‘Star Trek’ first appeared on NBC 45 years ago and elevated the quality of science fiction on television. The show captured audience’s imaginations and influenced our culture and the fields of politics and science. ‘Star Trek’ has a large and loyal group of fans, which grows every day. To celebrate this achievement, the Science Channel will air a tribute to the show, ‘Trek Nation.’

The executive producer of ‘Trek Nation’ is Rod Roddenberry, the son of ‘Star Trek’ creator Gene Roddenberry. The two-hour event centers on Rod’s relationship with his father as he explores his father’s work. “I am so glad ‘Trek Nation’ found its home at SCIENCE,” Rod Roddenberry said in the channel’s press release. “They understood that, as personal as the film was for me, ‘Trek Nation’ is really a universal story of a son coming to understand his father. The experience allowed me to learn more about the man behind this incredible science fiction phenomenon as well as the man I knew as ‘Dad.’ I think it’s something that Star Trek fans and those less familiar with the franchise will enjoy.”

‘Trek Nation’ includes footage from never-before-seen Roddenberry home movies and from the first ‘Star Trek’ convention. The show also features interviews with ‘Star Trek’ alums like Nichelle Nichols and fans including J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane, and George Lucas.

‘Trek Nation’ is a respectful examination of the impact ‘Star Trek’ has made across the world. The general manager and executive vice president of the Science Channel, Debbie Myers, said, “Gene Roddenberry is the original thought-provocateur; the rebel-genius who was not afraid to push the boundaries of what science can accomplish. Star Trek used science fiction to hold a mirror to society, leveraging its storylines as a platform for social commentary touching on topics such as racism, sexism, the economy, war, peace and religion. Working with Rod, and showing footage never shared on television is what makes ‘Trek Nation’ truly inspiring.”

‘Trek Nation’ debuts tonight, Wednesday, November 30th, on the Science Channel.

Here is a preview:

Here is a sneak peek: