If I were going to start watching it, I would start with The Next Generation, and then maybe watch Voyager and the original series. Then watch the movies that came out in the 80s and 90s. After that, watch Enterprise which is a prequel to the original series (but produced in the 2000s), and Deep Space Nine.
All of them are good in their own way. : )
You can start with the original series, but be prepared that it will look VERY dated now - it' from the 60s. It has 3 seasons and also includes 6 movies (the even-numbered ones are better). The original series is the one with Captain Kirk, Spock and Dr McCoy, so the same characters that were in the recent JJ Abrams' movies (that was an alternative storyline). After that is Star Trek the Next Generation where Patrick Stewart plays Captain Picard. Those are the main ones, they did 3 more series (Deep Space Nine, which takes place on a space station, Voyager which is on a different ship and Enterprise, which is a prequel to the original series) but leave those for now, if you become a fan, you'll watch them later.
If you want a Star Trek that is pretty generalized, I would recommend these episodes for starters:
Balance of Terror
The Doomsday Machine
The Trouble With Tribbles
Journey To Babel
Where No Man Has Gone Before
Space Seed
These episodes are pretty general, meaning you don't need to worry if you don't know who Captain Christopher Pike is, not knowing about the Vulcan's seven year itch, or still can't tell the difference between a Targ or a Tribble.
BUT why should you? Even episodes like The Menagerie, Amok Time, or The Trouble With Tribbles that were added to the lore of Star Trek, they mythology you might say, they can still be enjoyed without worrying about how legendary they are, at least by Trekkie standards.
If you want to, just start from the beginning of the original series as to where the entire legacy of Star Trek spawned from, including the prequel of Enterprise.
Start with the original series and then watch the animated cartoons. Then go on to the Next Generation. Personally, I would skip the rest but other people might feel differently.
Alternate between the original and Next Generation. That way if the dated aspect of the original starts to make you lose interest (I'm not saying it will), the other one might keep you interested.
I've never really got into Star Trek, I've watched a few episodes now and then a long with a couple of films (new + old) and I really want to give it ago.
So what do I watch first? Should I avoid any?
