As a kid i loved watching the next generation and deep space 9 with my dad. Ive always liked sci fi, more of a (stargate fan) and wanted to get back into star trek, but Im just so lost on timelines and whats going on. There are like 6 kirks and I have no idea how/where to get started with watching this again.
Season one of Lower Decks almost put me off the show entirely. It's trying too hard to be Rick and Morty in Star Trek. There's a particular joke about what people do in the holodeck that is so trite and obvious I almost stopped watching right there.
It does find its own much more gentle tone after that, though. I actively like it now. I'd start in Season 2, but it's not a bad way to keep it light and episodic. I still think Season 1 of Strange New Worlds is an easier transition from the old shows, though.