‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Cast Reunites on Zoom for a Birthday Celebration
Technology has come a long way since Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987. The Gene Roddenberry classic revolved around a crew of Starfleet explorers stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise-D. Fans tuned in weekly to watch the officers and crew “explore strange new worlds,” and “boldly go where no one has gone before.” The groundbreaking adventure series featured fictional tools, toys, and tech built from the minds of science fiction writers. But today, the cast is using the latest technology to reconnect with each other again in the real world.
‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Cast Connects on Zoom
Twitter was abuzz with the touching virtual reunion of Star Trek: The Next Generation cast members. To the delight of fans, the stars tweeted screenshots of their Zoom video conference call. The best part? They all hopped on a call to wish their former co-star, Marina Sirtis, a happy birthday. The actress turned 65 on March 29.
The Star Trek: The Next Generation cast members who joined the call included Patrick Stewart, LaVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, Will Wheaton, and Sirtis.
‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ cast members have a lasting connection
Star Trek: The Next Generation ran for 176 episodes over seven seasons. Stewart, Frakes, Burton, Sirtis, Spiner, and Dorn starred as regulars in every episode. McFadden and Wheaton also completed long stints on the series, with 155 and 86 episodes, respectively. It appears that the on-set camaraderie they created while working together has stood the test of time.
Sirtis tweeted, “I have the best friends in the world. Considering everything, this was the best birthday present.”
Fans are buzzing over the ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Zoom reunion
Trekkies, or Star Trek fanatics, relish content provided by the stars of the franchise. The reactions to the Zoom video have ranged from heartfelt tweets to excitement-filled comments, and beyond.
One follower wrote, “That thump you all felt was me fainting!!!!”
Another fan tweeted, “It warms my heart to see you lovely group of good friends and wonderful people. Stay well, best to all of you!”
Others channeled their inner Starfleet officer with words like this: “All hailing frequencies open!!”
Why Zoom?
The world is currently dealing with a coronavirus pandemic that has paralyzed entire communities. The bug is more contagious and more deadly than the flu, according to data published on NPR.org.
Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, citizens are practicing social distancing as a means of slowing the spread of the disease. That means avoiding large groups and staying home when possible. The guidelines are set with public health and safety in mind. Consequently, many milestone events and celebrations have been canceled for the greater good. That’s where video conferencing apps like Zoom come in.
Friends and loved ones now have the ability to hold virtual celebrations, like the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation did for Sirtis. What once was the dream of sci-fi writers is now real technology that is enriching the lives of countless individuals.
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