Starfleet Academy Launches a Bold New Era for Star Trek Fans

Star Trek finds itself at a crossroads. After six decades, the iconic sci-fi saga was rebooted in 2017 with Discovery, kicking off a wave of new series that have stretched the boundaries of what the franchise can be. While some of these shows have been standouts—like Picard’s third season, the ever-charming Lower Decks, and much of Strange New Worlds—recent developments have been a mixed bag. Strange New Worlds is set to wrap up soon with a shortened fifth season, the long-anticipated Section 31 project was trimmed down to a single, lackluster film, and there are hints that Paramount may be eyeing Trek’s future more for blockbuster movies than ongoing TV adventures.

It ’s in this uncertain climate that Starfleet Academy makes its debut. Set in the 32nd century, a largely uncharted era for the franchise, the ten-episode season follows a diverse group of students and faculty as they navigate life at the legendary institution. This is Star Trek reimagined as a young adult drama, complete with passionate romances, rivalries, and life lessons for its characters.

New Faces, Familiar Spirit

The core fanbase of Star Trek is aging, and many are used to stories centered on diplomatic missions and serious discussions in conference rooms. While Starfleet Academy doesn’t abandon these elements, it leans more into the energy of its youthful cast, who often find themselves in trouble or clashing with their mentors at what feels like a cosmic version of a boarding school. The show genuinely tries to draw in a younger audience, but it’s also packed with nods for longtime fans—Easter eggs, returning characters like Robert Picardo’s holographic Doctor from Voyager and Tig Notaro’s Jett Reno from Discovery, and meaningful expansions to the universe’s lore. It’s not the Star Trek of old, but it doesn’t turn its back on tradition either.

The premiere, titled

‘Kids These Days,’

introduces two central figures. Holly Hunter plays Captain Nahla Ake, an alien who’s seen the Federation’s glory days and its decline. As the new Chancellor, she’s determined to right a past wrong by recruiting Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), a rebellious loner with a criminal streak. Caleb reluctantly joins and quickly forms a bond with shy Klingon cadet Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané), while also butting heads with the confident Darem Reymi (George Hawkins ). Other notable students include Sam (Kerrice Brooks), a naive hologram, and Genesis (Bella Shepard), the ambitious daughter of an admiral. Hunter’s Ake is instantly captivating—cheerful and irreverent, yet carrying a sense of weariness. She faces off against the villainous Nus Braka, played with gleeful menace by Paul Giamatti, a self-proclaimed Deep Space 9 superfan.

Finding Its Groove

After the strong start, the series takes a bit to find its rhythm, especially with Caleb Mir. Sandro Rosta delivers a solid performance, and by the sixth episode, it’s easy to root for Caleb, but it takes time to warm up to him. He’s supposed to be a brash, impulsive character with his own agenda, but early on, he comes across as self-centered and less compelling than his peers.

This is most noticeable in the second and third episodes, which focus heavily on the academy’s school-like atmosphere and introduce a rival, more militaristic institution. The tone is lighter and more comedic than previous live-action entries, with intentionally lower stakes. While that’s not a bad thing, the humor doesn’t always land, and the characters haven’t quite won viewers over yet. The episodes are also packed with subplots, making them feel a bit long.

Striking the Right Balance

Fortunately, these early stumbles are short-lived. By episodes four, five, and six, the show hits its stride. Episode five, in particular, delivers a jaw-dropping connection to the broader mythology that will thrill longtime fans. These installments find a better mix of school drama and space adventure, giving the audience a clearer sense of who these characters are and why their journeys matter.

Hunter’s Ake stands apart from previous captains like Kirk, Picard, and Janeway. She’s upbeat and playful, but there’s a depth to her that hints at past hardships. The show’s production values are also worth noting—the academy set is the largest ever built for the franchise, and it’s filled with a vibrant mix of humans and aliens, making the world feel alive and authentic. Compared to other big-budget series, Starfleet Academy impresses with its tangible, immersive environments.

Despite some initial doubts and the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s future, these first episodes suggest that 2026 could be a standout year for Star Trek. By the midpoint of the season—already renewed for a second run—any lingering concerns have faded. The series may take a different approach, but it remains true to the spirit of exploration and possibility that has defined Star Trek for generations.

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is available to stream on Paramount Plus starting January 15.