Star Trek has its origin in television and was only known as a television series at its beginning. The franchise was conceived in the style of the television Western Wagon Train and the adventure stories of Horatio Hornblower but adapted to an idealistic, utopian prospect of future human society. Inspired by the tale of Gulliver's Travels,[4] Star Trek's main focus is attempting a fictional depiction of space exploration and the system of a galactic society consisting of multiple planets and species. Conflict occasionally occurs. Star Trek occurs in the relatively distant future, specifically the 22nd through 24th Centuries, with occasional time travel backward and forward. The Earth of the Star Trek universe shares most of its history with the real world.
Star Wars mainly belongs to the space opera subgenre of science fiction that was inspired by works such as Beowulf and King Arthur,[5] and the origins of other mythology and world religions as well as ancient and medieval history.[6] The Star Wars films depict a galactic society in constant conflict. Though there are periods of peace, this is not documented in the feature films but can be found in the comics, novels, games and spin-off films. Star Wars is set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" although many characters are human, occasionally use Earth metaphors, and exhibit typical human character traits.[citation needed]
Although both Star Trek and Star Wars are produced in various forms of media, some forms of media have not been produced by both franchises equally. To date, Star Wars has not produced any live-action television series. Star Trek has produced five live-action television series with a sixth one coming up.
Star Trek likewise has also not produced any television films; whereas Star Wars has produced at least three spin-off television films outside the Star Wars film saga. The Star Wars Holiday Special, Ewoks: Caravan of Courage and Ewoks: Battle for Endor are all live-action television spin-off films set in the Star Wars universe, but not considered part of the official Star Wars canon.