We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek this year, so we caught up with stars from every era about why the series still resonates all these years later.

Alums from in front of and behind the camera gathered at San Diego Comic-Con recently to talk about the show’s legacy, and we were there. Brent Spiner (Data, Star Trek: The Next Generation) calls it the “great American epic,” and William Shatner (Capt. Kirk, Star Trek: The Original Series) takes a deep dive into what the franchise has meant to the world over half a century, among others.

It’s amazing to think this series has evolved through 13 films and six different series (with a seventh on the way, of course). It’s provided everything from thoughtful morality plays to fast and furious (ahem) action over the years, and has somehow managed to successfully avoid collapsing under the weight of its own massive continuity.

Here’s to 50 more years.

Check out the video below and let us know what you think:

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(Header image via Dave Daring)