Which production company originally developed Star Trek before Paramount acquired it?

Desilu Productions originally developed Star Trek before the company was absorbed into Paramount’s television operations. In early 1964, Gene Roddenberry presented his treatment for the series to Desilu, where executives helped develop it for network pitching.

Desilu’s head, Lucille Ball, approved the project and was instrumental in getting the first pilot made. Desilu worked with Roddenberry on “The Cage,” which NBC rejected, but the network remained interested enough to commission a second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” That pilot led to the series being ordered.

The production history was technically collaborative. Star Trek was produced through Desilu and Roddenberry’s Norway Productions, with NBC serving as the original network. Still, Desilu is the canonical answer to the question of which production company developed the show before Paramount’s corporate involvement.

Desilu produced Star Trek during its early run. Gulf+Western, Paramount Pictures’ parent company, acquired Desilu in 1967; Desilu was then reorganized as Paramount Television. This is why later accounts often describe Paramount as the franchise’s studio, even though Desilu helped launch it.