Since its inception in 1975, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) has been known for its irreverent humor and sharp satire of pop culture. One popular target of SNL’s comedic antics has been the “Star Trek” franchise.

The first “Star Trek” parody on SNL aired in 1976 and was called “The Last Voyage of the Starship Enterprise.” It featured John Belushi as Captain Kirk and Chevy Chase as Mr. Spock and followed the crew as they tried to save the Enterprise from destruction. The skit was a hit with audiences and helped establish SNL as a force in late-night television.

Over the years, SNL has continued to parody “Star Trek” in various sketches, often featuring famous cast members like William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. One of the most famous SNL “Star Trek” parodies is the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” sketch, which aired in 1988 and featured Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard.

In this sketch, the SNL cast members play the crew of the Enterprise, but instead of facing off against alien threats, they find themselves dealing with mundane office politics and a clueless boss played by William Shatner. The sketch is a hilarious take on the corporate world, and it’s still considered one of the best “Star Trek” parodies ever made.

Overall, the tradition of “Star Trek” parodies on SNL has been a fun and entertaining way for the show to poke fun at the beloved franchise. While the humor may not be for everyone, these sketches have helped keep “Star Trek” relevant and entertaining for generations of fans.