Paramount+ has handed out a series order for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, an all-new original series from CBS Studios.
Starfleet Academy will introduce audiences to "a new class of Starfleet cadets as they come of age in one of the most legendary places in the galaxy." Based on the series synopsis, Starfleet Academy will follow these new cadets as they "navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself." Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau will serve as co-showrunners and will executive produce the series, which will begin production in 2024.
"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," Kurtzman and Landau said in a joint announcement. "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!"
Starfleet Academy Teases a Teen-centric Series
Kurtzman and Landau's statement strongly suggests that Starfleet Academy will boldly go where only one Star Trek show has gone before, giving fans a series entirely centered around teenagers. While the animated series Star Trek: Prodigy also follows a group of teenagers, Starfleet Academy seemingly promises a more soapy and dramatic take on growing up in the 23rd century and beyond. Starfleet Academy's announcement comes as more franchises look to develop shows aimed at a teenage audience, with Lucasfilm's upcoming coming-of-age series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew set to follow new characters finding their way in a galaxy far, far away.
"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," said Domenic DiMeglio, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Data, Paramount Streaming. The series premiere episode is written by Gaia Violo, who was part of the writing team for the CBS action adventure series Blood & Treasure.
Star Trek's Future Looks Bright on Paramount+
Paramount+ doesn't look to be slowing down on increasing its Star Trek output. The streamer recently renewed Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks for a third and fifth season, ahead of the shows' upcoming second and fourth season premieres, respectively. Other Star Trek series on Paramount+ include Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard, with a Section 31 spinoff starring Michelle Yeoh, reprising her role as the mirror universe's Philippa Georgiou, also in early development.
A release window for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has not been announced at this time.
Source: Paramount+