For many young sci-fi fans, Star Trek: The Next Generation was the gateway experience into the genre. The award-winning TV series that picked up the mantle of the classic 'Trek used many of creator Gene Roddenberry's ideas for the aborted Star Trek Phase II program from 1978. From rather humble beginnings, Star Trek: The Next Generation received multiple Emmy Awards during its 7 year run and still finds new fans today through streaming video services such as Netflix and Hulu.

The 25th anniversary reunion is sure to be a major event. I recall back in the day attending far smaller conventions where cast and crew members gave a glimpse behind the scenes of Next Gen, complete with tales of Jonathan Frakes obsession over the song Volare whenever they became stuck in a scene. Funny to see how something so small targeted to a devoted audience could become so big and important to so many.

Who knew?

Wizard World 'Makes It So' As 'Star Trek: TNG' Strikes Silver In Austin
Seven of the main stars of the cult hit series "Star Trek: The Next Generation" will reunite on the occasion of the show's 25th anniversary at Wizard World Austin Comic Con, Oct. 26-28, at the Austin Convention Center.

Patrick Stewart ("Jean-Luc Picard"), Jonathan Frakes ("William T. Riker"), Brent Spiner ("Data"), LeVar Burton ("Geordi La Forge"), Michael Dorn ("Worf"), Gates McFadden ("Beverly Crusher") and Marina Sirtis ("Deanna Troi") will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for a once-in-a-lifetime group photo opportunity (as well as individual photo ops).

The series, which ran for seven seasons from 1987 through 1994, garnered 18 daytime emmys and was a hugely successful follow-up to the original "Star Trek" series from two decades earlier.

More information here.