Starfleet Academy: A Fresh Take on the Classic Star Trek Experience
Star Trek finds itself in a unique position these days.
After its revival in 2017 with Discovery, the iconic sci-fi franchise has expanded significantly, exploring new dimensions of storytelling. While many of the new series have been well-received—especially the third season of Picard, the consistently entertaining Lower Decks, and much of Strange New Worlds—there have been some bumps along the way.
Strange New Worlds is set to conclude, likely next year, with a shortened fifth season; the much-anticipated Section 31 series has been condensed into a single, disappointing movie; and there are signs that Paramount may be shifting its focus to a more lucrative film franchise rather than maintaining an ongoing TV universe.
This backdrop makes the launch of a new series like Starfleet Academy particularly intriguing. Set in the 32nd century, a largely uncharted era in the Trek timeline, this 10-episode series follows a diverse group of students and teachers navigating life at the titular academy. It reimagines Star Trek as a young adult drama filled with passionate romances, teenage rivalries, and valuable life lessons.
Release date: January 15, 2026
Available on: Paramount Plus
Showrunners: Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau
Episodes reviewed: 6 of 10
This approach makes sense, especially considering that the core Star Trek audience is aging. Fans have grown accustomed to the franchise’s focus on diplomatic missions and serious discussions. Starfleet Academy retains some of that essence but emphasizes the youthful cast’s adventures and conflicts with their instructors at this “Space Hogwarts.” It’s a genuine effort to attract a younger audience.
At the same time, the show is packed with fan service, featuring Easter eggs, familiar characters (like Robert Picardo’s hologram Doctor from Voyager and Tig Notaro’s Jett Reno from Discovery), and enriching the franchise’s lore. It’s a fresh take, yet it still honors the legacy of Star Trek.
The pilot episode, titled ‘Kids These Days,’ introduces us to the main characters. Captain Nahla Ake, played by Holly Hunter, is a seasoned alien who has witnessed the Federation’s rise and fall. As the new Chancellor of the academy, she aims to rectify a past mistake by convincing rebellious loner Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) to enroll.
Caleb reluctantly agrees and quickly forms a bond with the shy Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané), while also clashing with the arrogant Darem Reymi (George Hawkins). Joining them are the naive hologram Sam (Kerrice Brooks) and Genesis (Bella Shepard), the ambitious daughter of an admiral eager to make her mark.
The pilot is engaging, with Hunter delivering a captivating performance. Ake brings a refreshing vibe compared to iconic figures like Kirk, Picard, and Janeway. She’s cheerful and irreverent, often lounging in the Captain’s chair, but there’s a depth to her character that hints at past struggles. Her ongoing conflict with the villainous Nus Braka, portrayed by Paul Giamatti, adds an entertaining layer to the narrative.
However, the show takes some time to find its rhythm, particularly with Caleb. While Rosta is a talented actor and we grow to root for his character by the end of the six episodes reviewed, he initially comes off as a self-centered troublemaker, overshadowed by more compelling characters.
Episodes two and three delve into the academy’s dynamics, introducing a rival, more militaristic institution. The tone is lighter and more humorous than typical live-action Trek, with lower stakes. While this is enjoyable, the humor sometimes falls flat, and the characters haven’t fully captured our hearts yet. The longer episode lengths also contribute to a feeling of overstuffed subplots.
Fortunately, these are just early growing pains. The series hits its stride with the fantastic fourth, fifth, and sixth episodes. Episode five, in particular, is a standout, cleverly tying a character into the broader Trek mythology in a jaw-dropping way. These episodes strike a better balance between education and adventure, allowing us to connect with the characters on a deeper level.
Ake stands out as a refreshing leader, blending cheerfulness with a hint of world-weariness, setting her apart from previous captains.
Visually, the series impresses. The academy set is the largest ever constructed for a Trek production, and it shows. Unlike the vague and sparsely populated glimpses of the new Federation in Discovery, every scene here is vibrant, filled with diverse aliens and humans in a convincingly real environment. It’s surprising that, compared to the heavily budgeted Stranger Things 5, which often relied on inconsistent CGI backdrops, Starfleet Academy emerges as the more visually appealing show.
Despite some initial concerns and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Trek, these opening episodes are strong enough to suggest that 2026 could be a remarkable year for the franchise. By the midpoint of Starfleet Academy’s debut season—especially with a second season already in the works—any lingering doubts have been dispelled. While it may feel different from what fans are used to, it remains true to the spirit of Star Trek, with endless possibilities for its future.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will be available for streaming on Paramount Plus starting January 15.
