"Lonely Among Us" is the seventh episode of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation that originally aired on November 2, 1987, in broadcast syndication in the United States. It was written by D. C. Fontana, based on a story by Michael Halperin. It was the first episode of The Next Generation to be directed by Cliff Bole. Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Starfleet starship Enterprise-D.