The latest Star Trek series includes a hidden reference that longtime fans will appreciate, connecting back to an element from Star Trek: Voyager that first appeared three decades ago. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set in the 32nd century and follows a fresh group of Starfleet cadets – the first new class in over a hundred years – as they train to become officers. Like Star Trek: Discovery, it’s set in the same future timeline and will debut on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026. The show promises both a new generation of Star Trek characters and enjoyable nods to the franchise’s history, including a reference to the first appearance of a particular doctor.
A funny new clip from the marketing for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy shows Cadets Jay-Den Kraag (Karim Diané) and Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta) encountering The Doctor (Robert Picardo). The clip is a comedy of errors as The Doctor tries to help the cadets with their unusual issues – one has a parasitic maggot, and the other accidentally swallowed her communication badge. He’s visibly unimpressed with the pair!
The highlight of the clip was a clever reference to the very first episode of Star Trek: Voyager. When a young cadet jokingly says she swallowed her communicator badge, the instructor immediately asks for a tricorder. The humor comes from him then specifying he needs a medical tricorder – a line echoing a moment from the original series. This scene was packed with nods to Voyager; the cadet’s supposed “Orillian lung maggot” was another callback, and the Doctor’s line, “don’t be a baby,” was directly taken from the Voyager episode, “Arthur, Author.” This one short scene contained three Easter eggs for fans.
What To Expect From Star Trek: Starfleet Academy
The new series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, is expected to include many nods to previous Star Trek shows and movies. Actor Robert Picardo actually came up with the idea for a scene involving his character. He explained to TrekMovie that he wanted to include references to Voyager – a show dedicated fans will remember – and managed to weave in three quick Easter eggs for them to find.
In addition to some hidden surprises, the new Star Trek series will reintroduce the Mugato, creatures previously seen only in Star Trek: Lower Decks. This unexpected appearance suggests the show aims to honor the franchise’s history through references and callbacks. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy begins streaming on Paramount+ January 15th, and stars Holly Hunter, Robert Picardo, Tig Notaro, Oded Fehr, Sandro Rosta, Karim Diané, Kerrice Brooks, George Hawkins, Bella Shepard, and Zoë Steiner.
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2026-01-12 01:40