New Star Trek TV Show To Launch This Month—What We Know

Paramount+ has announced a thrilling new chapter in the Star Trek universe with new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy set to premiere later this month.

The upcoming series promises to explore the adventures, challenges and personal growth of the next generation of Starfleet cadets. The spin-off is set in the 32nd century—nearly eight centuries after Star Trek: Picard—as the Federation recovers from the crippling events of ‘the Burn,’ as depicted in Star Trek:Discovery‘s third season.

Starfleet Academy will follow a fresh group of cadets as they come of age at one of the galaxy’s most legendary institutions—reimagined for the series as a starship, the U.S.S. Athena, that doubles as the academy campus.

Under the watchful eyes of their instructors—led by Nahla Ake (Oscar-winner Holly Hunter)—the cadets will navigate the pressures of rigorous training, the joys and pains of first friendships and romances, and the challenges of a new threat that endangers both the Academy and the Federation itself: the villanous Nus Braka (Paul Giamatta).

Domenic DiMeglio, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Data for Paramount Streaming, highlighted the series’ appeal: “We are excited to introduce Star Trek fans to a whole new generation of Starfleet officers in training as they navigate the rigors of the Academy and the brink of adulthood in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

“Introducing new characters and compelling storylines, this all-new original series will serve as a fantastic addition to the franchise and Paramount+, bringing new generations of viewers and long-term Star Trek fans alike together.”

Returning Faces, New Stories

Star Trek fans will be delighted to see familiar characters return. From Star Trek: Discovery, fan favorites Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman), Jett Reno (Tig Notaro) and Fleet Admiral Charles Vance (Oded Fehr) will reprise their roles, bringing mentorship and continuity to the story.

Additionally, the holographic Doctor (Robert Picardo), the beloved regular from Star Trek: Voyager will retun to the cast—continuing his role as a academy teacher previously seen in his appearances in the second season of Star Trek: Prodigy.

Alongside these returning characters, the Academy will introduce a diverse roster of new cadets and instructors. Among the cadets are Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), a Human orphan and outsider; Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané), a Klingon with aspirations to become a medical officer; S.A.M., (Kerrice Brooks), who has a special connection to the Doctor; competitive Khionian Darem Reymi (George Hawkins); and admiral’s daughter Genesis Lythe (Bella Shepard).

Other familiar species from the canon are set to appear. Fans will recognise Chancellor Nahla Ake as a half-Lanthanite—one of a species of incredibly long-lived aliens who once hid among the human race, like Commander Pelia in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Ake will work alongside Lura Thok—a Klingon–Jem’Hadar hybrid; and face off against Giamatta’s Nus Braka, who is reported to be a Klingon-Tellerite hybrid with little regard for personal space.

A Vision for the Next Generation

Co-showrunners and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau shared their excitement about the series:

“Admission is now open to Starfleet Academy! Explore the galaxy! Captain your destiny! For the first time in over a century, our campus will be re-opened to admit individuals a minimum of 16 Earth years (or species equivalent) who dream of exceeding their physical, mental and spiritual limits, who value friendship, camaraderie, honor, and devotion to a cause greater than themselves.

“The coursework will be rigorous, the instructors among the brightest lights in their respective fields, and those accepted will live and study side-by-side with the most diverse population of students ever admitted. Today we encourage all who share our dreams, goals, and values to join a new generation of visionary cadets as they take their first steps toward creating a bright future for us all. Apply today! Ex Astris, Scientia!”

Kurtzman and Landau executive produce alongside Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa and John Weber, with Violo also writing the premiere episode. The series has been produced in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.

The series is set to premiere with two episodes on Thursday January 15 on Paramount+ in the U.S. A new episode will drop each Thursday until the 10-part series concludes on Thursday March 12.