https://io9.gizmodo.com/thank-god-for-star-trek-the-next-generation-1818917343

As Katharine Trendacosta points out, “if The Next Generation had flopped it would have been disastrous, and Star Trek would surely have just withered away. We wouldn’t have gotten Deep Space Nine, Voyager, or Enterprise at all.” She adds: “The Next Generation proved that Star Trek was more than just the adventures of a certain group of characters, but an entire universe,. The question of whether you can do Star Trek without Bones, Kirk, and Spock was answered by The Next Generation, which was a hit right from the start.”

ALSO:

Watch the “Honest Trailer” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-6Zc8Co2H3w) for Star Trek: TNG
21 things you never knew about Star Trek: TNG (https://www.moviefone.com/2017/09/27/star-trek-the-next-generation-30th-anniversary-trivia/)
8 Star Trek spec scripts that never saw the light of day (http://www.vulture.com/2017/09/star-trek-spec-scripts-unproduced.html)

After the original Star Trek was cancelled Gene Roddenberry wanted to keep Star Trek alive so after the first of the Star Trek movie franchise was created Paramount Television decided to create a new version of Star Trek for a new generation with an all new storyline was created in the 80's. And since it's debut in 1987 Star Trek The Next Generation has been a favorite of Star Trek fans everywhere and with it's interesting episodes and thrilling adventures it has sure gained a solid fanbase. Why I think Star Trek The Next Generation was so successful was Patrick Stewart in his role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Patrick Stewart was so flawless in the role that I believe he helped save the series from being cancelled. While it had occasional guest stars Whoopi Goldberg was the most popular guest star and being a huge fan of Whoopi Goldberg myself I consider Star Trek The Next Generation one of her best shows but even so as the series went on Star Trek The Next Generation had boned the fish at times but it was still a great show. How in the world they decided to make Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Star Trek Voyager is beyond me and for me that's when the Star Trek franchise started to go downhill but if it wasn't for the channels Heroes And Icons and BBC America Star Trek The Next Generation reruns would not be shown for Star Trek fans to keep enjoying the series
Bestie

Hi, Bestie! I liked this series. Even though they were wimpier than the original Startrek, they had good stories. Captain Picard was the second best after Kirk. But I think Patrick Stewarts greatest role was this one.
DTK