Why Paramount+ Doesnt Stream These 12 Star Trek Episodes

Paramount+ hosts nearly every Star Trek episode ever made. Yet twelve episodes remain completely unavailable to subscribers in 2025. These gaps span multiple classic series and decades. The situation frustrates completionist fans worldwide.

According to Reuters, the core issue involves complex legacy licensing agreements. These contracts predate the streaming era entirely. Modern negotiations have failed to resolve the stalemate for specific content.

The Complete List of Missing Star Trek Content

Four episodes from The Original Series are notably absent. These include “The Empath,” “Whom Gods Destroy,” “Plato’s Stepchildren,” and “Miri.” The BBC originally refused to air these episodes between 1969 and 1994.

Their controversial themes led to the initial broadcast bans. Paramount+ has never secured global streaming rights for this content. The platform also experiences intermittent availability with Deep Space Nine and Voyager.

Users report episodes disappearing for weeks at a time. These technical glitches compound the permanent licensing gaps. Paramount representatives acknowledge the problem exists.

Why Streaming Rights Create Permanent Gaps

Legacy television contracts are the primary obstacle. International broadcasters secured exclusive windows decades ago. These agreements never considered future streaming services.

Renegotiating requires coordination between dozens of rights holders. The cost often outweighs the benefit for Paramount. Some music clearances also prevent episode availability.

Modern series face fewer such issues. New contracts include comprehensive digital rights. This explains why recent Star Trek content remains fully accessible.

The Associated Press confirms this pattern affects multiple classic franchises. Similar gaps exist for older television shows across streaming platforms.

Thought you’d like to know

Which Star Trek series has the most missing episodes?

The Original Series has four permanently unavailable episodes. These were banned by the BBC originally. They have never streamed on any platform.

Will Paramount ever add the missing episodes?

It remains unlikely due to licensing complications. The cost of resolving these issues is reportedly prohibitive. Fan campaigns continue to advocate for their return.

Do other streaming services have these episodes?

No legitimate streaming service carries the banned episodes. They are unavailable through any legal digital channel. Physical media remains the only authorized viewing method.

How many Star Trek episodes are on Paramount+?

Paramount+ streams over 98% of all Star Trek episodes. This amounts to more than 800 individual episodes. Only twelve episodes from the entire franchise are missing.

Does this affect new Star Trek series?

Newer series face no such availability issues. Modern contracts include comprehensive streaming rights. All current and upcoming Star Trek content remains fully accessible.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, Paramount Global corporate statements, BBC archives