Only Two Star Trek: The Next Generation Cast Members Appeared In Every Episode

Only two actors from the original Star Trek: The Next Generation cast were present in every one of the series' 176 episodes. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, and First Officer William Riker, played by Jonathan Frakes, appeared in each and every episode from the show's premiere on September 28, 1987, to its final episode on May 23, 1994.

Six other actors—a total of 178 when counting the double-length series premiere and Season 4 finale as separate episodes—also appeared in all episodes of the show. These actors include Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis, and Michael Dorn. However, their presence in the credits as series regulars did not always mean they physically appeared in every episode.

Some characters were sometimes represented through stock footage, holograms, or voice-only roles. Data, played by Brent Spiner, was absent from the Season 4 episode "Family," while Deanna Troi, portrayed by Marina Sirtis, was not present in 10 episodes. Geordi La Forge, played by Michael Dorn, missed six episodes. Dorn, however, made up for his absences with his extensive presence in other Star Trek series.

He appeared in 98 episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and seven episodes of Star Trek: Picard, bringing his total to 279 episodes across the franchise. Michael Dorn's appearances, combined with his roles in other Star Trek series, make him the actor with the most appearances in the Star Trek universe. Colm Meaney holds the second place in terms of Star Trek episode appearances.

His character, Miles O'Brien, first appeared in TNG and went on to become a main character in DS9, featuring in most of the show's 173 episodes. Patrick Stewart claims the third place with his appearances in every episode of TNG, all 30 episodes of Picard, and one episode of DS9. However, another actor might be near the top of the rankings.

Majel Barrett, known for her role as Christine Chapel and Lwaxana Troi, appears in TOS, The Animated Series, TNG, and DS9, along with providing the voice for the Federation computer in most of the franchise, resulting in over 200 voice-only appearances.