Television

Television (abbreviated TV) was one of the most popular entertainment mediums on Earth in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

A television was one of many attractions at the 1939 New York World's Fair. The new invention was described as a radio with pictures. Years later, Herbert Rossoff would insult the work of Julius Eaton and Kay Eaton, suggesting it was so bad as to make one want to buy a television. (DS9 novelization: Far Beyond the Stars)

By 2020, no space shows were even shown on television, a fact Shaun Christopher cited to show how public interest in space exploration had faded. (TOS novel: The Rings of Time)

By 2040, television become outdated and finally obsolete. (TNG episode: "The Neutral Zone") Following television's demise, the popularity of stage plays saw a resurgence. (TNG novel: Debtors' Planet)

Post-21st century[]

Despite the obsolescence of the medium, several programs remained familiar in popular culture for years to follow:

Trip Tucker likened a story told by crewmate T'Pol to a tale from The Twilight Zone. (ENT episode: "Carbon Creek") The series' introduction of the horizon with starfield was an image that Spock saw in the mind of Roberta Lincoln just before severing a meld. (TOS novel: Assignment: Eternity) Vic Fontaine was a fan of The Twilight Zone, during its 1959-1964 run. Odo said Rod Serling (Rodserl) sounded like a Romulan name. (DS9 novels: The Fall of Terok Nor, The War of the Prophets, Inferno)

In 2275, episodes of old television and film series were presented in the USS Enterprise recreation room. (TOS novel: My Enemy, My Ally)

In 2375, Nog watched several films and television series while living in Vic Fontaine's casino. These included Shane, The Searchers and The Untouchables. (DS9 episode: "It's Only a Paper Moon")

Tom Paris was an avid fan of television, and B'Elanna Torres gave him a mid 20th century television with remote control so that he could watch old programs. (VOY episodes: "Memorial", "Workforce")

See also: Star Trek within Star Trek