Sci-Fi History: Star Trek (1966)

The network panned the original Star Trek pilot, but commissioned a second. By this point, Jeffrey Hunter bowed out and was replaced by William Shatner. In fact, only Leonard Nimoy returned from the original pilot. The new pilot was more action packed and was picked up. The Original Series lasted three seasons and recounted the adventures of the Starship Enterprise. The show tackled many topics other shows avoided. The episodes made it past the censors because they took place in outer space. Star Trek dealt with not only science fiction topics such as eugenics, but the Vietnam War, Cold War, racism, and other hot button issues. The show was cancelled after three years, but revived in reruns leading to a successful film franchise and several spin off TV shows.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdjL8WXjlGI

Sci-Fi History: Star Trek The Cage (1965)

Gene Roddenberry promised NBC a “Wagon Train to the stars” and delivered a pilot for Star Trek. The initial episode starred Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Christopher Pike. In the episode, Pike is captured by Talosians who have mastered the art of illusion. Their powers worked as a narcotic and the addicts lived vicariously through other species as their world died. The Talosians hoped to enslave Pike and another human to save their society and species. NBC brass thought the pilot too cerebral and ordered another pilot. Hunter would not return, so Roddenberry turned to William Shatner and Pike became James T. Kirk.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4crko7wIbpw

Sci Fi History: The Forbidden Planet (1956)

The Forbidden Planet combines Shakespeare with Freud serving as a precursor for future Sci-Fi endeavors. The movie stars Leslie Nielson and Anne Francis and introduces Robby the Robot. It borrows heavily from The Tempest and uses Freudian ideas on the subconscious. The film is a direct ancestor of Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry cited Forbidden Planet, with its United Planets, as an influence.  Today, the film is considered both a cult classic and a sci-fi classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y4crGU7dkg