A modern classic in Sci-Fi TV ST:OS was a ground-breaking event in television history. It came along at a time when we were all looking for something *far-out*, to get away from Nixon and the VietNam conflict. It was 60's stylish, with those mini-skirts and strange creatures from far away worlds. At the time it was *state of the art* for F/X, remember now, that was over 30 years ago!
Then ST:TNG came along in 1987, 10 years later, WOW, not at all like STOS, sure same named ship, universe, Warp Drive and all that but STNG was way ahead of STOS. Better actors, stories and the new character's, Picard, Number One (Riker), Troi, Dr. Crusher, Worf, Data, LaForge, and all the others who made up the cast over 8 seasons, were people we came to know and love each week. At the time this was the best Sci-Fi on TV. The F/X was great and as TV go's some stories were better than others but i still watched every one, some many times in repeat over the years.
Of course this is all *Pre-Babylon-5*. B-5 has set the standard now by which all others will be judged in terms of excellence of television programing, category: Sci-Fi, IMHO.