SCIENCE Explores the Legacy of the Star Trek Phenomenon With the Definitive Two-Hour Television Event: TREK NATION

SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SCIENCE celebrates the 45th anniversary of one of the greatest television franchises of all time, Star Trek, with the world-premiere two-hour event, TREK NATION. This tribute follows Gene Roddenberry's son, Rod, as he explores the deep impact of his father's singular vision for the future.  Through interviews with fans, including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane, and many notable Star Trek alums, TREK NATION chronicles a son's journey to discover his father's work that helped define science fiction. TREK NATION premieres on SCIENCE on Wednesday, November 30 at 8PM ET/PT.

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TREK NATION draws on hours of exclusive footage, including never-before-seen home movies from the Roddenberry family collection and the first-ever Star Trek convention.  This film demonstrates that Roddenberry's work has not only inspired legions of fans across the globe, but generated a cultural movement. Star Trek is a phenomenon that goes beyond entertainment; it has influenced politics, space travel, social morality and much more.  Star Trek was a catalyst which has fostered an enhanced understanding of the human condition, capturing man's constant search for a better world. 

"Gene Roddenberry is the original thought-provocateur; the rebel-genius who was not afraid to push the boundaries of what science can accomplish," said Debbie Myers, general manager and executive vice president of SCIENCE.  "Star Trek used science fiction to hold a mirror to society, leveraging its storylines as a platform for social commentary touching on topics such as racism, sexism, the economy, war, peace and religion.  Working with Rod, and showing footage never shared on television is what makes TREK NATION truly inspiring."  

"I am so glad TREK NATION found its home at SCIENCE," says Rod Roddenberry, Executive producer of Trek Nation and son of Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry.  "They understood that, as personal as the film was for me, TREK NATION is really a universal story of a son coming to understand his father.  The experience allowed me to learn more about the man behind this incredible science fiction phenomenon as well as the man I knew as 'Dad.'  I think it's something that Star Trek fans and those less familiar with the franchise will enjoy."

Star Trek was a revolution that would define an era.  When it first premiered on NBC in 1966, it often was described as a western set in space.  However, the series provided a much deeper commentary that created a devoted and loyal fan base which continues to grow, even today.  With a then-virtually-unknown cast, each week Roddenberry told tales of humans and aliens who lived side by side and served the Starfleet, the peacekeeping armada of the universe.  

TREK NATION is produced for SCIENCE by Roddenberry Entertainment and New Animal Productions.  For Roddenberry Entertainment, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth are executive producers.  Executive producer Nicole Rittenmeyer represents New Animal.  Bernadette McDaid is the executive producer and vice president of production for SCIENCE.  Lindsay Foster is associate producer for SCIENCE and Debbie Adler Myers is general manager and executive vice president of SCIENCE.

About SCIENCE:

SCIENCE, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is home for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of "how" and "why not."  The network is a playground for those with audacious intellects and features programming willing to go beyond imagination to explore the unknown.  Guided by curiosity, SCIENCE looks for innovation in mysterious new worlds as well as in its own backyard.  SCIENCE and the SCIENCE HD simulcast reach more than 68 million U.S. households.  The network also features high-traffic online and social media destinations, including ScienceChannel.com, facebook.com/ScienceChannel and twitter.com/ScienceChannel.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 210 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 130-plus worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Roddenberry Entertainment

Roddenberry Entertainment is a science-fiction leader with a tradition of groundbreaking entertainment. Originally founded in 1967 by Gene Roddenberry, the company has since led a steady stable of science-fiction successes including Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda and, most notably, Star Trek. Roddenberry Entertainment continues to produce entertainment for all audiences, employing a viewer-centric creative process and resulting in insightful explorations of humanity. The company's mission is to make good on its namesake's promise of superior science-fiction while utilizing new and varied vehicles of delivery.  Building on its television roots, this entertainment pioneer has also successfully ventured into graphic novels, documentaries, and comic strips, all the while continuing a long and unique tradition in quality merchandising.  Roddenberry Entertainment has set itself apart by creating content that surpasses mere entertainment; it challenges its audiences to think, question and explore the world, as well as those beyond. For more information on Roddenberry Entertainment please visit www.Roddenberry.com. Roddenberry Entertainment can also be found on Facebook (facebook.com/roddenberrycom) and Twitter (twitter.com/roddenberry).

SOURCE SCIENCE