Every Major Star Trek TOS Character Who Hasn’t Returned in Strange New Worlds (Yet)

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Now that the third season of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* has finished, it’s being praised for successfully combining the adventurous feel of the original *Star Trek* with contemporary storytelling. While *Discovery* focused on large-scale conflicts like the Klingon War and explored the history leading up to the original series, *Strange New Worlds* is a more character-driven prequel. It’s filling in the gap between the *Discovery* timeline and the original *Star Trek*, showing us the adventures of the Enterprise under Captain Pike. Though some viewers haven’t enjoyed the show’s fresh take on familiar characters or its lighter tone, *Strange New Worlds* has delivered plenty of moments that fans will love, and it’s gradually bringing together the original Enterprise crew we all know. We’ve already seen Spock, Uhura, Scotty, and Kirk appear, but several important characters from the original series are still missing as the show heads into its final two seasons.

“Strange New Worlds” has done a good job of bringing back characters from the original “Star Trek” series. The show carefully balances fan excitement with the need for new and meaningful stories. By giving these familiar faces compelling reasons to return to the Enterprise and exploring new sides of their personalities, the show honors the past while still feeling fresh. With two seasons remaining, there’s potential for more classic characters to appear. Fans are now wondering if we’ll see any of them before the series transitions to the adventures of Captain Kirk.

This article details which important characters from the original *Star Trek* series haven’t appeared in the new show *Strange New Worlds*, and explores how bringing them back could impact the story.

7) Leonard “Bones” McCoy

One of the biggest missing pieces in *Strange New Worlds* so far is Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. It’s surprising he hasn’t shown up yet, considering how close he and Kirk are supposed to be by the time of *The Original Series*. The show already focuses on medical staff and the Sick Bay with Dr. M’Benga as a main character (even though he only appeared in a couple of episodes of *TOS*), so it seems strange that such a well-known and important doctor from *TOS* hasn’t been included. The creators have suggested, however, that McCoy might appear in future episodes.

DeForest Kelley’s portrayal of McCoy made the character a standout in *Star Trek*, and his surprising sensitivity beneath a tough exterior won over fans. While Spock represented Kirk’s logical thinking, McCoy acted as his moral compass – a passionate voice who constantly reminded Kirk of the human cost of their adventures. McCoy’s witty and sarcastic personality would make him a great fit with the crew of *Strange New Worlds*; he’d likely become fast friends with Ortegas, for example. From complaining about keeping Kirk alive to playfully arguing with Spock, McCoy was essential to the emotional core of *Star Trek*.

6) Pavel Chekov

Unfortunately, fans won’t see Pavel Chekov on the Enterprise in *Strange New Worlds*. The creators have explained that Chekov wouldn’t be the right age for this time period – he’d likely still be in school or training to become an officer. Chekov, who debuted in the second season of *The Original Series* and was played by Walter Koenig, was originally added to the show to attract younger viewers.

Pavel Chekov is a remarkably bright and energetic character, often considered a young genius – even nicknamed the ‘Russian Whiz Kid’ in the recent *Star Trek* films. Despite appearing relatively late in the series and having limited screen time for full character development, his cheerful personality, sharp humor, and distinctive Russian accent quickly made him a fan favorite. While often providing comic relief, Chekov was also portrayed as a highly skilled navigator, and his backstory was expanded upon in later movies. Although the new series *Strange New Worlds* won’t include him, Chekov’s contribution to *Star Trek* guarantees he’ll always be remembered as a vital member of the Enterprise crew.

5) Hikaru Sulu

Despite being established as a Starfleet officer by this point in the timeline, Helmsman Hikaru Sulu hasn’t appeared on the bridge yet. While still a young officer during the events of *Strange New Worlds*, Sulu – famously played by George Takei in *The Original Series* – was a reliable and resourceful member of the Enterprise crew, known for his calm and quick thinking under pressure. Though quieter than his colleague Chekov, he consistently delivered results.

As a lifelong fan, I’ve always appreciated Sulu. He’s usually so composed and polite, but some of his most memorable moments in *TOS* happen when he really lets loose. Who could forget his hilarious fencing scene in “The Naked Time,” or how brilliantly he played that cold, commanding version of himself in the Mirror Universe’s “Mirror, Mirror”? I think he’d be fantastic in one of the funnier episodes of *SNW* if they ever bring him on board. *SNW* has given us Ortegas as a fantastic pilot, but Sulu feels like a key piece still missing from the original crew. Honestly, seeing Sulu and Ortegas working together at the helm would be incredible – a dream team!

4) Janice Rand

Many fans of the original *Star Trek* (often called *TOS*) remember Yeoman Janice Rand as Captain Kirk’s assistant during the first season. Despite being a significant female character on the Enterprise – alongside Uhura and Chapel – she hasn’t appeared in the newer series, *Strange New Worlds*. Originally played by Grace Lee Whitney, Rand was portrayed as a capable officer, but she often fell into stereotypical roles, frequently needing to be rescued or becoming a romantic interest for Kirk. Eventually, the character was written out, seemingly to allow Kirk more freedom in his personal life.

Even though she was only in a few episodes, Rand is still a well-remembered character, particularly because she later appeared in the films as a communications officer. Bringing Rand into *Strange New Worlds* would give the writers an opportunity to develop her personality and skills more fully than the original series did – and to portray her as a truly competent officer.

3) Harcourt Fenton “Harry” Mudd

Harcourt Fenton Mudd wasn’t a main character in the original *Star Trek* (*TOS*), only appearing in two episodes, but he’s become one of the show’s most well-remembered villains – so much so that he reappeared in *Discovery*. Although he hasn’t shown up in *Strange New Worlds* so far, fans of the scheming character will be happy to hear that a return was planned, and Rainn Wilson, who played Mudd in *Discovery*, is eager to play the role again.

Bringing Harry Mudd back presents a tricky problem: how could Spock and Uhura not recognize him if he met Captain Pike’s crew earlier? Despite this, Mudd is a memorable and fun villain with a knack for trouble, making him a good choice for a return. Fans would likely enjoy seeing his chaotic antics again. The team behind *Strange New Worlds* apparently wants to include him, and there are rumors they even approached William Shatner about appearing in a Mudd-focused episode, so it’s something to keep an eye on.

2) Sarek

Though James Frain played Sarek well in *Discovery*, Spock’s father hasn’t been seen in *Strange New Worlds*. This aligns with established Star Trek lore: Spock and Sarek are estranged during this time period. By the time Captain Kirk meets them in the classic episode “Journey to Babel,” they haven’t spoken for 18 years because Sarek disapproved of Spock joining Starfleet instead of the Vulcan Science Academy. The fact that Spock’s mother, Amanda, appeared in an episode without Sarek, “Charades,” further supports this backstory.

Sarek remains a crucial figure in Spock’s life, embodying the weight of Vulcan customs and the difficulties of family relationships. Bringing him into *Strange New Worlds* could connect the events of *Discovery* with those of *The Original Series*, and delve into the complex history between Spock and his father. With Amanda already featured in the show, it’s clear that family stories will be a key part of the narrative.

1) T’Pau

T’Pau is a significant figure in Vulcan history, known as a diplomat, judge, and philosopher. She first appeared on screen in the original *Star Trek* episode “Amok Time,” where she performed Spock and T’Pring’s wedding ceremony. While she wasn’t seen again in the original series, T’Pau has remained important to the *Star Trek* universe. Interestingly, the character T’Pol from *Star Trek: Enterprise* was initially planned as a younger version of T’Pau. Eventually, a younger T’Pau did appear on *Enterprise*, shown as the leader of a group trying to change Vulcan society.

The character T’Pau was honored in *Discovery* with a starship named the NSS *T’Pau*, which appeared in season four. The name *T’Pau* has been used for other ships in *Star Trek*, including a Vulcan vessel in *The Next Generation*. *Strange New Worlds* would be an ideal setting to explore this significant Vulcan historical figure more deeply, and it would make sense for Spock to return to Vulcan to seek her advice – maybe after sharing a mind meld with James Kirk?

You can now watch *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* on Paramount+. If the show gets more seasons, which character from the original *Star Trek* (*TOS*) would you be most excited to see make an appearance?

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2025-09-23 19:42