The Star Trek saga is set to expand once again with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, an original series premiering exclusively on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026. This sci-fi drama focuses on the training of future Starfleet officers and fits seamlessly within the beloved franchise’s expansive universe. Created by Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau, with Gaia Violo handling the writing, the series features a cast that includes Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, and Bella Shepard.
The release is structured around an initial season featuring 10 episodes, each lasting 60 minutes. Two episodes will be available right from the start, with a new one released weekly thereafter. A second season has already been confirmed, demonstrating Paramount+’s strong commitment to establishing this new chapter of the franchise as a lasting success.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy follows a group of young cadets united by a shared ideal, filled with hope and optimism. At the Academy, they learn the fundamentals of leadership under the guidance of strict instructors, all while facing significant personal challenges. Forming friendships, rivalries, first loves, and internal conflicts shape their journey, just as a new and formidable threat emerges—one that jeopardizes both the Academy and the Federation itself.
The series takes a fresh perspective within the Star Trek universe by focusing on training rather than space missions. The tone is both dramatic and formative, delving into themes of responsibility, loyalty, and leadership, while staying true to the core values of the franchise—namely cooperation, diversity, and faith in progress.
With its chorale structure and academic setting, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The series continues the legacy of recent franchise productions, while also trying to breathe new life into its approach by introducing a roster of younger characters navigating a tumultuous world where certainties are constantly challenged.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
Series | Premiering in 2026
Season 1 drops on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026
Drama, sci-fi | 10 episodes, 60 minutes each
Created by Alex Kurtzman & Noga Landau | Starring Holly Hunter, Paul Giamatti, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané
Country: United States
With this new series, the Star Trek universe continues to expand on the small screen by delving into the origins of the passions that shape the Federation. Starfleet Academy offers a more personal and generational perspective, while still addressing the political and existential issues that have become hallmarks of the saga.
For those looking to expand their watchlist, check out our selection of Paramount+ highlights for January, our comprehensive guide to new streaming releases across all platforms, and today's top picks for what to watch tonight in streaming.
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