'Star Trek' is the McDonald's of science fiction; it's fast food storytelling. Every problem is like every other problem. They all get solved in an hour. Nobody ever gets hurt, and nobody needs to care. You give up an hour of your time, and you don't really have to get involved. It's all plastic.

The quote “'Star Trek' is the McDonald's of science fiction; it's fast food storytelling. Every problem is like every other problem. They all get solved in an hour. Nobody ever gets hurt, and nobody needs to care. You give up an hour of your time, and you don't really have to get involved. It's all plastic.” by David Gerrold is a sharp critique of the formulaic and sanitized nature of certain science fiction storytelling, particularly in mainstream television. Gerrold likens Star Trek to fast food, suggesting it offers quick, easily digestible stories that follow predictable patterns, lacking depth or emotional consequence.

David Gerrold, a science fiction author and television writer, is best known for writing “The Trouble with Tribbles,” one of the most iconic episodes of the original Star Trek series. His critique comes from someone with insider experience, which gives the quote additional weight. Despite his connection to the franchise, Gerrold uses this analogy to express frustration with its later tendency to prioritize comforting resolutions over complex, morally ambiguous storytelling. His phrase “nobody needs to care” underlines a belief that the stakes are often too low to provoke real thought or emotional investment.

Calling it "plastic" suggests a perception of artificiality—stories that are manufactured, safe, and polished to the point of lacking realism or grit. Gerrold argues that such storytelling avoids true conflict, rarely challenges the viewer, and doesn’t reflect the messiness of real human dilemmas. Everything is wrapped up neatly in an hour, leaving the audience passive rather than engaged. While Star Trek is often praised for its optimistic view of the future, Gerrold here critiques that optimism as too easy and unearned.

Ultimately, Gerrold’s quote is a commentary on the difference between entertainment and art in science fiction. He believes that when stories avoid real consequences or complexity, they fail to push boundaries or evoke empathy. Though Star Trek remains beloved for its influence and vision, Gerrold’s critique invites deeper reflection on the narrative risks that science fiction can—and perhaps should—take to remain relevant, challenging, and meaningful.