Classic TV Theme: Star Trek (Alexander Courage)

The show launched a franchise, but during its network run 'Star Trek' (1966) struggled to stay on the air. Ratings were not spectacular but demographics saved it the first time, and a letter-writing campaign helped it to a third season. But budget cuts and a move to the worst time slot possible (10pm Fridays) signalled the end . Syndication proved to be a second life for 'Trek'. where it quickly became a moneymaker for Paramount. As of now we've seen 13 'Star Trek' movies, a dozen tv series, with more of both on the way. Music for the original show was provided by top composers including Jerry Fielding, Joseph Mullendore, and Fred Steiner. But the theme itself was by Alexander Courage, longtime arranger and orchestrator who had moved into composing. 00:00 Season one, opening titles. A traditional orchestral arrangement; the now-famous theme is introduced by the cellos.. 00:50 Season two, opening titles, A wordless vocalist adds an ethereal quality. 01:50 Season three, opening titles. When the series was remastered for HD, the opening theme was newly recorded in stereo, heard here. 02:51 Season three, end credits.