Strange New Worlds are somewhat standalone. But, because the show technically is a prequel to the classic 1960s show, there are also moments where the series gives us origin stories of various aliens,

Paying off a 'Doctor Who' Joke two years in the making, it looks like team TARDIS got to visit 'Star Trek'... just not at the best time.

We're so used to seeing James T. Kirk be the most confident person in any room, even in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. To see him so shaken and upset after his first taste of acting as captain was truly jarring, but ultimately made for one of the most compelling episodes of Season 3.