary filmmaking.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Comments like yours is truly why I enjoy doing this. I hope you keep enjoying my videos! 🙂 Thank you, again.

[@3316xtendedmedia]

By far the best well documented video on KZbin for the beginning of Star Trek. A milestone..

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. Comments like these are why I do this, and encourage me to make more videos. 😀 I hope you keep watching, and enjoying my other videos.

[@JBF-X]

This was full of detail I was oblivious of, It fascinates me that the generation involved in this show, Gene Roddenberry, James Doohan, George Takei and Nichelle Nichols to take just these examples of many had such an at times difficult and problematic background where they had to make a such massive effort to achieve their ambitions, perhaps it was their experiences that helped them imbue such gravitas and maturity to the show and their roles, thank you so much for this. 🖖

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙂 It was indeed created by such wonderful and fascinating people. We can learn so much from that generation.

[@wallacelang1374]

I have been a fan of Star Trek The Original Series since I had first seen it on the NBC television network in the 1960s. Gene Roddenberry had created the best science fiction series on television when it comes to Star Trek TOS. Lucille Ball knew that Gene Roddenberry was truly a genius and supported him in his creation. 🖖 Live Long And Prosper.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you. Gene Roddenberry was certainly a genius and his legacy lives on! 🖖 Thank you for your post.

[@Edward-ow9bd]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast

[@bretleeman7182]

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary! I have fond memories of the show when it originally aired and became a huge fan when it was re-run in syndication in the early 70s. Really liked the bios on the cast members and how they were originally chosen for the show. Very informative and well presented!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. 😀 It is truly why I make these videos. And I am so happy to share my love of Star Trek with fellow fans.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Again. Thank you so much! 🙂

[@ZathrusGizmo123]

Now, go watch the 11 episode series "Star Trek: Continues"!! You will be amazed, impressed, and entertained. 😊

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Oh Wow! I heard about this show. It stars Vic Mignola, right. I heard it's great. I will definitely check it out!

[@scifiwriter98]

Great suggestion! My expectations were low, but by the third episode, I was totally into the stories and not comparing the new actors to the originals. Kirk and Spock were particularly well cast.

[@musicauthority674]

WOW Leonard Ninoy came up the hard way. now I have even more respect for him then I already had. I modeled my life after the character Mr Spock. using his logic and philosophy and I believe it has served me well. the casting for the original series was absolutely perfect. each of actors were a perfect match for their characters. even though the special effects were a little lacking, although not for the middle and late sixties. it was one of the most brilliant TV shows ever made. Gene Roddenberry was a genius.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

You really have to respect Leonard Nimoy. He was something special. 😃 Thank you for your comment.

[@tracyford9429]

Rodenberry really is. It really is a brilliant show. Rodenberry IS Star Trek

[@mikepeterson9362]

Hey man, just wanted to say thank you. I'm a really old fart, I was there in the '60s when this all happened. And I just wanted to say thank you. The number of times I've heard AI-voiced garbage on KZbin in recent years trying to tell this story is beyond measure. But not this. You wrote the script, you read it out loud with your own voice, and I really appreciate it. And yeah, you're just a kid and you know only a bit of the story. But you obviously care about the story, and it's really you putting yourself out there. And I don't know a less corny way of saying it -- thanks for putting yourself out there. You're going to be good at this, so keep at it.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Wow! That's one heck of a compliment! 😀 Comments like these are the reason why I do this. Welcome to my channel and I hope you keep enjoyjng my videos. Also, are you a James Bond fan? I'm going to start a James Bond restrospective starting with Dr No, and intersperse them among the Star Trek Next Generation movies. Let me know what you think!

[@mikepeterson9362]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast Thank you, that's really kind, I really do appreciate that. But no, you don't want to know what I think. This was 1960's Hollywood. It wasn't just a story of drugs, alcohol and chain-smoking, it was also a story of stunningly nihilistic sexual exploitation -- all of which are still true today. I'm not saying you're not equipped to tell this story, but I am going to respectfully imply that you've decided to tell a different story. And it's not up to me what story is important to you. You've done a spectacular job rewinding behind the moments of 1966, and for Trek fans you've done better than most -- there aren't many people who know how those events came together to make a great show -- a generation-defining show. It's not even in many books, I really appreciate that. But while we were rejoicing at the first interracial kiss on camera, a lot of women were washing cum out of their hair in their dressing rooms. Majel, Grace, Nichelle -- the things Hollywood did to them, the things they tolerated -- that's the story that's never going to be written. I know that's not your job, and I know people don't make money here talking about things like that, but that's what I struggle to get over. So if you want me to tell you what actually happened to Ursula Andress from '59-'61, that might cost some fun vibes on your channel in a Dr. No retrospective. So let's not do that, just let me say well done, and good work. You really are good at this and I appreciate it.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Mike. As I wrote in the other comment, I admit that I did forget your name. I get a lot of comments and your name completely slipped my mind. Sorry about that. I hear stories about old Hollywood (all of which continue into today's Hollywood) and it's interesting that all of it is now finally being revealed today. I'm certain we've only begun to touch the surface of all the crazy stuff that is happening in Hollywood, even today. I think the Diddy situation and the Harvey Weinstein drama are really shedding some light into this, and it's only a fraction of what's going on (and has gone on for over 60 years). I was following the Amber Heard-Depp trial, and to a lesser degree Will Smith slapping Chris Rock, and it really outlined to me how sad and broken a lot of these people are. I was aware of the whole Grace Whitney drama and I almost considered putting that into the video. I'm going to have to research what happened to Ursula Andress. I'm fascinated. Anyways, thank you for your post. Feel free to email me at [e-mail] and we can share stories. 😊

[@sevenmile]

Nicely Done! I figured this was another stupid A.I. narration video, but it became clear rather quickly that there was a real human being behind his thing!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you. It's me and my real voice! I spent a lot of time writing and making the video. I'm so glad it's being appreciated.

[@guskund3971]

This was incredible the amount new info i got growing up with star trek as it came out was mind blowing very very good job❤

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope you keep enjoyjng my videos. 😀

[@neil6958]

This was a fantastic Documentary! And "Spectre of the Gun" is one of my favorite episodes. Along with "Errand Of Mercy", and "Mirror Mirror", and "All Our Yesterdays"!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much. And it's nice to meet a fellow fab of "Spectre of the Gun.' Such a great episode. 😀 I hope you enjoy my other videos. Thank you for your comment!

[@Rocketman5442]

OK dude, I was one of those that fell in love with the original series during syndication. I would rush home from the first grade and watch Star Trek on channel 42 at 4 PM every weekday. The original series and original cast has always been my favorite in the Star Trek universe. I saw this 42 minute "making of Star Trek" video and almost scrolled past it because I thought I had seen every decent documentary made about the original series. Most KZbin "making of Star Trek" videos, just rehash everything that has already been said and I consider them Clickbait. Very glad I clicked and watched, because I did enjoy the background you gave on each actor and character and how they made it into the show. I was very entertained and I look forward to more videos from your channel now that I have subscribed. I can tell you worked hard to give us something that we hadn't seen before. Good job.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for that amazing compliment. 😊 It really made my day, and it is truly why I make these videos. I hope you enjoy my other videos. I'm proud of my Star Wars video as well. Please keep watching my videos and tell me what you think! 🖖

[@ZathrusGizmo123]

Check out "Star Trek Continues". Amazing 11 episodes that match TOS so well!

[@Luckyduck10]

I don’t usually watch this stuff because they never get to the point and leave out half the information. BUT this documentary was great. Gave us the important background information with out trying to tell a long story. Very much enjoyed this.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope you keep watching and enjoying my videos. 😊

[@samr.england613]

The original 'Star Trek' is indeed one of the best, if not the best, show to ever come out of American broadcast television. Syndicated now for over 57 years. The "Andy Griffith Show" is right up there with ST, syndicated now for over 64 years. Totally different shows, and both long-lasting for different reasons. (No need to go into any detail for Star Trek's success, but the Andy Griffith show was successful largely because Andy had total creative control, and taught America to laugh WITH we Southerners, and not AT us.)

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

I loved the Andy Griffith Show. Such a great show. You had Andy Taylor, the iconic patriarch, and Ron Howard as Opie Taylor who was so adorable. It's extra special that Ron Howard went on to become such an amazing director. And then, you can't deny the absolute comedic genius of Don Knotts! His Barnie Fife is one of greatest characters in the history of television. Those episodes still hold up. And I'm an Ole Miss grad (Hotty Totty) so I know what you mean about people's perception of the South. 🙂 Thank you so much for your post.

[@Anon.y.mous1503]

Lucille Ball was initially confused as to what "Wagon Train to the Stars" meant. She was thinking "stars" like Hollywood stars. That's the only reason she agreed to fund the pilot, she was thinking it was something completely different.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's very interesting. Thank you for the information!

[@henrywallacesghost5883]

I always like seeing the change in Spock's personality from the pilot and the first official episode.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

I know! 😀 It's so different. And his eyebrows are crazy! They go straight up!

[@johncalatayud8065]

Wow! This was truly EXCELLENT! So many new facts and background information. I loved the bios of the actors and how the pilots were developed and modified. Great reviews of the best episodes. Hope you'll do more.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words. I do have more videos planned. Right now, I'm doing the James Bond series. After Goldfinger, I'll do a few more Star Trek videos. I have Star Trek TNG and Deep Space 9 planned. Check out my James Bond series! I hope you stick around for all my videos. 😄

[@johncalatayud8065]

Also, your explanation about the circumstances for the ratings decline was insightful. And I never realized how much Lucille Ball was behind the show's success. Very interesting. I'll be interested in seeing the videos about the Bond series. Those were really blockbuster movies I remember seeing with my parents as a kid. Along with Star Trek and The Godfather, Bond movies had long lines to get into the theater.

[@jeepliving1]

How many times have I come across a video promising to share new details about a classic TV show only to hear an endless list of regurgitated factoids for the umpteenth time? Well, this video fulfilled the promise. I've seen many behind the scenes narratives about _Star Trek_ and still had a bunch of surprises in this one. Despite a minor fumble here and there, this was really well done.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words! 😀 I hope you keep watching my videos.

[@jeffrenman4146]

This is the best Star Trek mini documentary ever made… Congratulations you hit this out of the park! And thank you for all the memories you brought back. This is when television was great. I don't watch much TV today there's just nothing Much worthwhile. Thanks for making this

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words. 😄 Hearing such compliments really makes me want to make more videos. I hope you check out my other videos, and more as I keep making them. Thank you!

[@jlarocca101]

Dude, great job on the video! It's REALLY good! Thank you for making it.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words and for enjoying the video. It encourages me to make more videos. Im working on Star Trek The Animated Series. I hope you enjoy it!

[@jlarocca101]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast keep plugging away AND keep your voice. The AI isn't as good and your voice narration is WAY better! The Research is top notch!!

[@loftus4453]

Awesome video! You really packed this with obscure background facts. Thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks for making this, it must have taken many hours. ❤

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it! It took me about a week to make, about 40 hours. But I had fun making it. I hope you keep watching and checking out my other videos.

[@fanofrunbot9771]

Great research. A lot of facts I didn't know about. With work and quality content like this, you'll do well.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. 🙂 I hope you keep watching my videos!

[@im1who84u]

Very thorough and a lot of _meat_ here to digest. Not much fat or fluff and very compact and to the point. I actually had to stop the video often during my first viewing to relisten to what you just said. You packed a lot of information in here for us to unwrap and ponder. Good stuff. I am in my seventies and a big fan if the original _I Love Lucy_ series when it aired and then the reruns. I am sure you had a hard time choosing what to include in this video here and probably wanted to include a lot more than you did, but like the show, _Star Trek,_ you also had budget restraints to work with. As a young teenager I attended a military high school back in the sixties from the eighth grade to graduation in the twelfth grade. Us guys would crowd around the television whenever _Star Trek_ came on. We liked the whole concept of the show, space exploration, the action scenes, the storylines, the adventure, and…. and…. Grace Lee Whitney. We were all sad to see her hacked from the show. Years later as an adult and with the advent of the internet I was able to get the backstory on that. Pretty sad what they did to her and how hard she took it. Well anyways all that to say this. I was hoping you would have included her in this video, but like I said, even you had to decide what to include and what to leave out. She played a major role in season 1 episode 8 titled Miri. We always enjoyed seeing her whenever they gave her screen time.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I loved reading about how you watched Star Trek in Military School. A definite blast from the past. And you are so right about choosing what to leave out. Interestingly, I chose to leave out a segment on Grace Lee Whitney. I'm so glad I did, because a few days after I released this episode, I learned some new details on the whole saga, and would have put out incomplete information. It's a more fascinating story than I imagined. I will likely do a while video on her in the future. Thank you so much for your post, and I hope you keep watching and commenting.

[@im1who84u]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast I'll be looking forward to your video on Grace. I pretty much know more about her than I care to know. I only say that because it was so hard for me to learn how her life took a serious downturn after she was unceremoniously dumped from Star Trek after being sixually assaulted by one of the Star Trek execs in his office. She refused to name him. As a side note here, Teri Garr was in a Season 2 Episode 26 of 1968 and played the part of Roberta Lincoln, a secretary. It was titled _Assignment: Earth. During the filming of this episode she had a run in with Gene Roddenberry about the length of her already short skirt. He wanted it shorter than it already was, she refused, and temporarily walked off the set. Back to grace. The orders were that they had three women, and they needed to get rid of one of them. They said to get rid of one of the two blonds. Grace was easiest to get rid of. She wasn't married to any exec or actor on the show, and she wasn't black. In addition they didn't want her to be a _love_ interest of Cpt. Kirk. So off she went. Just a small sample of what happened after she left the show. She became an alcoholic and on one occasion she was sixually assaulted in an alley by multiple homeless men and left for dead. She was able to turn all of that around went to "AA" meetings and put her life back together again and helped many other abused women and recovering alcoholics. Then to my amazement she was able to get back into her acting career and even agreed to be in some of the later Star Trek movies regardless of her less than stellar experience with them the first time around. A real inspiration to others and a survivor. She was in two classic movies from the _glory days_ of Hollywood that I've seen. One is a 1959 film called _Some Like it Hot_ where she is a member of the all-girl band and the other is a 1963 movie called _Irma la Douce,_ where she plays a lady of the evening. Well anyways from what I can tell she was a pretty decent lady.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Wow! That's some amazing information. I'm going to have to really go further in my research if I'm going to make a video on her. I wouldn't want to do her any injustice. Thank you so much!

[@im1who84u]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast Glad I could help. 👍

[@TedSmith-fl4jp]

I was there from the beginning, saw everything chronicled here. Never missed acste. I have been a "Trekie" since the 60's.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's amazing! It certainly was an amazing show! Thank you for your post.

[@TomHollis-y6o]

Great documentary! I am a huge Star Trek fan, but I learned many things I didn't know from your video. Thank you!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I spend a lot of time researching and writing the script, and I tend to only make videos I already know a lot about, so a lot of time and effort goes into each them, so it is really nice to receive such praise. It really encourages me to make more videos. Thank you so much and I hope you keep watching future videos and all my other past videos. 🙂 Enjoy!

[@monicaqueenan9985]

A thoroughly entertaining video with appropriate attention to details both big and small. Thank you!!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I put a lot of effort into these videos, so it makes me so happy to see them appreciated. It encourages me to keep making them! Thank you so much for your post.

[@kevwoods6827]

Great Star Trek info brill quiz info

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ronbarton7799]

Great information in your documentary. I forgot about Roddenberry's World War II combat experience. In his television career he always upheld his principles to tackle contemporary issues such as racism, War, crisis of conscious etc.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words. Roddenberry is certainly a fascinating man.

[@SpielbergMichael]

This is GREAT! Thank you!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope you enjoy my other videos.

[@stephenlabarre7890]

I loved this show as a kid back when it was broadcast on network TV. Of course with only one television in the house, it was a toss-up as to whether I'd be able to watch one of my science fiction programs or the shows my parents wanted (which weren't ALL bad). I grew up with Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, Lost in Space and Space 1999 (amongst others). Of course there was The Outer Limits and Twilight Zone with their various cast members. What a great era.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for you comment. And it's amazing how well the shiw still holds up!

[@TheGloryofMusic]

What made ST the greatest TV show was 1) Actual science fiction writers wrote many of the scripts; 2) Rodenberry hired classically-trained English actors for some of the guest roles; 3) Great analog special effects; 4) The core actors melded into their roles. Everything came together for the series, and there is no recipe that can be copied.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

You ate so right. It really was lightning in a bottle in terms of art. Everything came together to create such a piece of iconic storytelling that was way ahead of its time. 🙂 Thank you for your post.

[@gregoryplummer-l9l]

Machal was such a great actress one of my favorites

[@magicman6739]

Very informative! Well done.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙂

[@3dartistguy]

You missed the part where Star Trek was rejected by CBS in favor of Irwin Allen's Lost in Space.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Great point! Thanks for the extra info!

[@entreprenerd1963]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast - the book _The Making of Star Trek_ by Stephen Whitfield documents Roddenberry's complaint that CBS executives used meetings with Roddenberry pitching _Star Trek_ to purposefully mine him for information that they could go on to use for _Lost in Space_.

[@gothjim325]

A genius ahead of his time.. Gene Roddenberry, there'll never be another Star Trek TOS, and for that matter, another Star Wars 1977-83.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

You are 100% right about that!

[@jamesschwartz3837]

Excellent video. Cleared up some common misconceptions in a believable manner.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. 🙂🖖 I hope you keep watching and enjoying my other videos.

[@jamesschwartz3837]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast another show I vaguely remember along the lines of Quincy ME but set in the Wild West was called Hec Ramsey starring Richard Boone - '72-'74. I was quite young and only remember seeing one episode about his use of finger printing. The premise of the show was forensics science to solve crimes well before it actually existed if I remember correctly. Since you like TWWW.

[@adamparra3973]

Great job on doing your research! I love the Nichols story about meeting Dr. MLK Jr.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for thr compliment. Isn't it incredible that she met Dr MLK on the weekend after she gave her resignation. It really feels like divine providence.

[@stevenA44]

Very good video. I love the original Star Trek. Sad that it was only on for 3 seasons. Big companies always make stupid mistakes like cutting the budget because they usually don't like the type of shows they have, when in reality it could have made them more money.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

You are so right. They clearly messed up. I wonder whay coild have happened if it stayed on the air. And thank you so much for the kind words.

[@stevenA44]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast Well just imagine, all the Trekkies that got together years after it went into re-runs, if it had still been going on after the 3 seasons, it might have gotten even more of a following. You're welcome.

[@scifiwriter98]

The best 3 episodes: Doomsday Machine Mirror, Mirror City on the Edge of Forever BTW, I was one of those fans who wrote a letter to NBC after the second season begging them not to cancel it. You're welcome. Also, after season 3, but no dice. It was their loss.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Great list. I think that might be my 3 favorite as well. I'd have to think about it. Amazing that you were part of the letter writing campaign. That makes you a part of history. Thank you for the post, and I'd love to hear your first hand experience watching the show as it was coming out!

[@scifiwriter98]

@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast My best friend lived next door, and they had a color TV first. I think it was him that turned me on to Star Trek, and at first, I'd watch the show at his house during Season 1. Then we finally got color and I began watching it at home. Whereas my friends dad, who was a pipe-smoking engineer at Chrysler, enjoyed the show and discussed it with us, my father, a post office clerk, dismissed the show as "corny" or something like that. I have to admit there were episodes in Season 3 where I can see his point. I think it was a postcard with a short message that I mailed to NBC. There were suggestions about how to appeal to the network in a newspaper article, I think. There was no internet and information like that was only available in newspapers. That's why everyone had a subscription to either the Detroit News or Detroit Free Press, the more liberal morning paper. That's the one that would more likely run stories about Star Trek. When the show was moved to Friday at 10pm, I vividly recall running all the way home (about a mile) to catch Star Trek after my high school football game ended. I never watched the Saturday morning animated Trek. Doomsday Machine was always played at conventions because it was considered the quintessential episode with great acting, especially Windom, compelling story, and a finale that kept the viewer on the edge of their seat with great editing and score. I still get chills watching Kirk start to sweat as he calmly says, "Gentlemen, I suggest you beam me aboard." I still remember the buzz after City On the Edge of Forever aired. It was the episode that seemed to put the show in the public consciousness thanks to its use of alternate history, which was a very new concept. It really appealed to the imagination and was highly cerebral for a network TV show. I don't know how I remember this since there wasn't an internet but somehow there were other ways of keeping up with the zeitgeist. Mirror, Mirror is a favorite because of the concept and it's emotionally charged ending. The score that plays behind Kirk's appeal to evil Spock is a perfect example of why TOS is still loved. When all the elements of a TV drama came together (dialog, score, editing, etc.) in a scene like this, it was as good as it gets. And Spock's reply as the music swells, "Captain Kirk, I shall consider it," is the most emotionally satisfying moments in the series. Just ahead of Spock telling McCoy, "He knows l, doctor. He knows," at the end of City. Or Spock mind- melding Kirk with the word, "Forget." No other show gave me as many moments as those or that had the same impact. Sorry to go on so long, but it's that kind of show. And definitely watch Star Trek Continues. Kirk and Spock actors do a great job of emulating the original ones, making you forget it's a remake for a moment.

[@donaldderp3878]

Spock's makeup was changed because color TV cameras of the time made his red alien makeup look too dark, like he was black, which was not what they wanted. They changed it to green makeup at first, but eventually the green shade was removed.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thanks for the info. You know your Star Trek. 🙂

[@ScottFunk-us6ro]

Actually, the actor who played Pike had a wife that was VERY ambitious and had many demands for her husband's benefit. That was one of the factors that prevented him from taking the part.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's amazing! I actually heard the same thing. The demands were ridiculous and is now cited as the main reason they chose not to use Jeffrey Hunter. Thank you for this comment.

[@ChrisMagicDotNet]

Great documentary, and as others have said, the best one I've seen about TOS! When do you expect the next one you mentioned, dealing with the Star Trek movies, will be posted? Thanks!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words. I've already made videos on Star Trek The Motion Picture all the way to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. That should keep you busy for awhile. After I release Goldfinger, I'm going to make a video on Star Trek; The Animated Series and then Star Trek: The Next Generation. After that, I'll jump into Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. Also, dont forget to check out my James Bond videos. And I have so many videos planned. Welcome to the channel!

[@informer]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2437">40:37</a> that is one of my favorite episodes too. I never hear many people talk about Shore Leave, it’s corny, but I LOVE the music in that episode. That and Star Trek 4’s hospital chase music are some of my favorite jams (lol) produced by Star Trek. I mean of course the TNG theme / motion picture theme is classic, the tv series fight scenes are classic and many others but the music in Star Trek 4 (hospital chase) and Shore Leave, chiefly when they see something from their imagination like McCoy seeing the white rabbit and Alice. Don’t know why I like that music but it’s great! With that I think I watched all your Star Trek videos. Great stuff there, worthy of a DVD Bonus feature :)

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

It's so underrated but I love the episode.

[@SweetJennyFan]

Fascinating !

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you. 🖖 Live long a prosper.

[@theinnerlight8016]

How wonderful a video you made! Love it. 🖖

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

🖖🙂 Thank you so much. What a lovely comment.

[@adamc1966]

I heard that Jack Lord was cast as The Captain but wanted 50% of the rights to the show. Great video BTW. Nichelle was very 🤩😍in the Lieutenant.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words. That is absolutely true about Jack Lord. I should have put it in the video.

[@kerry-j4m]

Jack Lord must have been on the-SAUCE-asking any network for percentage of the rights of any show on tv. Nichelle was-GORGEOUS-on the Lieutenant and Star Trek and Gene had Nichelle and Majel Barrett as his mistresses at the same time while he was married.They both knew about each other too. LOL. Gene has some serious-MOJO-back then to have 2 side-chicks that didn't mind sharing a married man. LOL. I just want to know where he found the time and energy to juggle 3 women.

[@adamc1966]

@kerry-j4m lots of TV stars lived like that back then...including Grace Lee Whitney 👍

[@kerry-j4m]

@@adamc1966 Really ??? I never knew this and Grace Whitney did it too ??? Oh,man.

[@adamc1966]

@@kerry-j4m yes she wrote a tell-all book.

[@donaldderp3878]

Yeah... it was so amazing that Roddenberry picked Majel Barret for the role of Number One, it was way ahead of it's time for a woman. It was almost like he knew her.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Haha. That's funny. 😀

[@RandomTChance]

Good job. ✌️🤠

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you! 🙂🖖

[@charlenevarada--Stargazer]

I have 2 favorites from that series which are: "The Trouble With Tribbles" & " The Devil in The Dark".😊

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Two great episodes. Trouble with Tribbles is also one of my favorites. 😀

[@JulianneRemley-l2q]

Have loved and seen all the Star Trek series the original series, movies,and the next generation and all of the movies,deep space nine,and voyager. And enterprise.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Me too! The Star Trek series are great! Personally, Deep Space 9 is my favorite.

[@aliensoup2420]

I think the reason the interracial kiss between Kirk and Uhura worked is because the audience was invested in the characters and did not simply see them as a white man and a black woman, but as Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura. They were sensitive to the character's backgrounds and meaning to the show.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

👌

[@paulaswanson13]

Very thorough and enjoyable documentary. Thank you!!!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much! 🙂 i hope you keep enjoying my videos.

[@UPCM01]

Great video, quick in-depth history of Star Trek TOS! One small correction: Nichele Nicoles was not in the second pilot. She was in the first episode, after the show got picked up.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope you enjoy all the videos I have planned.

[@scifiguy26]

Great video 🖖

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much! 🖖

[@johnzuck6163]

Thanks..awesome 👍

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much! 😀🖖

[@ScottFunk-us6ro]

Mythbusters checked out the makeshift cannon Kirk built in the episode, and proved it would never work. The bamboo wasn't sturdy enough, and he couldn't have produced a viable black powder.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's crazy! 😯😲 But totally cool! Thanks for the comment. 🙂

[@sail2byzantium]

RE: James Doohan as doing a British accent. So you know, Scotland is a part of Britain (i.e., the UK--even if many Scots aren't happy about this). So, doing a Scottish accent is a British accent (maybe by the 23rd century this changes).. Now had you said Roddenberry wanted Doohan to do an English accent, then you'd have a correct contrast or a real difference. But I agree with your take on TOS Season 1: the very best season, whose episode consistency is just amazing and the one I will always binge watch when Pluto TV shows TOS.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for clearing that up. 🙂

[@jacquelinebell6201]

Great video. I learnt things Id never heard before.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙂

[@Ed-eq8ui]

Fantastic documentary. Well done! Small edit: Shatner's previous show was "FOR the People", not "We The People".

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Oops! Thanks for the correction! 🙂 And thank you for the kind words! I hope you keep watching and enjoying my content.

[@joeescobar6575]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast Are you sure? I thought the show was Ee'dplebnista

[@ericplatt6884]

@@joeescobar6575😂

[@marysheeran519]

This is wonderful (I'm only halfway through) but you completely skirted over William Shatner's theater experience in New York - 2 years starring in "The World of Suzie Wong" and a year opposite Julie Harris in "A Shot in the Dark." But I agree with some of the comments here - I have never heard that he was Roddenberry's first choice, but it does make sense given that as soon as Pike (or his wife) turned down the series, he fast turned to Shatner, who had become a top leading man on television. Bob Justman does not say any of this in his book, but then that may not mean anything as his perspective of what happened when was different. It makes sense to me because they turned right to Shatner without any other possible choice. Justman says they did look at footage from some of Shatner's TV work as well as his reprehensible character (not acting) in "The Intruder" film. Which seemed weird choices as he played leading men on television, but whatever. On to legend...And perhaps Shatner should thank his old pal Lorne Greene (who led him astray on the stock market) as it was the powerhouse "Bonanza" that clobbered "For the People" and freed Shatner to accept Star Trek. Interesting about Lucille Ball as there are people vehemently refusing to see her as doing anything for Star Trek (I disagree). But note that D.C. Fontana was first hired as a secretary (who wrote...). A major mistake, I think, is saying that Star Trek was popular among several demographic groups, but that sort of measurement wasn't done in the 60s. It's true about who liked the show, but the rating the networks looked at was overall viewership, and that was ...not the greatest. Herb Solow mused that the reason the series was renewed twice is that it was one of the few shows in color, and NBC was owned by RCA, and they wanted people to buy color TVs, which most households didn't own yet. If NBC had cared about the breakdown of the demographics, Star Trek would never have teetered on cancellation back then. So ... while I might quibble over a few things here, the trouble is that because Star Trek was so iffy in the day, much of what we know is based on people's hindsight several years later when it became a successful franchise. But with all that said, this was a good summary and well done! Thank you for your work!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Wow! This is a heck of a comment! 😀 You sure know your Star Trek history! Thank you for your comment. 🙂

[@jediaz379]

Great work, getting inside so many great details!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the compliment! You made my day! 😊

[@TheRacerG]

In all the years I've watched Star Trek and shows about Star Trek, I've never heard Lucille Ball's connection to it. That's interesting.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Isn't it fascinating how important she was to the show? It really could not have happened without her.

[@fenwar9060]

Well done video, you're narration is the best part.👏

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you! 🖖

[@fhbaynes]

This was excellent

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope you keep enjoying my videos!

[@stinchjack]

One of the greatest shows ever to be put on television ... after Doctor Who. Clarkson-era Top Gear is pretty good too.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Who is your favorite Doctor?

[@stinchjack]

Some say he can defeat a Dalek with a handful of jelly-babies and a fez, and that he only knows two facts about dating women, and both of them are wrong ... he's Matt Smith!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's awesome! I'm a David Tennant man myself, but Matt Smith is a close second!

[@krismckee]

That's Davey Jones @<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1838">30:38</a>

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Man. I can't slip a thing by you! You sure know your Monkees. 🤣

[@krismckee]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast wow... I was expecting to get an avalanche of people insisting I was wrong.

[@Steven-i6z]

I really enjoyed your video of Stat Trek, watching the original broadcast of Star Trek is one of my favorite memories with my dad. I also remember when hearing that it was cancelled, how could they do it? It’s a 5 year mission!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words. Star Trek was such a great show and the TV episodes still hold up today. Thank you for your comment.

[@matambale]

You've done a fine job here, sir. I'm pretty fussy about any documentary on Star Trek.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the compliment. Please keep enjoying my videos. Thank you for your post. 😀

[@jamesschwartz3837]

In the '70s Star Trek was the most watched hour long rerun on TV. The Wild Wild West was #2.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That is very interesting. Wild Wild West was such a crazy cool and interesting TV show. I really loved it! Robert Conrad was so cool and suave, like an American Cowboy James Bond. And then the Wild Wild West movie with Will Smith was ... a thing.

[@jamesschwartz3837]

@ indeed. TWWW was developed with James Bond in mind.

[@vashon100]

Well done!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much! 😀🖖

[@machsolid6402]

Excellent, thanks!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much.

[@youtuuba]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1852">30:52</a>-ish, a still photo accompanies the narration involving Christopher Lloyd, and indeed the photo shows an actor that appears to be Lloyd. But who else is in the picture? Christopher Walken!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Yes. It is indeed a young Christopher Walken.

[@MarkLRandall]

Well done, kudos.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much. 😀

[@Kistan12]

We had Lucille Ball to thank for Star Trek being made!!!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

We sure do! 🙂

[@paulmicks7097]

Hard to believe that after NBC cancelled that they didn't go straight to a full theatre film which surely would have done well.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

I agree. But I'm glad we have all the movies... eventually. Thank you for your post.

[@LogicAndReason2025]

Another tidbit I heard about Rodenberry, but don't remember where it came from, was that the studios wanted there to be a chaplain on the Enterprise, but Gene steadfastly refused.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Oh wow! That's an incredible and fascinating but if trivia that I've never heard. I woild be consistent with what we know about Roddenberry. I need to look into this. Thank you so much

[@oldautos251]

This came on tv at the same time I GOT a colour tv, prior to this everything was black and white!!!!!!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's amazing timing. That is so cool that you were there to experience it first hand. You are part of history. Please tell us about your experience.

[@flashgordon6238]

How could you leave out the history and appearance of Grace Lee Whitney as Yeoman Janice Rand?

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

I will have to include her in any follow videos. She was definitely a victim in all of this. The coolest part of her story is how heroic William Shatner was in supporting her, and championing her return in the movies. I love that she is in Star Trek 3, and on the Excelsior in Star Trek 6.

[@gregoryplummer-l9l]

I remember when the first season came out I was 12 years old and heard that it was going to be cancelled and i road my bike to many different hobby shops to sign the list to keep it on for another season and it was and after thay took it off the air i quit watching TV for many years

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's amazing! You were a part of history. What was it like being there first-hand and witnessing Star Trek being born?

[@AnwarSheikh-i3o]

After all these episodes the only one that stands out is the one and only the menagerie with Jeffery hunter. He was and still is the best captain kirk.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Really? I can respect your opinion even though I disagree. Still, thank you for your comment.

[@samr.england613]

Trying to name my favorite Star Trek TOS character is like trying to name my favorite South Park episode or Led Zeppelin song! Kirk, Spock, Scotty or Dr. McKoy? I'm expected to name a, 'favorite'? Okay, well, then it's Dr. McKoy. He finds himself the Chief Medical Officer aboard a starship, but he absolutely HATES outer space! hehehehe... Scotty, oh man! See? It's impossible to name a, 'favorite'.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

You can't do it! Every character is just too good. 😅 But I do love McCoy. Or.. Checkov....and then Sulu... see, cant do it.

[@samr.england613]

@@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast And who doesn't love Spock? And Kirk. I just, eh, it can't be done!

[@johnpick8336]

Outstanding!

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you! Cheers! 🖖

[@garyedwards3269]

I like. I subscribe. Keep up the good work.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thank you so much! Welcome to my channel! I hope you keep watching. I'm going to release James Bond 007 Dr No next, and then it will be on Star Trek The Animated Series.

[@TerryB751]

Interesting that Lucille Ball gave the second 300K for a second pilot, then they got rid of Majel who was the prime reason Lucille gave the second pilot a chance anyway. That must have pissed Lucy off.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

😀 That's an interesting point!

[@LesterManley-s9n]

Everyone worked in City on the edge of forever. Ellison didn't concider his script 'rewritten' . It had so many hands on it he used the term 'gangbanged' to discribe what was done to his script. So never say written by Harlan Ellison. Harlan Ellison is 'credited' for writting the episode.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

Thanks for the info!

[@OrchestrationOnline]

The whole "Man Trap was an awful first episode" narrative has been a bit overstated. If you watch it, you see that there's actually some great character development in it that helps us get to know the cast pretty well. It's not a great episode, but it's not Spock's Brain either.

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

I totally agree with you! I just saw Man Trap again a few days ago. It's not one of the best, but it still holds up as very suspenseful and exciting. I can imagine it blowing away audiences back in 1966.

[@williambrownlee4534]

Don't forget Leonard Nimoy's appearance in the sci-fi ICON ....THEM

[@TotallyAwesomeFilmsPodcast]

That's true! He had a small uncredited "blink and you'll miss it" part. And boy, he was sure young, wasn't he?